Papers

Capstone Seminar

  Oral Presentation 

Each week, an assigned student will begin class with a brief (11-15 minute) oral presentation (not reading!)  on one of the course readings. Click here for the list. You may use an outline, but not detailed notes.

***You may use power point if you like, but make sure that you are NOT READING what is written on each slide.***

How to create an effective power point presentation

 

Preparation

1. Read the text carefully several times

2. Take notes of the major themes and points.

3. Research each word or notion that is not clear to you. Use dictionaries, encyclopedias, the internet, etc.

4. Make sure you understand the main points and every detail in the article.

5. Start making an outline of your presentation and budget your time.

 

 Presenters are expected to

• outline the author’s central argument,

• identify key questions and concerns integral to the article, and

• offer their own personal responses to and/or observations about the reading

• direct at least 3 questions to the class.

• circulate the questions 3 days before the presentation

The presenter should be prepared to assist the professor in leading class discussion of that reading, by asking and responding to questions and controlling the course of the ensuing conversation.

 

The key to a good oral presentation is preparation and critical analysis.

A simple summary of the reading will not satisfy the requirement.

Be succinct in your identification of the key argument of the piece, as well as creative in your analytical approach and ability to connect the reading to overarching course themes, previous readings, and provocative lines of inquiry.

 

Your presentation must evidence not only comprehension of the main argument but also an understanding of the terms used in the reading, some of which may be unfamiliar. If you do not understand a term, look it up in the dictionary! If a broader concept is unclear, raise it for discussion in class.

 

One week after the presentation, presenters will submit a written version of the presentation (4-5 pages long), which takes into account the questions / answers and the the ensuing discussion.

 

The grade on your performance (which represents 20% of your final grade) will be assessed according to the following criteria.