GROUP PROJECT PRESENTATIONS
Section 1 9:30-10:45 T, Th-Moody,109
Section 2 11:00-12:15 T, Th-Moody,
109
Fall, 2007
Iain S. Maclean
Group Projects (and Class Essay)
After the lecture schedule has been completed, the class will make
presentations on issues they have selected earlier in the course and these can
be correlated with the Tolkien "Lprd of the Rings and Philosophy"
text (and will provide current "popular" resonance and material for
stunning AV to boot). There will be five to eight groups working on
the specific issues that were selected. The group members will work
together in order to make a 25 to 30 minute presentation to the rest of the
class. Components of each group presentation will include: How and
why this is an issue? A brief history of the issue; an elaboration of major
possible positions on the issue; and either a recognition of the diverging
views among differing proponents and /or the positing of a possible solution.
The groups will be completely responsible for the session. They will have
had a number of planning sessions and will have consulted the professor.
Each member will be expected to share in some part of the preparation and the
presentation. The group may use audio-visuals, brief dramas, guest
speakers, staged debates, "talking heads" interviews, etc.(not to
exceed one quarter of the actual presentation time), but must cover the
required components listed above. It is critical that the project topic selected
is clearly related, in the actual presentation, to the class readings, lectures
and discussions.
If an outside speaker (such as other faculty or some
specialist from off campus such as a chaplain, lawyer, social worker, medical
professional, special interest or voluntary association person) is invited,
please remember that their time is important and take care to ask if they can
stay for the whole presentation, class-period, or only for their talk and Q
& A. Please inform me of their attendance ahead of time, and remember to
introduce them at the beginning of the presentation, and to thank them
afterwards publicly in class, and subsequently by letter (or e-mail) !
In addition, presentations should be carefully timed (it is
a good idea to do a "dry run" before the actual presentation and to
time it) so as to offer each person an opportunity to present his/her part and
so as to leave some time for class discussion (say 5-10 minutes).
REQUIREMENTS:
1] Each group to report to the Professor at least two weeks before their
scheduled presentation, providing a list of the meetings held, noting the
rough outline of the actual class presentation, the tasks allotted to each
group member and a note of any members who have been conspicuous by their absence.
(This report can be written and handed in or the group or its appointed
"facilitators" may wish to meet in person with the Professor.
2] Each group will offer their presentation in the order in which they are
listed in the class handout on Group Project membership. Note that normally
there will be two presentations per class session. If your group wishes to
change its scheduled presentation time, it may do so as long as it can persuade
another group to switch with it. Please inform the professor if such an
arrangement has been made.
3] If any audio, visual or powerpoint hardware is required for a group
presentation, requests for these must be made as soon as possible - the sooner
the better -either directly with the Media Equipment services (Cindy Minter,
tel: 568-6803, Spottiswood Hall, B1/ B) or through the Professor in the case of
PowerPoint presentations. Please note that time should be allotted to meet with
Media Services if training in the use of specific hardware is required. Call
ahead and make an appointment with Ms Minter for a training session. This is
required if you wish to use POWERPOINT HARDWARE.
4] If your group is not presenting, you are still expected to be present when
other group presentations are being made. This is a minimal courtesy due to
your class colleagues who are making their presentation. Please note that one
to two questions per group presentation (that is 6 to 12 total) will be
included in the final exam.
CLASS ESSAY:
5] Finally but not least, each person on every group is expected to
submit a three to five page position paper on the issue on which he or she has
worked. The paper is to be handed in at the class session following your
group presentation. The position paper should unfold your (or a) position
on the issue. Where do you (or those for or against) come down and
why? This is your chance to make clear where you (or a particular
position) stand and to give the persuasive reasons and evidence that led to
your (or their) position. REFER TO, CLEARLY DEFINE, AND USE, in this
essay at least two of the theorists, moral theories and arguments we have
dealt with during the course. Follow the style and submission requirements
noted under "Grades" in the "Course Description and
Policies" web page.