ENGL 0631 American Postmodernism

Dr. Filas

500 Word Theory PrÈcis & Oral Presentation (20% course grade)

A 500-word theory prÈcis gives you approximately two double-spaced pages, or one single-spaced page in which to summarize a key element, the primary component(s) as you understand them from the reading. You should include at least one brief quote, maybe two or three, but in the space allowed, youπll need to really strategize which element of the theory seems to be central. I have used the term prÈcis to distinguish the product from a mere summary. A summary does not allow for the same discrimination and decision making necessary to present a solid prÈcis. A good prÈcis will selectively summarize and articulate, in isolation, a distillation of the key point from the reading.

You will bring a copy of your prÈcis for each member of class, and give a ten-minute oral presentation on the theory, including the application of the theory to one or more texts (film, tv show, literature, art, fashion, advertisement, music—anything) from American culture. In this way, you will help the class understand the usefulness of the theory by 1) providing a thoughtful precise summary, and 2) demonstrating how the theory can illuminate a primary text of some sort.