Class Presentation
Instructions:
In small groups, you will research and analyze an assigned source from the syllabus. This class presentation is an opportunity to develop your communication skills and demonstrate your ability to construct an argument based on a close analysis of the text assigned for the day’s discussion.
To engage your classmates effectively, consider incorporating slides, images, sound, or text to help visualize your points. Your oral presentation should be 8–10 minutes and address the following prompts:
- Central Ideas: What are the main arguments or themes presented by the writer, scholar, filmmaker, or podcaster?
- Close Analysis: Select a text, film, or episode section that best illustrates the central ideas. How does this section communicate those ideas effectively?
- Structure and Purpose: How does the structure or organization of the piece contribute to the creator’s conceptual goals?
- Course Connections: How does your analysis of this source connect to or build upon other texts, films, or materials we’ve studied in this course?
*After the presentation, you will respond to a short Q&A with the professor and classmates. *
Analytical Written Discussions
Instructions
You will participate in written discussions during class time designed to deepen your engagement with the course materials. These discussions will challenge you to think critically and analytically, respond thoughtfully to questions, and support your ideas with direct evidence from the texts, films, or other sources on the syllabus.
Format:
- Each written discussion will occur during class time and focus on critical questions related to the day’s assigned materials.
- You will respond to the prompts, referencing specific examples (quotes, scenes, passages, etc.) from the sources to support your analysis.
Expectations:
- Preparation: Complete the assigned reading or viewing for the day before class and come prepared with notes or key points you want to discuss.
- Evidence-Based Responses: Incorporate direct evidence from the source material into your responses. This could include quotes, detailed descriptions of scenes, or references to key ideas or arguments.
- Critical Engagement: Address the prompts thoughtfully, demonstrating your understanding of the material and its connection to broader course themes.
- I want to hear your voice. AI-generated responses count as plagiarism and will not be counted.
Annotated Playlist Project
Instructions:
In this assignment, you will explore musical traditions from Latin America and/or the Caribbean. By creating an annotated playlist, you will explore musical genres, historical contexts, and cultural influences that shape Latin American and Caribbean music while integrating discussions and perspectives explored in the class.
- Genre Selection:
.Choose a specific Latin American and/or Caribbean music genre for your playlist (e.g., Tango, Reggae, Soca, Nueva Trova, Calypso, Rock en español, Dancehall, Cumbia, Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Reggaeton, Dembow, etc.).
.Provide a brief overview (300 words) of the chosen genre, highlighting its historical roots, cultural significance, and evolution.
- Playlist Creation:
.Create a playlist with five songs representing the chosen Latin American and/or Caribbean genre.
.Include songs and artists from different periods demonstrating the range and variety of the genre.
- Annotations:
For each song in your playlist, write an annotation (300 words) that includes:
.Historical context: Discuss the period and any significant social, political, cultural, diasporic, or global events that influenced the song’s creation.
.Cultural influences: Explore and analyze how the song reflects the cultural identity of Latin America and/or the Caribbean and its impact on the local community.
Musical and/or audiovisual elements: Analyze the musical components, such as rhythm, instrumentation, lyrics, historical performances, and/or music videos, that contribute to each song’s relevance.
- Reflection and Reference Page:
.Write a collective reflection (600 words) on the overall experience of creating the playlist. Discuss what you learned about Latin American and Caribbean music through this assignment.
Additionally, submit a reference page with the sources utilized and referenced in the project.
Podcast Project Work-in-Progress Presentation
Instructions:
For this presentation, you will share your plans for your podcast project. This is an opportunity to articulate your topic, outline your approach, and gather feedback from your classmates and instructor as you continue developing your project.
Your presentation should communicate your vision and demonstrate how your podcast connects to themes and materials from our course. You are encouraged to use slides, images, sound clips, or text to enhance your explanation. Presentations should be 8–10 minutes long and address the following prompts:
- Topic Overview: What is the primary topic or question your podcast will explore? How does it connect to this course’s themes, ideas, or issues?
- Focus and Materials: Which specific texts, concepts, or materials from the syllabus will you draw on to shape your podcast content?
- Approach: What format and style will your podcast take (e.g., interview, narrative, conversational)? How will you incorporate sound, storytelling, or other elements to engage your audience?
- Goals and Challenges: What are the key goals of your podcast? What challenges or questions are you grappling with as you develop your project?
Use this presentation to refine your ideas and ensure they align with the course’s objectives. Be prepared to take notes on feedback and incorporate it into the following stages of your project.
Podcast Project
Instructions:
For this project, you will create a podcast episode that explores a topic, theme, or issue related to the materials and discussions from our course. This assignment challenges you to engage deeply with the course content while honing your research, analysis, and creative storytelling skills. Your podcast should be thoughtful, well-structured, and engaging, incorporating academic insights and creative elements to captivate your audience.
Project Requirements:
- Topic and Connection to Course Materials:
.Select a topic directly related to the themes, texts, or concepts covered in the course.
.Your podcast should clearly understand the course material and incorporate at least two specific sources (texts, films, podcasts, etc.) from the syllabus.
- Structure and Content:
.Design a podcast episode that is 8–12 minutes long.
.Your episode should include a clear introduction, a well-organized discussion or narrative, and a conclusion.
.Develop your topic through storytelling, analysis, or interviews. Consider incorporating creative elements like sound effects, music, or quotes from course materials to enhance your presentation.
- Research and Analysis:
.Provide thoughtful analysis and interpretation of the sources you incorporate.
.Show how your topic connects to more significant course themes or questions, and highlight any personal insights or perspectives you bring to the project.
- Audience Engagement:
.Craft your podcast to be accessible and engaging to a general audience. Avoid overly technical language, but maintain academic rigor in your analysis.
- Recording and Editing:
.Record your podcast with clear audio quality. While professional-grade equipment is not required, ensure your voice is easy to hear and understand.
.Edit your episode for smooth transitions and a polished finish.
*Recommended Step: Podcast Script*
.Write a complete script for your podcast. While the final recording should feel natural, a script ensures your argument and ideas are well-organized.