Assignment: Common core course CCCH9044

[Group Project]
1. Interaction with a historical figure
Form a group of 6 and work together. Select and identify a specific historical figure that is associated
with the history, development and/or the culture of the Silk Road, and then devise a hypothetical
interaction, either in the form of a dialogue or a play, to help the audience understand better the work,
motive and aspiration of the historical figure. Characters in the play could include ancient and modern
people.

Students may select one of the characters as follow:

A. Chinese generals :
Zhang qian 張騫，Huo Qubing 霍去病 or Ban chao 班超 etc.

B. Famous monks:
An shigao 安世高，Dharmaraksa 竺法護, Kumarajiva 鳩摩羅什，Fa Xian 法顯，Xuan Zang 玄
奘， etc.

C. Study of images of Donors:

(Zhang yi-chao family 張義潮, Cao yi-jin family 曹議金，Uyghur 回鶻 or
Khotan 于闐 royal members,Yin family 陰氏家族, Zhai’s family 翟氏家族）

D. Foreign expeditors:
Aural Stein
Paul Pelliot
Landon Warner

OR
2. Examining and exploring a cultural item from the Silk Road
Form a group of 6 and work together. Select a theme or a cultural item that appeared on the
transmission of material cultures of the Silk Road and Dunhuang, and then examine and study
thoroughly its development. For example, you can explore its historical origin, how the item
integrated and mingled with other cultures along the Silk Road, and possibly, its present day relevancy.
Present your work by giving a presentation.

Students may select one of the following themes or cultural items:

A. Music:
(musicians, musical instruments, dramas)

B. Dance
(whirling dance, shawl dance, drum dance)

C. Fashion design
(official uniform, female costume，bodhisattva or Buddha’s rope )

D. Accessories or decorative motifs

(Jewelries, crowns and other decorations of Bodhisattvas, donors, kings or any others)

E. Craftsmanship (the products which were traded from the west to China)
(such as glasses-wares, incense-burners, etc. )