ENGL 3906: Methods of Literary Study

Professor Sigler

Individual Presentations

 As part of completing the research project, each student will present a brief (at least 7 and no more than 10 minutes long) oral presentation on their project one of one of three dates: April 25, April 27, or May 2. A sign-up sheet will be available in class. Your presentation should:

  1. Begin by giving the class a brief overview of the book you researched and why you chose it. You could also include a BRIEF plot summary, a short reading from a key scene to give us a sense of the author's voice and style (and perhaps "hook" us into wanting to read the book for ourselves!), and/or a bit about the author.
  2. Give us an overview of your thesis and critical approach, major ideas and conclusions, and, if possible, a few key examples from the text. 
  3. As part of your presentation you will need to prepare a visual supplement to your material: this could be in the form of a poster, PowerPoint slides, Web page(s), overhead projector images, a handout, or some other form that you feel would be useful and appropriate to your topic.  (If you will need to borrow a laptop for your presentation, please be sure to reserve one through ITSS in KPlz 175.)
  4. Handouts are optional but always welcome; you will need 25 copies. A handout should be 1-2 pages in length, and can be in the form of an outline of your presentation with explanations, an annotated bibliography of sources related to your topic, an overview of background material related to your topic, background information on the book or its author, images with commentary to supplement your topic and presentation, a collection of teaching ideas, etc.
  5.   Your role is to present your work to the class in an interesting manner. You may use notes or outlines but do not just read to the class from a prepared text.  No matter how well written, that sort of thing gets boring. Make a genuine effort to be interesting. Know what you are talking about, and be prepared to field questions during and after your presentation.
  6. The deadline for signing up for a presentation date/time is Thursday April 13. The schedule will not permit us to make changes, so if you miss your turn, there will probably not be another opportunity for you to complete this requirement.
  7. You will be graded on the quality of your oral presentation, visual(s), and (if relevant) handout.