Archives for June 8, 2015

YOU MUST BRING IN A SECOND COPY OF YOUR FINAL DRAFT TOMORROW! This draft will be given to your second assessor tomorrow!

PBA presentations–Expectations for your 30-minute panel presentation:

Each presentation will consist of three 10-minute blocks. Each student is responsible for a BRIEF 2 minute introduction. During this time you MUST establish your context and highlight your thesis (and include any other information that we may need before we move ahead. This might include a point not mentioned in your essay.).

As for us, all questions will be born out of your context paper and the accompanying bibliography.  If you cite it, expect that we may question you on it.  The second assessor’s primary responsibility will be to tap into your knowledge of the context and to challenge your argument.  So, again, be prepared!  Know your sources!  Know the rationale for bringing them together.  Good luck!

As the reader, during the presentation it is your responsibility to ask questions and engage in a discussion that reflects a close reading of the essay. When preparing:

• Ask questions if you disagree with an assertion.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand how the philosopher/psychoanalyst is being used.
• Ask questions about the development of the thesis.
• Ask questions to give the student an opportunity to demonstrate greater depth of control of Steppenwolf and/or context sources.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand how the evidence is being used.
• Present counter arguments.

(All Classes) YOU MUST BRING IN A SECOND COPY OF YOUR FINAL DRAFT TOMORROW! This draft will be given to your second assessor tomorrow!

PBA presentations–Expectations for your 15-20 minute presentation:

The meeting will last for 15-20 minutes. The first 2-4 minutes belong to you. TAKE ME BEHIND THE SCENES OF YOUR ESSAY.

While it is interesting to hear you discuss your thesis and your development of the argument, I am more interested in the thought process behind the essay.  So organize your presentation in this fashion:

* Open with your thesis.

* Then, a little flashback.  Take us through the thought process that led to that argument.  Why did you choose those sources?  How do they help in the development of your argument? Why that argument? What were some of the challenges along the way?  Etc.  All throughout, I expect you to demonstrate great control of the material. (most of the time should be spent here)

As you are articulating the hows and whys of your argument (i.e. why this argument, how you proved your argument), feel free to include any last minute points that you would have included had you more time. While you should prepare your notes/note cards for the meeting, I don’t want you reading to me. The notes/note cards are there to show me that you have prepared for the meeting and they are there as a last resort reminder.

* During the remaining time, I and your second assessor will ask you a series of questions. During this time we might:

• Challenge an assertion
• Question your use of evidence. Ask questions if you don’t understand how the evidence is being used.
• Ask that you clarify a point
• Ask questions about the development of your thesis
• Present counter arguments
• Ask questions about your source material
• Ask questions that give you an opportunity to demonstrate greater depth of control.

1. Godot–Be sure to have finished the play by tomorrow! (10E and 10H Only)
2. INDEX CARDS–Be sure to have your index cards filled out for our wee brown bags! Remember, this is meant to to wonderfully positive and absolutely anonymous.