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You are asked to develop a 5 – 7 minute oral presentation in which you will impart information you have learned through research about a specific exotic culture. Keep in mind that this class is titled Issues in Literature and Culture – not Geography or History. Your presentation should encompass information about the country’s language(s), foods, clothes, art, music, dance, traditions, morals, values, etc. It is ok to point to the area on a map, but not to expound on the region’s size, terrain, demographics, or historical relevance, UNLESS any of those things relate to or have affected the area’s culture. The same holds true for mentioning historical facts without making the data the focus of your presentation.
Think about what language(s) are spoken there. What are their typical or staple foods? Are there any special holiday celebrations that are noteworthy? Who are its artists, and what type of art is produced? Is there a specific type of dance that originated in the country? What type of music is listened to? How are women and children valued? Is there a major religion/belief? If it’s a region you are covering, don’t just talk about 1 or 2 countries, try to cover a more comprehensive area. Give us a “taste” of the country/region.
Time will be a factor. Be sure your time is organized properly, shouldn’t be too long nor too short. Time seems to always be the aspect that hurts the person the most. The information and how clearly it is delivered is part of the grade.
Make sure to introduce what region/country you’re presenting. A simple mention of what culture you’re going to be talking about is fine, something at least to smooth into the presentation, rather than just a cold jump into the presentation.
You’re welcome to be creative with your presentation. Don’t let the other media speak for YOU! The media is used to enhance your information. If you use a video make sure it’s no longer than 30 seconds; if you want to show something longer then you should mute the volume and talk over the scenes. And, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not read the PowerPoint slides to us. We can read for ourselves. You can refer to the slides and read some of the information on it, but don’t make it your script. If you’re going to read, use note cards or regular paper for your information. Also, don’t forget you have an audience. Look up every so often; try to make the presentation as natural as possible.

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