Problems of Knowledge
Philosophy 311
Winter/Spring 2007
approximately 10-15 minutes
description of assignment:
Each member of the class will be required to give a brief presentation (around 10-15 minutes) on a reading or section of a reading, explaining the argument and outlook to the class and making some critical comments. The presenter will also be expected to entertain and answer questions.The presentation involves, in essence, teaching a brief portion of a class, taking material from a particular reading and explaining and teaching it to the class in a way that they can follow and understand. Though the readings involved may have already been read by the class, assume that your audience only has general knowledge about the topic and has not read the specific content of the assigned material.
Presentation topics will be assigned the first night of class through a sign-up sheet. Presentations will begin during the second class meeting and continue to the end of the semester.
Most presentation topics will only involve a portion of a single reading from the text, though a few may involve an entire article in the textbook. The length of the assigned portion is based more upon the difficulty of the material than the sheer amount to be covered. A brief bit of more complex material may take as long to explain as a significant portion of simpler material.
You are free to make use of whatever supporting materials you think will make your presentation clear, organized, easy to follow, and attention-holding. Thus, feel free to create handouts, use powerpoint, make a poster, write on the board, etc. No on is required to do any of these things, but everyone is free to do so.
criteria for evaluation:
The following kinds of criteria will be used in evaluating and grading your presentaton:- Is it an accurate representation of the original argument, capturing what was argued and giving it a fair interpretation?
- Did you speak slowly, clearly, and loudly so that all the class could hear and follow what you said?
- What your organization of material suitable to an oral presentation?
- Were any supporting media (handouts, writing on board, powerpoint, etc.), if used, helpful to the overall quality of the presentation?
- Did the presentation clearly state the essential content of the argument?
- Was there evidence that effort was put into clarity and organization of material?
- Did the presentation show that you understand what the author has argued?
- Was it clear what position you took with regard to the philosopher’s viewpoint?
- Were any disagreements clearly presented and insightfully backed up with argumentation, examples, and evidence?
- Were agreements cogently justified by careful understanding and evaluation of the position?