No theme by midday Sunday, January 2? Send me an e-mail and I'll assign one to you (if possible, I'll send you two possible themes, so you have some choice). Don't chose a theme without checking on what type of sources you will be able to find. If you have any doubts about whether your bibliography is adequate, talk to me. I don't mind if you write to me before Jan. 3 if you'd rather I suggest topics.
On Monday January 3, you'll also need to tell me whether you plan on doing a presentation, or the paper only option.
By the way, the National Public Radio (NPR) show that I mentioned in class might be a great place to start. If you find something interesting that leads you to a topic choice, you may use this show as a "source." Start by checking out the introductory program. Then you can look at their blog or listen to other shows if you.re still searching for inspiration.
this will take you to the directory of podcasts for Alt Latino Alt.Latino 101: Back To The Basics
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 5:34 PM
On this week's show, we invite Josh Norek, VP of Nacional Records and host of WEXT's The Latin Alternative, to put together a list of essential Latin Alternative/Rock en Español songs.
Before you decide upon these two options, I want you to be aware of the fact that a presentation has a small opportunity to earn 3 points extra credit. (That is, 103 points out of 100.) This doesn't mean that all presenters will get extra credit, only those presenters who succeed in making the presentation interesting for their classmates. Why would a presentation merit even a little extra credit? I'm looking for teaching from the presenter. Does your presentation leave the class with a deeper understanding? If the presentation is relevant because it effectively ties in to broader class themes or if it is memorable for the audience because you present it very well, I'll consider this when I assign your grade.
Choosing the paper only option, on the other hand, allows you to control the final product. You can even turn in a complete rough draft of your paper for early comments from me (as long as I get it by Wednesday January 12 (it can be via e-mail in the evening).
I personally feel as though the two options are equivalent in terms of allowing students to succeed. Go with your strengths.
PAPER WITH PRESENTATION OPTION:
* Paper is 3-4 pages (longer is not a problem.)* Paper is worth 7.5% of the course grade, and presentation 7.5%
If your paper is in the barely three pages group, it doesn't necessarily mean it's inadequate. However, I will expect the content to be very solid (no wasted words or filler).
* Bibliography will vary according to your selected theme, but you need to be able to find credible sources. (If you tie your music to a broader theme, it may be much easier to build a bibliography). Each student will give me updates regarding the sources he/she has found: I'll expect updates regarding your sources.
* Saturday January 8, turn in a paragraph about your progress as well as your bibliography.
* Monday January 10, bring your sources to class (the physical copy of anything you have). If you're using a website, don't print it out just to show me; as long as I have the address on your bibliography, I'll let you know if I have trouble with access. Just bring in physical sources that you have so that I can look them over while you take your practice final.
* Presentations will be about ten minutes, but I'm flexible if you have audio or visual materials you want to share which might make the presentation longer. Keep me posted in terms of the time you'll need as well as any audio-visual clips you might use.
* Presentation calendar will be assigned in Monday's class by lottery. If you want to request a specific date before then, feel free to do so. (Available: January 10, January 11, January 12, January 13, and even one or two on January 14.)
PAPER ONLY OPTION:
* Paper should be 5 pages (longer is not a problem).
If the paper is on the short side (4 pages), it doesn't necessarily men it's inadequate. However, I will expect the content to be very solid (no wasted words or filler).
* Paper may also include audio-visual links to web sources or a cd with music on it.
* Follow the time-line presented above except that on Saturday January 8, I'll want a bit of your rough draft.
* Paper is worth 15% of your grade.
