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Report rubric (.doc file)

Students in this class will either present a brief oral report to the class or keep an online journal (weblog) of their reading this semester. Both options will involve about the same amount of work, but with the weblog option, you'll be spreading the work out over the entire semester.

Information on reports

1. When you present your report to the class, keep in mind that it should be short: 5-7 minutes maximum. You can also team up with another class member, if you choose to do so.

2. You can use PowerPoint or other presentation tools, but they are not required. If you use PowerPoint, you need to email the presentation to me no later than 9 p.m. on the day before the report or bring your own computer.

3. If you choose the report option, you'll also prepare a one-page "fact sheet" to hand out to the class. This may take the form of an outline, summaries of critical articles, or a synopsis of your argument. You should include at least one critical article or book in preparing your report.

4. If you choose to keep a weblog AND present a report, you do not need to take the final exam.

Your presentation may focus on something you wish to work on for your paper. You may also want to work on one of the following:

Additional information about the social, intellectual, artistic, scientific, philosophical, or historical contexts for the works and authors assigned in class.

Interpretations of works or aspects of a work not read in class.

Introductions to authors not specifically covered in the course.

Discussion of one or more critical works relating to the era.

Background about the social and intellectual connections among certain groups of authors.

These are suggested topics, but you're welcome to choose your own in consultation with me.