SOAN 349: Frontiers & Borders
MW 2:45-4:00, Alumni 108
Colgate University
 Spring 2005 Professor Thomas Hall
 NEW Office:  B3 Alumni, x7042, email:  tdhall@mail.colgate.edu
 OFFICE HOURS:  M 4-5, TU 2-3, W 11-12, & by appointment
Last Updated 3-28-05
Commenting on Case Studies

LISTENERS:
Listen for, and ask questions about the following:

• Is the frontier or border described clearly?
• Is there sufficient information to make comparisons with other borders and frontiers?
• Do the conclusions follow from the evidence?
• What additional information would strengthen the case?
• Can you think of alternative interpretations or conclusions?
• If you have alternatives can you suggest ways to decide which is correct?
• How does this border or frontier compare with the border or frontier you are studying?
• Does it add, subtract, modify, or strengthen your own analysis?
• How does this border or frontier compare with the borders and frontiers we have studied so far in this course?
• Can you suggest other comparisons that will strengthen the presenter's argument?
• Which parts, if any, of the case study need strengthening?
• Which parts, if any, of the case study are adequate or superior?
• Any other helpful suggestion.

Finally list what YOU, the listener thinks are the 3 or 4 key processes or factors shaping this frontier or border.

Taking Notes, Making Comments
Remember the point of this part of the course and the presentations is to strengthen everyone's case study. Every presenter should feel safe in presenting problems and where s/he is stuck. If you disagree about a proposed solution, you should present your case respectfully, but remain aware that most borders or frontiers have many aspects, and none are clear or sure-fire. The presentations and comments are the heart of the course. Take them seriously. I will!

During presentationaeveryone must make notes and comments on each presentation [except for your own group]. I want written comments, suggestions, and questions ON EACH PRESENTATION in WRITING or email handed in to me by the next day . I will copy them and collate them so that each presenter can pick up comments on her/his presentation.

Each presenter will use these comments and the feedback from the classto make a revision plan which they will discuss with me.

NOTE: Given the quick turn around, it is imperative that you do this immediately. If you take good notes during the presentation this should take you about half an hour or so. Thus, put it in your schedule each presentation day. EVERYTHING ELSE must wait, rush, house meetings, studying for midterms, etc.until after you submit your comments.

Send comments or questions to tdhall@mail.colgate.edu
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