This assignment gives you the opportunity to be creative and complete a hands-on project-something a bit unusual in an online class. I am posting the details well in advance so that you can think about what you plan to do and give you time to collect the materials.
It is important that you do not begin working on your mask too far in advance because the mask is an assignment that shows what you have learned in this class and what topics and concepts made a strong impact on you. I suggest waiting until at least the 12th week to begin the project.
Read the assignment format below carefully and post any questions you may have in the Community Lounge discussion forum.
When the masks are complete, I will create a discussion forum for you to share what you have created with your learning community.
Mask Assignment format:
Use our Glossary of Terms to determine the words and concepts that have been meaningful for you to decide what you want to use as the symbolism of your mask. Think about what you have read, what we have discussed and the supplemental materials you have viewed or read in the class.
Decide what you will use as the base for your mask. You may use paper mache’, a pre-formed mask that you purchase or recycle, or some other method. NO PAPER PLATE OR PAPER BAG masks will be allowed.
I suggest writing your minimum one-page description of what has been meaningful for you in this class first. Remember-wait until we have covered most of the material and you have done the majority of the readings.
Include in this information in your one-page write-up:
How did you decide the topic(s) or concepts to symbolize on your mask?
Why is this concept meaningful for you?
Describe in detail how your mask symbolizes what you have learned about the topic(s) you selected-this may include color, images, texture of the mask, additional items attached, etc.
How do you plan to take action in the area or topic you selected as most meaningful for you? How do you see yourself incorporating activities or interactions related to this topic in your current or future classrooms of young children?
4) Use your write-up to think about what you will add to your mask to symbolize your thoughts about your own learning and feelings on your mask.
Examples: If you found topics related to gender or sexism meaningful, this might be what you choose to focus on. If you learned many new terms and concepts, you might focus on these words. If bullying was important to you, you could use this topic. Your mask is a personal reflection of what you found meaningful in this class. It is 100% your own mask and it reflects what has been meaningful to YOU. I do not want to see masks made by you and your friends looking similar. I recommend using recycled and re-purposed materials to save money.
Use any available materials to symbolize your learning. Art is not always beautiful it is often used to shock or provoke thought on the part of the viewer. It can be collage mask with magazine images or words, it can be 3-D materials from nature or other 3-D materials. You may use paint, glue, paper, metal, etc.
This is NOT a project you would do with preschool children as it requires the ability to think deeply and abstractly. I do not want to see a project designed for children to do.
I DO expect you to take time to create a project that is well made, well thought out and thought provoking. I can tell if a mask has been made at the last minute.
IMPORTANT! When you have finished your mask, take several good photos of your mask with YOU in at least one of the photos. You are required to share the photos when you submit the assignment.
I hope you will enjoy the process of reflecting on what you have learned and thinking creatively to design a mask that reflects your experience.
