Assignment

Part 1

Read a CURRENT Author (must still be alive) and Write a Book Report

First, you need to choose a country or cultural area that you wish to learn more about. Don't pick "Chinese Culture" or everything that is in China.

Second, you need to find writers that are currently writing popular novels in those cultural areas or countries. Examples are Haruki Murakami, Banana Yoshimoto, and Yoko Ogawa for Japan; or Mario Vargas Llosa, Isabel Allende, and Paulo Coelho for South America; or Chimanda Ngozi Adichie and Wole Soyinka for Africa; or Elvira Baryakina, Zakhar Prelepin and Sergei Lukyanenko for Russia; or Patrick Suskind, Jo Nesbo, and Jonas Jonasson for Europe; or ... you get the picture...

Third, find the novel translated into a language you can read. You can only read 1 novel per individual author.

Fourth, write a report answering the following questions in 3-5 pages.

1. What was the name of the book? Who was the author? If applicable, who was the translator? What company published the book?

2. What motivated you to read THIS book and not another?

3. Give a brief (1 page or less) synopsis of the book.

4. Can you identify two or more theories or concepts that we are learning about or have learned about in our textbook with something that you read? Briefly describe what you read and the name of the theories or concepts.

5. Would you consider the book to have a happy ending? Why or why not? Did it matter to you?

6. Was there something about the story that you just didn't understand? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based confusion or not.

7. Was there something in the story that you absolutely loved? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based or not?

8. What did you learn about contemporary life in the book that you did not know before? Why did this fact stand out for you?

9. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

Part 2

Watch a CURRENT Contemporary Film (must be less than 5 years old) and Write a Review

First, you need to choose a country or cultural area that you wish to learn more about.

Second, you need to find contemporary film sources for that country. Examples are film festivals, international movie channels, video stores, Netflix, etc. Please note that the film should take place in another culture, and more than likely have sub-titles. Remember, it is a contemporary film taking place in a culture other than your own and NOT a documentary or satire about the country made by people outside of the country!

Third, watch the film, and if possible, read the reviews in the media of the country that produced the film.

Fourth, write a report answering the following questions in 3-5 pages.

1. What was the name of the film? Who produced the film? Who starred in the leading roles? Did it win any awards?

2. What motivated you to watch THIS film and not another?

3. Give a brief (1 page or less) synopsis of the film.

4. Can you identify two or more theories or concepts that we are learning about or have learned about in our textbook with something that you saw? Briefly describe what you saw and the name of the theories or concepts.

5. Would you consider the film to have a happy ending? Why or why not? Would this film be popular in your home culture? Why or why not?

6. Was there something about the film that you just didn't understand? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based confusion or not.

7. Was there something in the film that you absolutely loved? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based or not?

8. What did you learn about contemporary life in the film that you did not know before? Why did this fact stand out for you?

9. Would you recommend this film to others? Why or why not?

Part 3

Listen to CURRENT Contemporary Music (must be less than 2 years old) and Write a Report

First, you need to choose a country or cultural area that you wish to learn more about.

Second, you need to find at least 5 musicians or musical groups from that country or cultural area that have produced popular music within the past 2 years. These groups must have at least 5 songs each that you can access or listen to. YouTube is always a good choice, but not the only choice! Search around.

Third, listen to the music, and if possible, read the reviews of the media in the country that produced the music. You can only report on 1 album per individual group.

Fourth, write a report answering the following questions in 3-5 pages.

1. What were the names of the individuals or groups that you chose? What were the names of the albums and/or songs that you listened to? Did they win any awards? Where?

2. Why were motivated you to listen to these musicians or groups and not others?

3. Give a brief (1 page or less) synopsis of each musician or group.

4. Can you identify two or more theories or concepts that we are learning about or have learned about in our textbook with something that you saw? Briefly describe what you saw and the name of the theories or concepts. You can also include music theory here if you have the knowledge.

5. Do you consider this to be worth listening to? Does it have the potential to be popular in your home culture? Why or why not?

6. Was there something about the music that you just didn't understand? Was it a lyrics problem? A musical styles problem? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based confusion or not.

7. Was there something about the music or musical group that you absolutely loved? Please explain what it was and whether you think that it was culturally based or not?

8. What did you learn about contemporary music that you did not know before? Why did this fact stand out for you?

9. Would you recommend this music or musical group/s to others? Why or why not?

Totally I need 4 Papers. You can do first topic 4 times, or you can choose second or third topic.