Individual Presentations
Every student in every section of UNIV 112 has to complete at least one individual presentation.
If you present during the first unit of the course, you will seek out examples of the use or examination of the concept
“hero” or “heroes” somewhere in media. “Media” does not simply mean the news; it means the plural of medium (a
medium could be a book, or a social media site, or a blog, a website, popular magazine, a movie, a public display such as
a mural, etc.).
What you will present to the class:
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The medium and specific location you came across this use of the concept or term “hero.”
A description of the medium (in cases where it is more obscure).
A description of the context in which the writer/speaker was using the concept or term “hero.” Why were they
bringing it up? What were the circumstances?
Give a brief response and possibly a bit of analysis of this featuring of “hero”/”heroes.” For instance, did you
agree or disagree with the application of the term? Why or why not? And/or, what idea/ideas would this thing
make us consider? What would be some good discussion and/or research questions to pose if we were to
explore this further?
The presentation is NOT for you to give your own argument about the topic, but to report and analyze someone
else’s handling of the hero/heroes concept.
For example, did you watch a segment on a news program in which they talked about “heroes?” Okay, then: provide
your audience with the network and program title, give some basic background on the program (when it’s broadcast,
what kind of program it is/what usually is featured), then go into the rest.
If presenting during the second unit, the content and form will be different:
During the second unit, all of my students will get to collaborate on choosing what essay from the reader that we’ll all
read. So then, individual presentations will allow students to make a case for choosing one reading over others. Why
should we read this, rather than the other possible essays? How will it contribute to our course and unit goals? So it will
be a mini-argument: you’ll be making a claim—what text we should read; giving reasons—why we should read it; and
evidence to support those reasons. The possible readings to choose from will be given to you.
Presentations must be between 3 and 4 minutes long. No more, no less. Practice in advance to fit this range.
Your presentation will be evaluated on the following basics:
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Did you include all necessary parts from the assignment sheet?
Did you stay on topic, stick to the purpose, and stay within the allotted time?
Did you present in an engaging and clear manner that informed the audience and got them thinking?
Presentation assignments will be made through a combination of volunteering and being assigned. You might have the
option of recording your presentation as a video and playing it for the class. We will work out these details in the first
couple of weeks of class. Check the accompanying schedule in RamPages and Blackboard for the dates and numbers of
presentations being given on each date.
In your presentation, follow our in-class discussion from the 2nd week of class about what makes for a good
presentation, and the pitfalls to avoid.