Group Project General Directions

Purpose:
The goal of the group project is for you to work together with your colleagues to study and present a topic in the Arts using events and locations in New York City.   You should identify worthwhile source materials, supplement your presentation with audio/video clips, and learn how to make a presentation in an engaging and effective manner.

Timeline and Deadlines:
Stage 1:  getting acquainted and organized; (August 28th – September 18th).  You should meet during that time either through a “real” or a “virtual” meeting.  Be sure to exchange e-mails and phone numbers with members of your group.  I will be available to consult with you during this crucial initial stage.  Appoint a team coordinator, who will have the responsibility of sending me a list of some initial materials and your plan: topic, format, division of labor among the group members.  Deadline: September 18th.

Stage 2:  Identifying appropriate resources you will need to do your presentation (November 20-December 11th).  Sift through materials, and identify the one or two article or reports that best encapsulate the essence of the topic you are presenting. Typically this source material should not be longer than 40-50 pages.  Please bring either a photocopy of the material to class or send me an electronic version at least two week prior to your group presentation. Take a workshop to help you hone your skills for the type of format you chose:  If you are making a movie – take a workshop in i-movie, if a pod cast, take a class or a tutorial with the Tech Fellow.

Stage 3:  Preparation of the presentation.  All presentations will be in November and early December according to the following schedule:
1.  Group 1 and 2 - November 20th
2.  Group 3- December 4th
3.  Group 4 and 5 - December 11th

No matter which group you are in, you should submit your portion of the group project via e-mail by November 15th. Your grade for this project will be calculated based on your oral presentation + your written work.  This will give you time to hear and see comments for the  written portion a few days before your presentation so that you can tweak it or improve it as well as share the comments with the group to make the end result more successful.

For the actual presentation:  each member should plan on speaking for no more than 7 minutes.  You need to plan your presentation carefully and try to cover the essential points in that time frame.