ENGL 386.001/002 Poetry Group Presentation Site

During the course of the semester, you will read and discuss with your assigned group members the poems listed on the online syllabus for that section. Then on your group's appointed day(s), you and your group will present your asigned poems to the class--you're bascially teaching them to the class. How you wish to present them, and with what visual or other aids, is up to you--notify me ahead of time for particular technological needs beyond a t.v., vcr, or dvd player. I do, however, recommend a handout of some sort to help the class follow your discussion. When, how, and how often you meet as a group is up to you--negotiate this among yourselves. I require that each group meet with me once, at least a week before the presentation, either as a whole group or a representative part, to discuss the poems and what you plan to do with them. I will not meet with different members of a group separately.

The presentation consists of two parts: the group presentation (40%), and each participant's individual write-up of about 2 or more full pages of her/his contribution to the reserach/presentation (60%). The write-up provides the bulk of your individual grade for this project; the group's total presentation grade is figured in to that (again, 40%).

Given the number of poems and the depth to which you may wish to discuss them with the class, you're generally allotted 2 class sessions for your presentation. You are not penalized for using only one day, if you use it well. If there is a day left after the first day, we will use that day for further class discussion lead by me.

Below is a list of the basics I expect you to cover in your presentation(s) to the class. Some of these items you will have to research on your own.

FOR THE PRESENTATION, include the following information:

• poets' names, and a brief bio on each (including ethnicity/nationality)
• any historical background information you think the class needs to know to help explain the poems (this is certainly a research part)
• what concepts from the class discussion up to that point you see the poems illustrating
• any connections you can draw between any one or all the poems and the novel &/or story/stories we read for that section
• any specific (not just obvious) common elements the poems share
• any specific (not just obvious) differences between the poems (in terms of approach to their subject matter, etc).
• whatever questions you yourselves had about the poems that you started out with, and any answers you may have
• whatever elements you really want the class to get out of the poems

FOR YOUR INDIVIDUAL WRITE-UP, include the following information:

• what parts of the presentation you helped reserach
• your thoughts on the poems (their theme, particular ideas, etc.)
• any connections you can draw between any one or all the poems and the novel &/or story/stories we read for that section
• any specific (not just obvious) common elements the poems share
• any specific (not just obvious) differences between the poems (in terms of approach to their subject matter, etc).
• whatever questions you yourself had about the poems that you started out with, and any answers you may have.