Discussion post

Please review the in the How to Succeed module. The topic for this unit’s discussion is below, but the criteria for success are outlined and modeled in the Discussion Example.

Begin by carefully reading The Popul Vuh and the Unit 6 content.

This creative project and discussion aligns with Learning Outcomes 1 and 2.

Summary of Key Tasks

Read The Popul Vuh and complete one option (A, B, or C) and include a 300-350-word explanation (see instructions below). All parts of the option you choose must be uploaded:
- A: Create a photo collage (5+ images) representing a theme or character from The Popul Vuh and explain your choices.
- B. Use an AI image generator to create three original illustrations based on The Popul Vuh and explain (you must include the tool name and your prompts).
- C: Use an AI chatbot to create a short script from a scene in The Popul Vuh, and record an audio performance of the script (2-4 minutes). Explain
Support your work with quotations from the text in this course.
Provide parenthetical citations for quotations from the epic and any secondary sources.
Respond to at least two classmates’ posts.

Task

First, you must choose a significant characteristic of the epic, such as a character or group of characters, motif, tone, plot, imagery, symbolism, power dynamics, or other element. Next, you will work to translate your interpretation of one of these into a visual or auditory artifact and explain how your creative choices reflect key elements of the story. This process invites you to analyze the epic in depth and express your understanding through imaginative, multimodal storytelling.

Part 1

First, answer ONE of the two prompts below before moving on to the task in Part Two. Be sure to support your work with quotations (with parenthetical citations) from the text in this course.

Option A

Create a photo collage that represents a key theme or a central character from The Popul Vuh. You may use images you find online, your own photos, or a combination of both. Your collage should include at least FIVE images that, when viewed together, visually express something meaningful about the story.

Along with your collage, write a discussion post (300-350 words)that answers the following questions:

- What character(s) or aspect(s) of the text does your collage represent?
- Why did you choose each image, and how does it connect to your interpretation of the text?
- How do the images work together to express something that words alone might not fully capture?
- Compare and contrast the images the text created in your mind to the images in your collage. Were you able to find images that accurately portray what you saw in your mind when reading the text?
- You can submit the collage as a single image file (.jpg or .png), pasted into your discussion post, or you may upload the images as a .DOC or .PDF file. Be creativeyour goal is to show thoughtful engagement with the story through visual storytelling.

Option B

Use an AI image generator to create at least three original illustrations inspired by character(s) or aspect(s) of The Popul Vuh. Your images should reflect key moments, themes, symbols, or characters from the story. The goal is not just to make something visually appealing, but to interpret the story creatively through visual media. You may submit the images as image files (.jpg or .png) pasted in your post or may upload them in a .DOC or .PDF file.
For each image, include the following at the beginning of your discussion post:

- The name of the AI tool or image generator you used (e.g., DALLE, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, etc.).
- The exact prompt you entered to create the image.

After the images, write an explanation (300-350 words) addressing the following:

- Which text did you choose and why?
- What scenes, characters, or symbols did you choose to illustrate, and why were those elements important to you?
- How do your images reflect your interpretation of the text?
- Compare and contrast the AI-generated images to your vision of the text. Did the images accurately reflect what you saw in your mind? What differed from what you pictured, and if you had to alter the prompt to get the image you hoped for, how many times did you have to adjust it?
- Did the AI-created images reflect any stereotypes or algorithmic biases?

Be thoughtful and intentional with both your visuals and your written explanation. Your work should show a strong understanding of the story and a creative approach to storytelling through imagery.

If you used any secondary sources for context or visual inspiration, be sure to cite them properly.

Option C

Choose an AI chatbot, like ChatGPT, and choose a short section of the The Popul Vuh you would like to work with–a “scene,” in essence. After instructing the chatbot to turn the text into a “script” for a short, 2-4 minute audio production in your chosen genre (story, song, poem, etc.) and for an audience of your choice, copy and paste the text you have chosen from the epic into the generator. Collaborate with the chatbot to adjust the output as needed and then make revisions to the script until it meets your expectations.

Next, your goal is to interpret the story creatively through auditory storytelling. Record yourself reading or performing the script, with or without sound effects and music. When your recording is complete, submit it to the discussion as an .mp3 file. If you prefer to submit a video of your reading or performance via YuJa or the Insert Stuff > Add Video Note option, you may do this too.

After uploading your audio file, write a discussion post (300-350 words) that answers the following:

- What theme, character, or aspect of the text does your narrative represent?
- Explain how the chatbot’s version is or is not consistent with the original scene in characterization, plot, setting, etc.
- Why did you choose this section or focus, and how does your recording reflect your interpretation of the text?
- What does the audio version convey that written or visual texts might not?
- How did the process of creating your script and recording influence your interpretation of the story?

Part 2

After completing Task One, respond, in a minimum of 40 words each, to the posts of at least two other classmates. Depending on which prompt your classmates have chosen, you may ask questions, make comparisons/contrasts, share similar stories you have heard, provide additional interpretations or analysis, etc.

Grading Criteria

This activity may use a different grading rubric than what is used in other activities. Be sure to check the rubric before starting.

MLA-formatted parenthetical citations are required for all sources, including the texts provided in this course. Citations should include the authors last name (first reference) and the page number(s) for prose or the line number(s) for poems. A Works Cited-style entry is not required for discussions, (all drop-box assignments do require a Works Cited page), but if included, your instructor may provide feedback to correct formatting issues.

WRITE MY PAPER