Guidelines for Student Presentations

The primary aim of student presentations for discussion sections is to launch an engaging and fruitful discussion, not to summarize or lead the discussion.

1. Time. 10-12 minutes. The instructor may ask the presenter to pause between questions if it seems appropriate to ask the class to examine the topic, but the presenter will have a total of 10-12 minutes. At times, depending on the flow of discussion, there may only be time to discuss one of the questions, but you will receive credit for both prepared questions.

2. Content. Present 2 key points from among the selections for that meeting and raise 2 critical questions for discussion. You do not have to cover all of the readings for that week. If there are several selections, you may choose freely those that you wish to discuss. You should observe the following points: a) Why are the points/ideas you have chosen for discussion important for understanding the significance of the work(s) in question? b) If these points are related to one another, how are they related? c) What questions do you have? These questions should help to launch the discussion. They might suggest disagreement with the author, lack of clarity (either on the part of the reader or the author), or some internal inconsistency in the author's ideas (apparent or real).

You should ask about points that are unclear to you. The presentation is not a test of your mastery of the material, and there will be many other students who do not understand parts of the reading. For example, you might say, "Daniel Boyarin claims that both gender and sex are culturally constructed, but it's not clear whether he believes there is nothing determined by biology. Can anyone tell whether he believes that sex is entirely a cultural construct or not?"

3. Handout. Prepare a one-page handout for your presentation and make enough copies for everyone in your discussion section. Your handout should contain: 1) The two questions/issues you wish to discuss and 2) appropriate quotations from the readings for that week that help the class examine your questions/issues. You need not quote long paragraphs; it is sufficient just to quote 2-3 relevant sentences.

4. Style. Be sure to speak clearly and slowly enough so that everyone can understand. Take the time to explain your points fully. References to specific textual passages and page numbers are essential to ground the discussion. Illustrations and analogies can also be helpful in conveying your ideas. Diagrams can also be effective aids although they are not required. You may remain seated, stand, or use the chalk board for your presentation.

5. Grading. The presentation is 10 percent of your grade. Your presentation will be graded on three areas: 1) Insight. Have you chosen good passages or ideas to help the class examine and understand the readings? Do you raise questions and issues that lead to fruitful discussion. 2) Preparation. Does your presentation show that you have considered the readings and the points you present carefully? 3) Style. Do you speak clearly, explain fully, and provide textual references? Do you make eye contact to make sure that the class is following what you are saying.