Overview

In this assignment it is your turn to create a mini-lecture, ten minutes in length, about a subject in the history of sport that is of interest to you. The key to success on this assignment is to select a topic that will allow you to go into detail about the subject matter and make larger connections to both historical significance and some of the themes discussed in the course (i.e. spiritual/religious elements, professionalization, standardization, race, gender, etc.).  Some suggested topics are listed below, but you are free to choose your own topic provided that it can be classified as “sports history.” It is not recommended that you select a topic past 2010, as there will not be the historical scholarship to generate an effective presentation.

Please feel free to email me for advice/feedback on your topics!

You must use a minimum of five academic sources (books, e-books, journal articles). You may also use newspaper/magazine articles, once your five academic sources are met. The use of primary sources is encouraged but not required. Websites are forbidden on this assignment (other than for historical newspapers and magazine articles). If in doubt, please feel free to send me an email, for feedback on the source in question.

Your presentation will utilize PowerPoint slides, and information/photos should be cited with both an end-slide bibliography, as well as parenthetic references on your slides, in Chicago Style:

For more information, see the Chicago Manual of Style through UWO Libraries.

You can deliver your presentation one of three ways, and the resources for doing so are listed below. In PowerPoint, you are able to both record a presentation and save it, making it self-guided. You can also easily record audio narration to add to each slide. If you are feeling adventurous, Zoom also allows you to record yourself giving a lecture while sharing the PowerPoint screen. All three formats are acceptable but can take a little bit of time to master. If you have any questions, please reach out well in advance of the deadline for help and support.

Resources on Making/Recording a Presentation

Recording a Presentation in Powerpoint - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/record-a-presentation-2570dff5-f81c-40bc-b404-e04e95ffab33

Add Audio to Powerpoint Slides Individually – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/add-or-delete-audio-in-your-powerpoint-presentation-c3b2a9fd-2547-41d9-9182-3dfaa58f1316

Record Lecture on Zoom – https://www.ou.edu/cas-online/website/documents/Using%20Zoom%20to%20Record%20Presentations.pdf

• Note: Start your slideshow before selecting “Share Screen” on Zoom

o If you have video/audio, select “Optimize for Video” under “Share Screen”

Grading Scheme

90+ - Deep command of the subject matter, extensively researched, polished and professional delivery, engages not only with multiple historical connections but also the historiography.

80-89 – Detailed discussion of the subject matter, well-researched, robust delivery, makes strong historical connections and shows some engagement with the historiography.

70-79 – Key elements of the subject are discussed, five academic sources are utilized, clear delivery, historical significance of the subject is explored but connections could be stronger

60-69 – On one or two points the subject could be explored more deeply, effort made towards five academic sources, delivery is adequate, historical significance is discussed but needs a much deeper engagement.

50-59 – Subject matter needs deeper exploration, insufficient sources, delivery shows need of rehearsal, little to no discussion of historical significance of the topic. A presentation that is mostly biography or sports journalism instead of history.

49 and Below – Presentation fails to meet multiple criteria for success

Please note: This grading guide is just to provide a general overview of how the assignment will be marked, it does not constitute a detailed rubric. If there are any questions or concerns about how to succeed and achieve a specific grade, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Potential Topics – please feel free to use these solely as a guide to choose your own topic!