German 7/8H Culture Projects
These projects are designed to help you experience new aspects of German, Austrian and Swiss Culture. You need to earn 90 points per semester (up to 100 points may be earned).
There are many project options, and you may accumulate the points in any combination you like. Some projects specify that they may be completed in small groups. Please read carefully. Not all projects have the same sized groups. If a project does not mention group size, then it must be completed individually
Projects that include presenting something to the class are marked with an asterisk. If your presentation involves powerpoint, video, etc., you MUST submit your file via email (agaa@bths201.org) or on a flash drive (NOT your X-drive). You need to sign up for a time slot. When you sign up, you must tell which project you are presenting. If you need to cancel a presentation, you need to do it at least two days in advance. You must sign up at least one day in advance (not of the day-of). Plan ahead and sign up for a time so that you don’t run out of time at the end of the Triad. If there are no available slots, you can’t present that project in that triad!!
Many assignments require Research Sheets or Guided Adventure Sheets. These are available in a file box on the vent. When you turn in an assignment, it needs to include all required documentation (some projects require a ticket stub, a signature, etc.). Also, cite all sources that you use. Just a little reminder:
Plagiarism, Online Translators, and Cheating
Plagiarism is using the work of another in whole or in part without proper citation. “Working together” with classmates which results in identical or very similar work being turned in will be considered cheating. The use of online/electronic translators to complete assignments is cheating. Any evidence of copying sentences and/or paragraphs from reference works or internet sources or of the use of an computer translator calls into question the integrity of the entire assignment. Assignments showing any evidence of plagiarism, electronic translator usage, or cheating will receive a grade of zero and may not be redone. All incidents will be referred to parents and the office.
Due dates: You must have 45-60 points completed by the end of the second grading period, which is on October 29th. The final project, or points are due by Friday, December 11.
All projects, Research Sheets, and Guided Adventure Sheets must be turned in by these dates to receive credit. Do not assume that by completing a project that you have earned all of the points possible!
Research and Current Events
* Leader of a country - Imagine you are the leader of a German-speaking country (choose one) who will be visiting our President in the White House. What issues will you discuss as you represent your country? Read your speech to the class (3 minutes if in English, 2 minutes if in German, without long pauses). Fill in Research Sheet #5.
45 points possible if in German
30 points possible if in English
* Holidays and Celebrations – Research a holiday or celebration from a German-speaking country (there is a list on the assignment sheet). Make a PowerPoint presentation to show what you have learned. You will present it to the class. It may include text, pictures, sound clips, videos, etc., and should be at least three minutes long. Fill in Research Sheet #11.
45 points possible if in German
30 points possible if in English
Go to a theater and see a film in German - Attend a foreign film in German at the High Pointe, Tivoli, or Plaza Frontenac theaters (other theaters are possible, but these are the most likely to be showing a film that’s not in English). Your teacher will try to update you on potential films. Fill in Guided Adventure Sheet #5.
45 points possible if done individually
30 points possible if done in a group of 2-4
Rent and watch a film in German (or borrow…or find on TV….Netflix…) – Watch an approved film in German. See your teacher for suggestions. Fill in Research Sheet #6.
30 points possible if done individually
10 points possible if done in a group of 2-4
* Stereotypes – Think about common stereotypes about German-speakers. Research whether or not they are true (maybe it’s a little like Mythbusters?). Fill in Research Sheet #13.
30 points possible
Read and translate an article – Find an article on an approved news site (there is a list on the assignment page). The article should be at least 200 words long. Fill in Research Sheet #4.
30 points possible
* Clothing – Research the clothing styles of young people in a German-speaking country. Make a PowerPoint showing what you have learned. Fill in Research Sheet #14.
30 points possible
Visual Art
Recreate a famous work of art – Find a work of art by a German-speaking artist. On the back of your work, list your name, the title and original artist, the year, and the stlye/movements if you choose option 3.
Options: 1 - re-create it as close to the original as possible
2 - create your own unique version of it
3 - change the style/movement
Please have the work of art approved before you begin. See your teacher if
you need ideas.
30 points possible
* Design your own piece of artwork – Make something that uses the influence (is in the style) of a German-speaking artist. Be able to explain what the influence is and supply a brief background of the artist when you present your work to the class. See your teacher if you need suggestions.
30 points possible
Reseach a famous German-speaking artist – Choose and research a famous artist. Fill in Research Sheet #1.
30 points possible
Compare works of art – You may compare two works by the same German-speaking artist or two works by different artists. You need to have the works of art approved before you begin. See your teacher if you need ideas or resources. Fill in Research Sheet #15.
30 points possible
History and Literature
Visit a museum - Visit a German -focused museum exhibit. See your teacher for ideas. Fill in Guided Adventure Sheet #6.
