M A I N * N E W S * L I N K S * R E S E R V E S


On the Presentation

As you know, you must give an in-class presentation in which you either (a) compare and contrast two of the assigned readings thus far in the semester, (b) put one of the assigned readings we've read thus far in the semester in historical context, (c) relate one of the works on reserve at Reed Library to one or more of the literary texts we have read thus far in the semester, (d) relate a migration narrative from the course to one from outside it, (e) describe and justify a lesson plan you would generate in order to teach a given reading from the course, an excerpt from it, or an issue stemming from it, or (f) develop a topic of your choice (with my approval).

The form of your presentation is open: for instance, you may do an analytical lecture that ends with questions for class discussion (a kind of extended, research-based observation/discussion questions listserv submission), or design activities (such as in-class writing, group work, a debate, and so on) that has the class perform such analyses for themselves. Think of the first 30 minutes of the presentation as "your" time to lead the class, and structure your presentation accordingly. If discussion following the presentation is going well, or if your presentation is taking longer than you originally planned, you may continue to lead the class beyond those 30 minutes, but you shouldn't feel obligated to--simply indicate to me when you want me to take over.

If you have any handouts you'd like to distribute to class members, either bring them to class the Tuesday before your presentation or drop them off at my office up till the Friday before your presentation, and I'll have the department copy them for you.

Whetever form it takes and materials it uses, your presentation should have the following goals: (1) using comparative, contextual, and/or pedagogical research and analysis to illuminate at least one of the assigned readings for your peers, and (2) leading into a thoughtful, engaged class discussion about one of the assigned readings for that week. Your presentation will be graded on the effectiveness with which it fulfills these two goals.


M A I N * N E W S * L I N K S * R E S E R V E S


ENGL 514: Comparative Approaches to Literature, Fall 2001
Created: 9/4/01 8:56 pm
Last modified: 10/7/01 7:16 pm