Integrative
Biology 103
Critical
Analysis of a Lecture or Seminar
During the semester we will announce appropriate general audience seminars or
lectures dealing with plant biology or the environment. You may attend one or
more of these seminars and write a summary and critical analysis of the seminar.
If you would like to attend any other lectures or seminars that are not announced
in class or on our website, please get prior approval from Beth (you
will need to show her a seminar announcement or description of the seminar).
The critical analysis of a single seminar is worth
up to 2% of your course grade (depending on the quality of your work). You participate
in up to three extra credit projects throughout the semester to receive up to
a total of 6% extra credit.
Please note the guidelines on seminar etiquette and read the requirements
for the project before you attend a seminar.
Seminar Etiquette:
- Arrive early. Seating may be limited.
- Stay late. The most interesting part of a seminar
like this is usually the question and answer session at the end.
- Do not leave during the seminar. If you do not
have time to attend the entire seminar and the question and answer session
don't try to do this project. Not only will you not get the whole story, it
is inconsiderate to get up and walk out. You will not receive credit if you
leave a seminar early.
In order to earn the 2% extra credit
for this project you must:
1. Attend the entire lecture and the question
and answer period after the lecture.
2. Take notes and turn
in a photocopy of your notes with your paper.
3. Type a summary and critique of the talk (at
least four typed pages of text, double-spaced, 12 point, with maximum
one-inch margins on all sides).
In your paper, you must explicitly address
all of the following points:
4. Complete your seminar paper and give it to
Beth (426 NHB) not more than two weeks after the
lecture or seminar.