Things Fall Apart Imperialism Project
English I Honors Combined
Introduction:
As you are now aware, Things Fall Apart imparts the tale of the rise and tragic downfall of its
protagonist, Okonkwo, plus the imperialization of the Igbo people. Your assignment is to create an
original tribal culture that mirrors the elements seen in the Igbo culture, which was exemplified in this
novel.
Project Elements:
1) Longitude and latitude coordinates that illustrate the location of your tribe. This needs to be
illustrated on a map; during your presentation, you need to show us the map.
2) A dominant crop that logically corresponds to the location of your tribe and an explanation
of how it is commonly used within your tribe. Crops are more than just food, so you will need to
think creatively here.
3) Ten original written proverbs that illustrate important truths about your tribe. “When a man says
yes, so does his chi” is an example from Things Fall Apart.
4) Four original fable, which is a narrative in which animals speak and act like human beings; fables
are intended to enforce a useful truth. Fables illustrate truths, ideas, themes, etc. that are
important to a tribal culture. The Quarrel Between Earth and Sky and Mosquito in Your Ear are
examples from Things Fall Apart. Your fables should be approximately 250 words.
5) One communion ritual that is practiced by your tribal members as a form of acceptance. Think
about the kola shared among Igbo tribe members. You will need to perform communion as part of
your presentation in front of the class. Your group will lead the rest of the class through your
ritual. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, it could be as simple as the kola nut, but it has to
have meaning and it has to be clear in purpose.
6) Recorded history of your tribe being imperialized (by whom, why, how, etc.). Think of this as a
ledger or journal kept by tribal leaders that explains how your tribe is imperialized. Your
ledger/journal should be two to three pages. This should look like something your tribe would
produce. For instance, if your tribe lives off the land with no electricity and no access to modern
conveniences, what will you use for paper? What will you use for ink? Drawings and sketches
should be included in your ledger/journal as well.
7) Creative representation/artifact of your culture (could be a food, clothing, map, dance, coiffure,
etc. Be creative!)
Important Dates:
Friday, January 8
Wednesday, January 13
Thursday, January 14
Friday, January 15th
Monday, January 18
Tuesday, January 19
Project handouts and group assignment; brainstorming
Class period to collaborate on projects (in library)
Class period to collaborate on projects (in library)
Things Fall Apart Quiz; remainder of class to work with group
MLK, Jr. Holiday – no school
Group presentations
My Tribe Name: ____________________________________
Member Names
Responsibilities
Things Fall Apart Imperialism Project Rubric
Longitude and latitude coordinates clearly presented on a map
______/10
A dominant crop and a clear explanation of all of its common uses
______/20
Ten written proverbs that illustrate important tribal truths
______/30
Four written fables that illustrates a truth, idea, theme important to the tribe
______/80
One communion practice that is modeled for and shared with the class
______/100
A detailed recorded history of your tribe being imperialized
______/80
Creative representation/artifact important to your tribe
______/50
Peer group rubric of your presentation
______/10
Group evaluation
______/10
Teacher observation points – presentation of project as a whole
______/10
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Total Point Value
______/400