45 points possible if done individually
30 points possible if done in a group of 2-4
* Poetry - Memorize an approved German poem. See your teacher for suggestions. Recite and explain to the class. Submit a copy of the poem.
45 points possible
Biography – Choose a famous German/Austrian/Swiss or German-speaking historical figure (NOT a current celebrity). Research this person and write a report about him/her. The report should be typed, in German, and at least 300 words long. Include your sources – at least 3.
45 points possible
Music
* Make a music video – Choose a song (approved in advance by your teacher, unless it is a song already learned in class) and make a school-appropriate music video. Use the original recording and lip-sync along with all of the lyrics. The video should match the theme of the song. The video must be turned in (for example - on a DVD or flash drive) OR made available online (for example - on YouTube). Note: This project is for individuals or groups of up to 4 students.
45 points possible per person
* Perform a song – Choose a song (approved in advance by your teacher, unless it is a song already learned in class) and perform it live in class or submit a video recording. You must sing the song yourself, and instruments, though not required, may be played by you or others.
30 points possible for singer
10 points possible for accompanists
* Write/Compose your own song in German - Perform live in class or record and play for the class. Provide a copy of the lyrics. The song must last at least 2 minutes and be at least 150 words long.
45 points possible
* Imagine you are a groupie for a German singer/band - Research the band on the internet to learn about them. Bring samples of their music to class, and design a poster with their info. Fill in Research Sheet #2.
30 points possible
*Suggest new songs for class – Find 3 school appropriate songs that you think I should consider using in class. Fill in Research Sheet #16.
10 points possible
* Learn a Dance – Learn a dance popular in a German-speaking country. Demonstrate the dance for the class. Also explain the origin/history of the dance. If you have another idea, talk to your teacher to get it approved first. This may be completed with a partner. Both people must demonstrate the dance.
45 points possible per person
Practice and Education
Find and communicate with a penpal - Find a German-speaking penpal/epal/chat friend and communicate back and forth. There is a list of approved sites and requirements on the assignment sheet. Fill in Research Sheet #7.
45 points possible
Study Abroad Programs - Investigate on the internet three different university programs that offer a semester or year study abroad in a German-speaking country. Fill in Research Sheet #8.
30 points possible
Majoring in German- Research a Major in German at two American universities. What are the requirements for a degree in German? What kinds of classes MUST you take? Do they require a study abroad? Fill in Research Sheet #9.
30 points possible
* Pledge of Allegiance – Memorize the Pledge of Allegiance in German and recite it in front of the class. Pronunciation counts!!
20 points possible
* Write a storybook - Write a children's storybook in German. It should be at least 10 pages long with at least 20 total sentences. Your book should be illustrated. Though the story doesn’t have to be complex, good grammar and vocabulary should be used to form a story that makes sense. You will read your book to the class upon completion. You will be graded on your presentation AND the quality of the German in your book.
45 points possible
Food
* Cook – Choose an authentic German (needs to be pre-approved by your teacher – ask for suggestions if you need help). Videotape yourself cooking and eating the dish. The video must be turned in (for example - on a DVD or flash drive) OR made available online (for example - on YouTube). Fill in Research Sheet #3.
45 points possible if done individually
30 points per person if in a group of 2-3 (no more than 3 people per recipe)
10 points extra if the food is brought and shared with the class (BRING PLATES, FORKS,
NAPKINS, ETC!)
Restaurant – Eat at an approved German restaurant (check with your teacher). Request a German-speaking server and talk to them in German as much as possible. Fill in Guided Adventure Sheet #1.
45 points possible if done individually
30 points per person if in a group of 2-4 (no more than 4)
Note: It is fine for family members or other friends come along and make your
group larger than 4 people, but only four German 7/8 students in a group may
complete the assignment.
Grocery shopping – Visit an approved German grocery store or Grocery store with a German section (there is a list on the assignment sheet, or see your teacher if you have another idea). Fill in Guided Adventure Sheet #2.
30 points possible if the store in in the Metro East, 45 points if the store is in St. Louis
30 points per person if in a group of 2-4 if in St. Louis, 20 if in the Metro East
Research Sheets
#1 – Famous Artist
#2 – Singer/band groupie PRESENT
#3 – Cook / recipe PRESENT
#4 – News article
#5 – Leader of a country PRESENT
#6 – Movie at home
#7 – Penpal
#8 – Study Abroad
#9 – German Major
#10 – Money
#11 – Holidays and Celebrations PRESENT
#13 – Stereotypes PRESENT
#14 – Clothing PRESENT
#15 – Compare Art
#16 – Suggest Songs
Guided Adventure Sheets
#1 – Restaurant
#2 – Grocery Store
#5 – Film in German
#6 – Museum Visit