LITR 4332 American Minority Literature 2008 Syllabus

Student Presentation: Literary-Style Reader / Discussion Leader

A web posting is required of all presentations--see general requirements for student presentations

Purpose of the Literary-style reader / discussion leader: focus attention on stylistic issues in the day's reading assignments

Overall Description of presentation:

• Select and share a passage or two from the day’s reading assignment that relate to issues of literary style.

• Relate selection to 1-2 aspects in Literary-Style Objectives (5 & 6).

• You are not limited to course objectives, though. Welcome to introduce other literary reactions or critiques.
   

Timing:

• Your presentation itself should run from 5-10 minutes.

• Discussion may run indefinitely.

• Discussion may be coordinated with that of the day's Minority-Culture Reader.

Format or process:

The relation to the Literary-Style Objectives (5 & 6) may take place at any time during presentation or discussion.

1. Locate passage(s) and preview why you chose them or what stylistic issue they illustrate.
At their most basic level, questions of style start with what we like or don't like, what appeals to us or not. You may start similarly, but try to extend your reaction to critical insights (maybe with help from discussion).

2. Read the passage(s) aloud and briefly comment (before and after reading) on connections to style-issues or Literary-Style Objectives.

3. Lead discussion by asking questions:

Initial questions: “Do you agree with my analysis? Did anyone else notice this passage? Were there other passages that compared in their appeal?”

Extended questions: “What do we learn about literature from these examples?” + look for applications to objectives 5 & 6

If objectives 5 & 6 haven't been connected, ask the class for help!