Unveiling China's Unique Tapestry:

Widening an Outsider’s Narrow Perspective

Due: January 4 (Thursday)

Project Description:

Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart” is a culturally rich depiction of the Igbo
society in Nigeria. Through this novel, Chinua Achebe seeks to break stereotypes and
show the dangers of a single story.

In this collaborative project, you and your group members will creatively explore China's
rich cultural tapestry. The goal is to construct a captivating and enlightening angle to a
"single story.” Your story should consider various elements such as Rituals of Respect,
Proverbs, Special Symbols or Superstitions, Traditions, and Folktales. To help you with
your research and determination of what “single story” you want to be shattered, delve
into the wisdom of generations by interviewing parents, grandparents, and other older
family members to gather authentic insights and discover what single, eye-opening
story you want to talk about China as you see it.

Your narrative can take the form of either fiction or non-fiction, but it must incorporate
essential elements of plot and conflict to maintain a compelling storyline. The key is to
weave together the chosen elements seamlessly, allowing your audience to better
understand China's cultural nuances and traditions.

Project Creation Method: Video Storybook

You will create a storybook using digital tools, your own hand-drawn scenes, or a
combination of both to tell your chosen story. You should narrate the story to explain
verbally what your images depict. In this way, we can see the artwork and hear your
story orally. This story will be between 5-10 minutes long (less or more will lose points)

You can try bookcreator.com for this project, stick to PPT, or choose another creative
method. It’s up to you.

Project 1: Leaders (Jekyll and Hyde Scene Reenactment)

Group 1: Victor, Grace Gu, Sherry, Lanya, and David
Group 3: Celina, Jenny, Alice, Eran
Project 2: Leaders (Things Fall Apart Story Book: Single Story)
Group 1: Tina, Kimi, Coco, Max, Kalia
Group 3: Roger, James, David, Stanley
Project Rubric: ______________/ 90

1. Depth of Cultural Elements (20 points):

o The project effectively integrates some or all of the following elements

into the storyline: Rituals of Respect, Proverbs, Special Symbols or
Superstitions, Traditions, and Folktales.

o Information gathered from interviews with parents, grandparents, or

generational sources adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

2. Narrative Quality (25 points):

o The storyline is engaging, with a clear exposition, rising action, climax,

falling action, and resolution.

o Conflict is skillfully incorporated, contributing to a dynamic and

captivating narrative.

3. Collaboration and Equal Participation (20 points):

o Each group member actively contributes to the project in content creation

and narration.

o Collaboration is evident in the seamless integration of individual

contributions.

4. Video Quality and Creativity (15 points): 5-10 minutes

o The video is well-produced, with clear visuals and audio.

o Creative elements, such as the use of digital tools, drawings, or other

media, enhance the overall presentation.

5. Time (5 points)

6. Grammar and Mechanics (5 points)