The Sisters Brothers Seminar

1. The Sisters Brothers Seminar What does a successful seminar looks like?

2. PART 1 – Quotations/ Thesis • Select the best 2-3 quotations after you finish reading each part of the novel and analyze them in terms of how they fit into your seminar (the literature circles should really be helping with this). • Establish a thesis for your seminar based on what you have collected. (You, and your partner, may use the same thesis with different points to prove it, or you may each come up with your own thesis. This is why you will need a bank of many quotations to select from. The more examples you have collected, the more options you have to help prove your thesis.)

3. PART 1 – Handout • Each group member will produce a one page (back and front) handout for the teacher that outlines your thesis, uses quotations and examples to support your thesis, and provides explanation of how your example is relevant in relation to the thesis. Use a deep analysis of the text here. • You will also include a discussion question(s) on your handout. This discussion question should get your classmates thinking and talking about the topic and how it relates to the text. • The last element on your handout is a brief explanation of your symbolic representation (part 2) • You will each need to provide copies of your handouts for the class (unless you give me a copy of your completed handout the day before, then I will photocopy it for you).

4. PART 1 – Presentation • Present your seminar to the class. I will be marking your presentation skills.

5. PART 2 – Symbolic Representation • Create a visual to accompany your seminar handout. For example, it can be a painting, sculpture, a collage, a poster board with images, etc. The visual should be symbolic of your viewpoint on the seminar topic and how you have explored that topic in the novel. Do not just recreate a scene from the novel.

6. What does a successful seminar look like/ NOT look like? • DO: • Organized • Visually Appealing/Interesting- colourful/ fun to look at • Well rehearsed • Eye contact • Interactive/ engage the audience • Gestures • Confidence • DON’T: • Don’t turn back to audience • No fidgeting • Movements should not be distracting

7. What does a successful seminar sound like/ NOT sound like? • DO: • Emphasized key points • Clear, voice projects (not too loud, not too quiet) • Fluent – conversational tone, but not too informal/ or casual • DON’T: • Don’t mumble, avoid “ums, ahs, like” • Don’t just read the screen/ your sheet • Don’t end it with “That’s all” or “I’m done” or “Yep, so that’s it”

8. Seminar Tips: • Consider Your Audience • Make An Outline of Speaking Points • Start with your introduction. This should inform your audience of the topic on which you're speaking and its value to them, plus give a very brief overview of the points you plan to discuss. • Move on to the body of your seminar and make a list of points you want to touch on. You need at least two points to get your message across; three is better. Under each heading in your list, write out a couple of details to help guide you when it's time to present. • Finish with your conclusion. This should be brief but tie in each point you made during the seminar. It should leave your audience on a positive note and give them some kind of action to take, if applicable.

9. Seminar Tips: • Visual Aids (You must have a symbolic representation & handout – make them count!) • The goal is to get your message across clearly. The visual aids also help break up your seminar into chunks so you avoid monotony. • Practice Giving Your Seminar Using Your Outline • You want to appear relaxed yet professional; you should feel comfortable with what you're saying. Get feedback from others and make revisions as needed. Also practice your gestures and mannerisms. A mirror can help with this so you see if you're being too dramatic or too stiff. • Present Your Seminar Using Your Outline • Speak up and speak clearly. Speak slower than you normally would in a conversation so people can retain the information. Periodically ask if anyone has any questions and clarify things as you go. Thank your audience for their attention when you're wrapping it up.

10. Rubric - KNOWLEDGE • Student demonstrates knowledge of the text and includes all of the required components of the assignment with detail and care. • Organized 1 page double sided (handout) • Thesis connected to topic • Concise explanation of text and how it supports the thesis using evidence from the novel • Symbolic representation • Explanation of symbolism for symbolic representation

11. Rubric - THINKING • Thesis is sophisticated and is supported using details from the text. • Analysis is thoughtful and investigative rather than simplistic and obvious in scope • Symbolic representation is thoughtful and accurate. The symbols are reflective of the text and logically connected to the topic.

12. Rubric - COMMUNICATION • Student uses proper grammar and punctuation • Sentences are clear with sophisticated use of diction both written and verbal. • Students uses presentation skills effectively (makes eye contact, uses the space and effectively, uses gestures, changes vocal range and intonation, speaks fluently, etc.)

13. Rubric - APPLICATION • Student makes connections within the text through the thesis and supporting arguments and the visual representation

14. Logistics: • How long should the seminar be? • 10-20min • Presentation Dates: • Thursday, April 3, 2014 • Aly • Connor & Michael • Derek • Nathan • Sara • Friday, April 4, 2014 • Rowan & Matthew • Sahar & Victoria • Zach • Ally

15. Logistics: • Presentation Dates: • Monday, April 7, 2014 • Rachel • Stephen • Jorgen & Robert • Chantal • Grace • Wednesday, April 9, 2014 (if needed) • Dana • Beth • Jessica & Bailey • Tanner & Brenden

16. Logistics: • NOTE: All handouts/ symbolic representations etc. are DUE Thursday, April 3, 2014 • You must email me by midnight on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 if you want me to photocopy your handout for you.