ORAL REPORT

project: This is a library research project that leads to a ‘seminar’ presentation in class. The oral report itself should be a 8-10-minute talk that is well-focused and illustrated.
The project should reflect both solid research and effective presentation (equally important in marking). Students explore particular aspects of Hispanic culture and share what they learn with classmates in ways that encourage discussion and further study.

topic: From the official lists included with the course programme, you must select ONE AUTONOMOUS REGION OF SPAIN OR SPANISH-SPEAKING COUNTRY (other than Spain). Note: There can be no duplication of topics in each tutorial group.
In choosing and developing a topic, you must consult the lecturer in his office hours.

preparation: The report should have TWO PARTS: general context (summary) and specific focus (detail). Each part should take up equal amounts of presentation time. For example, you select Galicia with summary of its culture and focus on Santiago; or you select Cuba with summary of political history and focus on 1959 Revolution.

presentation: You should use VISUAL AIDS: maps, pictures, tables, etc. (with posters, OHP [overhead projector] transparencies, illustrated library books, and/or whiteboard). You must also prepare HANDOUTS: a one-page outline (with themes, terms, dates, references, etc.) along with one page of illustrations with some key images, maps or tables. Handouts need to be photocopied by the students giving the reports and distributed to all classmates and lecturer on the day of the presentation.

project: The essays are library research projects that reflect a critical and balanced review of one particular aspect of Hispanic culture based on major reference works. For each essay write 3-4 full pages (about 1000 words) that should be typewritten or computer-printed, with double spacing and one-inch margin all around the text.

topic: You must select ONE PERSON FROM SPAIN and ONE PERSON FROM LATIN AMERICA who are significant for Hispanic culture in general. The persons may come from any category, period or place: for example, historical or legendary figures, political or military leaders, authors or literary characters, artists, musical composers or performers, scientists, activists, popular entertainers, athletes, etc.
In choosing and developing a topic, you must consult the lecturer in his office hours.

development: You may find it useful to include these FIVE PARTS in your essay:

1. introduction: cultural significance of selected person for Hispanic world;
   
2. summary and focus (facts, names, dates, etc.) as general background and as highlights of person’s ‘cultural career’ and special accomplishments;
   
3. characteristic examples (description, action, story, etc.) that can serve to illustrate important features about the person’s life, work and/or times;
   
4. issues of interpretation [optional] (from references consulted): distinctive or controversial aspects about person’s life or work and its significance;
   
5. conclusion: critical review (balance sheet rather than summary) of key facts, characteristics, references and/or issues about person’s ‘career’.

Parts (a) and (e) can be brief (half a page), other parts can take up one page each.