The Mushroom at the End of the World
“Tsing, Mushroom, vii-viii, 1-36”
Presentation
Each student will give an oral presentation on the reading assigned for a particular session. The
presentations should not summarize every aspect of the reading for that day, but be organized
around a well-defined thesis, and should critically engage the main argument developed in the text. The
presentation should serve as a springboard for discussion and so should conclude with one well-
thought-out question that engages the audience to reflect and comment on what has been said.
Grades will account for both form and content. Presentations should be 6-8 minutes long. You will
not be allowed to read your presentation, though you can use one page of notes. You may use a
powerpoint.
Grading Rubric
Introduction to Political Theory
Kellan Anfinson
Delivery (speed, eye contact, clarity, visuals, time) 2 pts
Style (did you engage the audience) 1.5 pts
Organization (logical flow of the points) 2 pts
Content (relevance and grasp of the subject) 3 pts
Questions (asked and answered) 1.5 pts
Public speaking contains a number of key components, each of which is worth
taking into consideration as you prepare and perfect your presentation. When it
comes to delivery, you don’t want to read, but make eye contact with a variety of
people in the audience (don’t just look at the professor). Speak slow enough for
people to follow your points but fast enough to keep their minds focused on the
presentation. Be sure to respect minimum and maximum time limits (this means
practicing at least once before you give the presentation in class). Pay attention to
your style: perhaps pose direct questions during the presentation. Vary your voice
depending on the content. Avoid monotony in rhythm and tone. Open in a way that
hooks the audience. Make sure your talk is logically organized so that the audience
can follow your thought process and reach the conclusion toward which you’re
leading them. Of course all of this is a way to convey the content, which is the heart
of the presentation: make sure that you have chosen relevant content for discussion,
that you have a strong grasp of the material, and are ready to support your
interpretation of the material. Finally, you should ask an interesting question at the
end. It is best if it is one that your discussion engages and leads to, but remains
unclear and open to exploration. Throwaway questions are boring and unlikely to
attract discussion (if you ask the class what 2+2 is, it won’t be because they don’t
know the answer that they don’t raise their hands). You should also be prepared to
discuss questions that audience members have for you.
