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. If you do, you may combine the number of allotted minutes (e.g., 2 people could have up to 10-14 minutes), although you do not have to do so.
2. You can use PowerPoint or other presentation tools, but they are not required. If you use PowerPoint, you need to upload it to a presentation site such as Slideshare, 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 should include the following:
- Information (bibliography) on your sources.
- An outline, timeline, or summaries of information about articles you've read. 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.
9/6 Cecilia Cuevas Hawthorne and Melville Laurel Gordon Open topic Rachel Kelly Other works by Melville Open topic Open topic 10/16 Anna Vertner Twain and race Frank Norris
Talon Seiler Open topic Open topic Open topic 10/30 Kaitlyn Williams Edith Wharton's social world James Weldon Johnson Wesley Wiles Open topic Open topic Open topic
