SOAN 453B: SENIOR SEMINAR:
Senior Seminar:  Issues in Contemporary Sociology:
Social Problems in Global-Historical Perspective
WED 2:45-5:15 AL 432
Colgate University
Fall 2004 Professor Thomas Hall
Office:  408 Alumni, x7083, email:  tdhall@mail.colgate.edu
OFFICE HOURS:  Tu 2:45-4; W 1:30-2:30 & 5:20-6, Th 12-1, & by appt
Commenting on Presentations
Last Updated 9-29-04

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

• Is the Social Problem described clearly?
• Is there sufficient information to make comparisons with other social problems?
• 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 social problem compare with the social problem you are studying? Does it add, subtract, modify, or strengthen your own analysis?
• How does this social problem compare with the social problems we have studied in the first part of the seminar? Can you suggest other comparisons that will strengthen the presenter's argument?
• Which parts, if any, of the thesis need strengthening?
• Which parts, if any, of the thesis are adequate or superior?
• Any other helpful suggestion.

Taking Notes, Making Comments
Remember the point of a seminar and presentation is to strengthen everyone's thesis. 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 social problems have many solutions, and none are clear or sure-fire. The presentations and comments are the heart of the seminar. Take them seriously. I will!

On presentation nights everyone must make notes and comments on each presentation. I want written comments, suggestions, and questions ON EACH PRESENTATION in WRITING handed in to me by Thursday noon or even better emailed to me. 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 seminar to 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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