Guidelines for Presentations: Current Events and Issues in Public History

Twice this semester, you will present to the class on current events & issues in public history. The first presentation will be 2-3 minutes and utilize 1 source (15 pts). The second presentation will be 5-6 minutes and use at least 3 sources (30 pts). You will also create a short blog post to accompany your presentation. This assignment will help you concisely community ideas both verbally and in writing, while helping you gain familiarity about the larger public history field. Each student will sign up for 2 presentation dates and list their topic and sources in a shared google document to ensure everyone presents on unique topics.

Link to class blog login

Goals

  • Practice researching and engaging with issues and current events in the field of public history.
  • Practice writing & speaking for a public audience.
  • Practice concisely sharing ideas & resources.

    Grading
    The two presentations will be worth 15 points and 30 points, respectively. You must complete two of these assignments this semester. The first one must be complete by Tuesday 3/5 and the second one must be complete by Thursday 4/25. They will be graded with the following criteria.
    • Uses strong resources & references them correctly: 5pts (1st presentation) / 10 pts (2nd presentation)
    • Clear & organized presentation: 5pts / 10 pts.
    • Clear & organized blog post that adds your own spin: 5 pts / 10 pts
    • Assignment Directions
    1. Sign up for a presentation date and topic in a shared Google Doc (link will be posted on canvas and emailed).
    2. Finding Resources. For the first presentation, find at least one resource that discusses the issue/current event you've chosen; and for the second presentation, choose at least three sources. These sources could include news articles from respected news entities, blog posts from museums/tourist sites/public historians, etc., podcasts, or other reputable sources for information.
    3. Identify the major issues, themes, or concerns related to this topic and begin to outline your presentation and your blog post. You should also take your own spin on this topic, inputting your own views, ideas, or understandings of this topic.
    4. Prepare your class presentation. Create a powerpoint slide with at least 1-2 images and a citation for the source. Please use Chicago style citations. This presentation should be emailed to Dr. Wieck before class.
    5. Prepare a blog post for your classmates to reference.
      1. Sign into WordPress.: Our WordPress site for logging in
      2. Write your blog post. Blog posts should be between 200-300 words and written for a public audience. The first 150-200 words should explain the topic or issue you are discussing, and the second 100-150 words should give your own interpretation / response. You should link to each of your sources you reference. Don't just copy/paste the URL, but turn the title of the article into a link that people can click on.
      3. Post the photo on the blog. Include at least one photo for visual interest. Be sure to give credit for the photograph and include “alt text” for the image so that our blog meets accessibility requirements.
      4. Categorize your post. Your posts must include the category “Spring 2019” and "Current Events & Issues in PH." You must also choose from the other relevant available categories. For instance, an article about the repatriation of African artifacts from European museums might be classified under "museums," "artifacts," and "decolonization."
      5. Tag your post. Your posts must also include a series of tags. These are more specific than categories. For instance, the tags for the previous example might include: Africa, Benin, France, the Louve, decolonization, repatriation, restitution.
      6. Optional: Further Reference You're welcome to include a links for further reference for those who'd like to read more about the topic.
      7. Publish your post.