On most weeks when readings are due, there will be student presentations on an individual artist. These presentations should be short (five to 10 minutes) introductions to the artist’s work (particularly as it relates to the week’s topic). You don’t have to write a paper but you do have to be prepared to answer questions that your classmates (and I) may ask. Be prepared to talk; learn more than you tell us! Present examples (PowerPoints, video clips, and/or books). When preparing your presentation, consider the following questions.
- What appears to interest this artist?
- How does the artist go about making his/her work?
- How does this work relate to the main topics of this week’s reading? In other words, why do you think I selected this particular artist/art practice to illustrate the week’s topic?
Again, your presentation will be considered in the evaluation of your class participation.
Tips about oral presentations
Proceed as you would for a written assignment. That is:
- Think… about what you want to convey.
- Research the topic.
- Organize your material and write a draft. Summarize your main points and prepare any visual materials (i.e., sync the points you’re making to the visuals).
How to structure your presentation:
First things first: Start with your introduction: capture our attention with a question, startling comment or straight-ahead statement of your idea.
The body of your argument should:
- Describe the exhibition / work of art
- State your response (and here we’re not interested in a simple statement like “I liked it” or “It was awesome,” but rather “
- Use examples – i.e., show us the work(s) in question (if possible)
Now: REHEARSE and get the timing down. Remember, too, that a presentation isn’t an essay. Talk to us, don’t read out loud. You can use notes as prompts but speak to your classmates.
Some tips on language.
- Keep it simple. You want to be understood so use the words you would use in normal conversation.
- Project. Yes, we all know you but we can’t read your mind. Don’t mumble or rush through what you have to say.
- Tame your nerves. A little adrenalin is a good thing but don’t let your nervousness take over. Take a deep breathe and plunge in. And, remember, you’re among friends.
Dates and Photographers:
- February 6: W. Eugene Smith, Phillip Griffith Jones, Abu Ghraib Photographs
- February 13: Clarence John Laughlin, Laurie Simmons, Thomas Demand
- February 13: The NEA Five, David Wojnarowicz
- February 20: Ana Mendieta, Hannah Wilke, Philip Toledano
- March 27: Diane Arbus, Yasumasa Morimura, Gillian Wearing
- April 3 Hamish Fulton, Mitch Epstein, Nina Katchadourian
- April 24: Mass Observation, The JenniCam, Arne Svenson
Critical Issues 