Multimedia+Presentation

Multimedia Presentations **
 * Contemporary Literature – Hutchinson

** Time limits ** : 15-20 minutes (No longer!!) **Value:** 60 points
 * Must include ** : visuals, music, and spoken words
 * Lab Dates: ** April 14-17
 * Presentations:** April 20-24
 * PURPOSE:** Provide for the class a thorough overview of the book you read. Explain the main plot, a little about the main character(s), some background about the author, and the themes he/she wishes the reader to explore while reading the story. What is the book’s “argument”? How does the fictional story reflect the human experience in all its beauty and horror?


 * WHAT TO INCLUDE:**


 * TEXT:** Pull out some meaningful quotes and passages from the book to share with us. Choose some that reflect important insights into characters and themes, and also which highlight the writer’s voice and style. __Do not read these all at once__. Instead, find ways to artfully weave them throughout the presentation so they fit in with what else you are discussing.


 * VISUALS:** Use pictures, movie clips, and/or poetry (on computer, poster, or overhead transparency) to further explore the themes of the book. Connect the book to your own lives and to the larger world through these uses of media.


 * MUSIC:** Find one or two pieces of music which set the tone of your book. Use the music in your presentation in creative and effective ways – but be sure it doesn’t drown out your voices.


 * PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:** Make your presentation flow in an organized, polished way. Rehearse several times!! All group members must participate equally. If you are still presenting after 20 minutes, I will cut you off, so be sure to be done by then.


 * HIGH-TECH OR LOW-TECH?** Your inclusion of media may be as technical as you wish, depending upon the skills of your group members. Feel free to simply use poster collages and CDs if that is where you’re comfortable. If you use computer programs for your visuals or music, you’re on your own since I can’t help you with that! I will bring in a laptop for our presentations if you need one, or you can use your own if you prefer. Test out your media ahead of time to be sure it will work!! Remember: LESS IS MORE WITH POWERPOINT.


 * FINALLY.....** Try to capture the spirit of the book for the class. Create a presentation that the author would be proud of and happy to see. Your grade will be partly a group grade (45) and partly individual (15).


 * You all must be ready to present on Mon. Apr. 17**. We will spend the first half of that period preparing and practicing, and then one group will present. On the following 3 days, the remaining groups will present. If no one volunteers, I will choose a group randomly. If you are absent on the day your group presents, you will give your part of the presentation for me after school when you come back. **NO EXCUSES**. I will not accept things like, “We can’t go today because Charlie is absent and he has our CD.” Figure out a way to get ALL YOUR STUFF here on Day 1 and have it here through Day 4.