MAUS
Book I Projects
Option 1: Design a long-term, sustainable, hide-away bunker for Vladek, Anja, and Richieu:
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Be sure to make your hide-away bunker appropriate for 1943 Occupied Poland. (technology,
materials, etc.)
Be sure to address all of the necessities of life: air, water, food, shelter, sanitation, and heat in
the winter.
1. You may write a how-to manual for constructing the bunker, or a technical document which
describes the bunker.
2. You may draw, or draft, a diagram which provides dimensions, and addresses the necessities
listed above.
3. You may construct a scale model which addresses the above requirements.
Option 2: Make a “soundtrack” to MAUS.
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Choose three specific moments in the story. Select music to accompany those moments.
Burn the recordings onto a CD, bring them in, play them, and explain to the class the importance
of those moments and how the music reflects or responds to those moments.
Create a CD case along with liner notes explaining the message the songs are conveying.
The equivalent to a two page double-spaced journal of your reflections on the book and its
effect on you should also be included in the liner notes.
o ALL SONGS AND MATERIALS MUST BE IN ENGLISH.
Option 3: Recreate a scene from MAUS using homemade dolls representing the characters.
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Choose a scene that you feel is very powerful. Design a set and homemade dolls to display the
scene.
o This project will be shown in the display case outside of the teachers’ work room.
Pay close attention to detail, including clothing, facial expressions, and surroundings.
Write a two page double-spaced journal that:
o Describes what is happening in the scene
o Tells why you feel it is important to the story
o Shows one of the themes present in the book
How You Will Be Graded on this Project
There will be a four part Rubric for Grading: 100 points possible.
1. Project should demonstrate your understanding of the book, characters, themes, etc.[1-30 points
possible]
2. Project should directly address any technical requirements specified by the directions.[1-30 points
possible]
3. Project should exhibit a high quality of workmanship—correctness, neatness, etc. [1-20 points
possible]
4. Project should showcase your creative talents and abilities. [1-20 points possible]
PROJECTS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN THE WEEK OF JANUARY 9 – 13, 2012
* Please note: exceptional projects may also receive up to 10 points of extra credit.*