Human Civilization: State Reception Assignment
Human Civilization: State Reception Simulation
Project Overview:
Your empire team will host a formal reception as part of a simulation in which historical empires engage in
diplomatic exchange. Using intelligence gathered from briefings and the module's master packet, your team
will choose another empire to invite to your reception. Your task is to craft a detailed, respectful, and strategic
event that reflects both your own empire's values and your understanding of your guests.
Steps:
1. Choose another empire to invite.
2. Write a formal invitation to the selected empire.
3. Assign a new lead diplomat to organize the reception (with team support).
4. Prepare the following elements for the reception:
- A toast welcoming your guests and honoring their culture
- A dish that represents your empire's identity, values, or geographic region
- A symbolic gift that reflects diplomacy and your empire's strengths
Class Preparation:
To inspire and guide your planning, we will watch a video clip of President Barack Obama toasting President
Hu Jintao of China at the 2011 State Dinner. As a class, we will analyze:
- The guest list and seating arrangements
- Cultural symbolism in the meal and décor
- The language and diplomacy in the toast
Reception Day Expectations:
- Formal presentation of the toast
- Explanation of your dish (and optional food sample if approved)
- Presentation of your symbolic gift
- Participation by all team members
Grading Criteria (20 points each):
- Invitation: Well-crafted, respectful, historically informed
- Toast: Engaging, diplomatic, accurate
- Dish: Culturally relevant and clearly explained
- Gift: Symbolic and meaningful
- Team Collaboration & Presentation
Total: /100 points
Be creative, diplomatic, and thoughtful. Represent your empire with pride!
Expanded Component Details:
A Toast to Their Empire Guests:
The toast is a formal address delivered by your team's lead diplomat during the reception. It should reflect
diplomacy, historical awareness, and cultural respect.
- Be 1-2 minutes long (150-250 words)
- Greet the guest empire and honor their contributions to world history
- Reference at least one historical achievement or value of the guest empire
- Highlight shared values or reasons for admiration or alliance
- Use formal, diplomatic language
Example: "On behalf of the [Your Empire], we extend a gracious welcome to our esteemed guests from the
[Guest Empire]..."
A Dish That Represents Their Empire:
Food is a powerful symbol of culture, geography, trade, and tradition. Your team will select or describe a dish
that would be served at the reception to represent your empire.
- Choose a historically plausible dish using known ingredients and methods
- Reflect cultural, religious, or regional identity
- Describe the dish in detail (ingredients, preparation, symbolism)
- Optional: bring a sample or create a visual/description
Example: The Inca Empire might serve a quinoa-based stew with native herbs, reflecting indigenous crops
and communal values.
A Gift to Their Empire Guests:
The gift symbolizes your empire's strengths and values and is a gesture of respect.
- Choose something your empire could realistically produce
- Explain its cultural or historical significance
- Create a visual, crafted object, or descriptive presentation of the item
Example: A model Roman aqueduct symbolizing engineering achievement or a Tang Dynasty scroll of poetry
reflecting intellectual culture.