Video Seminar & Thematic Essay

Video Seminar & Thematic Essay

◦ As part of this unit, you will construct an online seminar using the Record Video tool to explore one of the various themes of the novel. You will be required to submit a thematic essay and create a video presentation that creatively explores the main ideas of your essay orally.

◦ The assignment is described below, and rubric is attached below.

◦ Once you have chosen a theme, please e-mail me.

◦ We will schedule (at least) one conference either by email over the Virtual Classroom where we can discuss your progress and any questions or concerns that you may have.

◦ Please keep in mind that your seminar will be a video recording of yourself as if you are presenting to your entire class (I will be your audience, and you can set privacy filters if you’d feel more comfortable). Try to make your presentation as interesting, thought-provoking and insightful as possible, while keeping in mind eye contact and voice. Although it is a video file, you should still aim for interaction with your audience. Your presentation should be at least 8-10 minutes in length.
◦ Your seminar will include an overview of your analysis for the novel you selected. You should provide a summary of the story, your level of enjoyment (or dissatisfaction – and explain why), along with a detailed analysis of the theme you will explore. Rather than simply reading your essay, you should add some creativity to make it engaging for an audience. If you prefer, you can create a Prezi or a powerpoint with narration. I will be evaluating the content you have included, as well as a clear voice that will assess your oral communication skills.

THE STRUCTURE:

– A private video upload using the Record Video tool (you must also submit your essay and transcript in advance so that I have a copy of your essay prior to viewing your final seminar). Alternatively, you can create a Prezi or Powerpoint that is narrated by you. It is an oral communication grade.

– You are responsible for documenting in detail one of the major themes. A clear thesis statement must be evident.

– You are required to provide textual references from the novel to back up your analysis. It should be structured with a clear intro, body of analysis and conclusion. Think of it as an oral essay. All of your ideas must be supported by textual references from the novel (including page references).

– you can refer to notes, but try to be familiar with the material and content so that you are not reading directly from the page.

– You should try to have some visual aids to make your presentation more interesting, and make sure that your voice is loud and clear.

Use the following guiding questions to help you:

o What is happening?

o How is this an important event?

o What is the author saying about this theme?

– As a connection to the novel, you must also include one outside source in your presentation which relates to the topic/theme you chose. This can be a news article, an academic journal, movie clip, etc.

– In addition, you must create 3 possible DISCUSSION QUESTIONS that follow up with what you have researched. These should be submitted with your final essay, submitted to me.

If you have any technical problems or concerns along the way, please contact me right away. I am here to help!

Here is an EXEMPLAR of a student’s work, which received a level 4+
The Essay
The Transcript
The Seminar
Discussion Questions

Plagiarism of any sort will result in a failure.