2012+Final+Project

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In order to celebrate both our existential unit and the Buddhist reminder to live in the present and appreciate the 'now', you will be creating a project that reflects your refreshed life philosophy. This project requires a lot of creative energy and yet, this project will be a time capsule of sorts that will hold it's value for many, many years. You may choose to work in a group or individually. The due dates for each project presentation are listed on all respective class calendars. You have a little over a month and I look forward to all of your projects!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = OPTION ONE: Photography = This project is for the photography inclined student who has an eye for seeing photography as a way to bring out the most beautiful, simple expressions of life in an artistic story. This will require ten photographs added into a slide show that surround a common theme (chosen by the artist him/herself). The theme should be one that reflects the discussions and lessons of our final unit. Presentation options include: powerpoint slide show, a cd, or you can bring in your MAC to hook up to our projector. Music, titles to the photography, poems added to complement the theme...whatever you think will add more to this visual experience is welcome and encouraged. *Hint: Color is better than black and white with this project, all things considering.

= = = OPTION TWO: Videography = This project is a group project from 2-5 people where the group will choose an existential song that they feel best represents this year, this time, this season, or this graduating class. The video will show the group exercing their existential liberties as well as taking advantage of the beautiful and precious time they have together. I am looking for creativity, but also originality in how their 'story' was told and how the story connects with the music.

= OPTION THREE: Actors = This option is for the individual who has a desire to recite their own 'CREDO' to the class. This testament of self expression can be in the form of a spoken voice poem (memorized of course) or a monologue. The performance will focus on the 'change of perspective' that a person can make about the struggles of life. The purpose is to show how this person will look to today and tomorrow differently based on a particular life changing event or observation. Ability to inflect your voice, command a stage presence, and deliver a message are all important here. This is the type of event that the rest of the class will remember for a long time.

= OPTION FOUR: Music = Many musicians have taken on the existential big questions and their lyrics often resonate the same questions that we all have about our life and our purpose. If you are musically inclined, whether be through singing or an instrument, please consider this celebration of your talent. Write a song that reflects your own questions, concerns, hopes, attitude towards life or death, and perform for the class. This has been a very popular project that has attracted some of Concord's most talented musicians. I really look forward to these powerful proofs of existence.

= OPTION FIVE: ART = On a ceiling tile, you will design your own mandala, eternal knot design, Siddhartha chapter, or existential art. Color, symbolism, meaning, reflection, compassion, equanimity....all are great ideas to incorporate into this work that will remain in Mrs. Overly's classroom forever. This project requires prior approval from Mrs. Overly and an $8 deposit for the tile that will be returned to you upon completion of the tile.

= OPTION SIX: Novice = One of the best messages of existentialism is that you should not shy away from your fears, but instead face them head on because you are shaped by your experiences and will thus, grow from them. This project requires you to think about something outside of your comfort zone that you have always, always wanted to try but were too afraid. You will create a documentary filming your 'first' experience trying this new challenge. Perhaps it is skateboarding down a driveway, golfing for the first time, singing in front of an audience, learning to play a simple song on the piano, or making a four course meal, this 'reality' documentary will reveal your worries, concerns, hopes, and reflection after accomplishing this personal goal. This is for those people who have realized that the word 'CAN'T' is keeping them back. Once you start saying yes to life, many positive rewards will come your way. (One subject+ one video editor max.)

= OPTION SEVEN: Writers = Create a short story that captures the essence of an existential message. The subject must be faced with a life or death fate of their own or someone/something else. Their reaction and subsequent behaviors regarding their situation will cause the readers to pause and reflect. 2-4 page min/max. This story will likely not be read in front of the class for the sake of time but instead, will be given 100% attention by Mrs. Overly who happens to love a good existential reading.

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