STUDENT GROUP PROJECT
Students in groups will be responsible for leading one class discussion. The purpose of this exercise is to encourage class participation. Failure to participate in your respective group will result in zero points and a heavy sigh of disappointment from your classmates. This penalty might be waived, in part, if the student demonstrates good cause. However, since the student has missed an in-class assignment that cannot be made up, she/he must present a 5 minute summary of their research paper (5 point penalty).
Focus: Debating the Presidency
Topics: Each topic (beginning on September 17 and ending on November 7) is found in the readings in the Ellis and Nelson book that focuses on issues about the presidency using a "pro and con" format. Students will present each side of the argument followed by a class discussion. Dates for each issue can be found in the Course Schedule.
Guidelines
1. Members of each group will decide how the issue will be covered. Suggestion: divide the topic into sub-topics and have one student responsible for each one.
2. The group report should run approximately 25-30 minutes with each student's contribution about 5 minutes leaving the remaining time for class discussion.
3. Although you can use your notes, do not read out of the book. The purpose is to improve your verbal communication skills.
4. Student performance will be evaluated by the instructor. The instructor will use a five-point scale (1=poor, 8=excellent) on the following items (total of 40 points)
Sample
Criteria Points
- Knowledge of the subject 6.5 points
- Quality of presentation 7.0 points
- Organization 7.5 points
- Analytical skills 7.0 points
- Participation in class discussion 4.0 points
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32/40 points
