PLSC 491 Horticulture Senior Seminar

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this course is to get experience in the organization and delivery of a seminar on selected horticultural topics. Emphasis is placed on review of literature, writing a scientific summary, organization of speech, preparation of slides or transparencies, effective delivery of speech, and answering questions from the audience. In addition, all students are required to prepare a resume for review and future use.

SEMINAR

1. Scientific topic chosen by student and approved by instructor.
2. Topic must be different than one chosen by another student.
3. Based on at least 1 scientific journal article (peer-reviewed article).
4. Web-site articles may be used but are not acceptable as the scientific article.
5. Must include one of your own data tables or data figures developed or copied from the peer-reviewed article. Whether developed or copied, it must be properly cited.
6. Must be at least 20 minutes in length prior to questions.

GRADING

• Must be at least 5 double-spaced pages in length.
• Must include the table/graph from your presentation.
• Must cite literature using one acceptable method (e.g. author/year or number method).
• Must include Literature Cited section

2.

• Must be a PowerPoint (or other suitable multimedia) presentation.
• Student is responsible for supplying visuals and knowing how to use equipment.
• Visuals should be simple, clear, and easy-to-read.
• Students should avoid reading extensively from a prepared text or from notes.
• Properly cite "data" table or "data figure" from peer-reviewed article.
• Deducted 2 pts. each minute the presentation is short from the 20 min requirement.

Self-evaluation of video-taped presentation (5 pts.)

• The day after each presentation, videotaping of each presenter will be available on Blackboard.
• Student will view their videotaped presentation, fill out a self-evaluation, and return to the instructor the next class session.

4.

• Student will prepare a 1-2 page resume. Resumes are due the Friday prior to Spring Break.

5.

• Unless absence is due to a university approved excuse or approved by an instructor, failure to attend or fill out an evaluation sheet (including comments) for oral presentations will result in the loss of 5 points for each presentation.
• Evaluation sheets are to critique the presentation and help the presenter. Each student is expected to include numerous constructive comments and a question to ask after the presentation.
• Unless due to a university approved excuse or given prior approval by an instructor, any written assignments turned in later than the day they are due will automatically be cut 50% prior to grading.

Extra-credit opportunity (5 pts.).

• Students must arrange with the instructor for an opportunity to practice their multimedia presentation at least a week in advance of their presentation and perform the practice presentation to receive extra credit.

RESOURCES

Students who need assistance in preparation of seminar materials should see their advisors or the course instructor for help. Transparencies for overhead projection and other supplies may be obtained from Louise in the main office. Those who need to prepare slides should see the instructor for checking out a camera and, a copying stand, other photographing equipments.

Useful References:

• ASHS Publications Style Manual. To order: http://www.ashs.org/ashspress/pressform.html

• Council of Biology Editors. 1994. Scientific Style and Format: The CBE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers, 6th ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 825 pp.

• Gopen, G.D. and J.A. Swan. 1990. The science of scientific writing. American Scientist 78:550-558.

• Professional Journals in Hoticulture: HortScience, HortTechnology, etc.

Possible Useful Links:

• http://www.m-w.com/home.htm ( Merriam-Webster On-line website)
• http://www.bates.edu/~ganderso/biology/resources/writing/HTWsections.html (How To Write A Paper In Scientific Journal Style And Format)
• http://www.library.qmw.ac.uk/sci/citbiol.htm (Citing References: Biological Sciences)
• http://www.augsburg.edu/library/research/writing.html (Style Manuals & Help with Citing Resources)
• http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/cybermail/cyberhelp.htm (Research and Project Help)
• http://writing.colostate.edu/references/speaking.htm (Writing at CSU)
• http://www.kumc.edu/SAH/OTEd/jradel/effective.html (Effective Presentations)
• http://www.lgta.org (Land-Grant Training Alliance Online Lessons)
• http://www.ashs.org/authors/index.html ( Helpful Advice for Authors of ASHS Serial Publications)

Disabilities:
Any student with disabilities, or others who need special accommodations in this class, are invited to share their concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.

Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism:
All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU Senate policy, Section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and conduct. (http://www.ndsu.edu/policy/335.htm)