The LLM-SJD weekly seminar is held at the Law School during the fall and spring semesters. The seminar is a chance for new and continuing LLM and SJD students to hear about each other's research efforts -- struggles and successes -- as well as to hear special presentations related to advance legal research and writing techniques. It is also a time to take a break from your research and get together with your program peers.
When and where does the seminar meet?
Every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters. For the fall 2007 semester, the seminar meets on Tuesday afternoons. If there is a cancellation or
any change in room or time, etc., it will be noted on the main webpage "For
Current Students" under "Quick Updates."
Regular attendance is expected as part of your LLM and SJD program. If you need to miss a class, notify the Chair, Prof. Gerald Thain, at gjthain@wisc.edu
The main purposes of the "work-in progress" presentations in the LLM/SJD seminar are
- To give each person a chance to talk about his or her research in front of a friendly audience composed of peers;
- To give each person the experience of preparing a formal presentation to a group of other academically-minded people;
- To give those in the “audience” a chance (1) to hear what others in the two research programs are doing, (2) to ask questions about others’ research, and (3) to exchange ideas about research projects.
INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR PRESENTATION IN THE LLM/SJD SEMINAR
BASICS OF YOUR PRESENTATION:
At least three days before the day of your presentation: Send by email attachment to the other LLM and SJD students and to Prof. Thain an “abstract” (brief summary) of your research project including the questions that you are trying to resolve and also a current outline of your research project. These will give the seminar students a brief introduction to your project and will help them be alert listeners as well as determine the questions that they may have about your research. The seminar students will print these and bring them to class.
On the day before your presentation: Prepare a handout of your presentation and send the file of your handout to the Graduate Programs Office by Monday afternoon, in care of epellett@wisc.edu (Ms. Pellett). The handout should be short -- no more than one page -- and should outline the important points that you will be covering in your presentation. Ms. Pellett will have copies made of your handout and will leave them for you on the chair outside of the Center's main door. Pick these copies up and take them to the seminar with you. The Graduate Programs Office will make copies of your handout for you to distribute at the beginning of class.
On the day of your presentation:
Prof. Thain or other moderator will introduce you as the presenter. Make
sure that everyone has received a copy of your handout. The presenter usually
presents from the front of the classroom, talks either sitting or standing,
and then asks for questions. DO NOT READ A PRESENTATION! You should know your material well enough so that you can talk through your presentation, referring to your notes occasionally as you present.
Timing of your presentation: Your presentation
should be around 25-30 minutes. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE A LONG PRESENTATION -- IT BECOMES DIFFICULT FOR THE REST OF THE GROUP TO SIT THROUGH! You should have about 20 minutes remaining for
questions from the group and discussion of those questions, as well as a few
minutes at the end of the class for announcements. The class itself is
55 minutes long.
Your presentation, a total of 25-30 minutes, should include
a substantive part and a process part, as explained here:
For the substantive part: Tell about your overall topic and the thesis you are trying to establish with your research. If you do not have a firm thesis yet, state what you think your thesis might be. Explain why you became interested in your research topic. Choose one area of your research that is of particular interest to you and make that be the focus of your presentation.
For the process part: Tell what research approaches
and sources you have used; tell about what has worked well and what has been
a disappointment to you in the progress of your research. Tell about any
surprises – especially pleasant ones – that have helped you to progress
in your research. Research usually is not a smooth, straight line of progress;
others are interested in hearing how you are approaching your research project.
Tell the group what your future research and writing plans are.
After your presentation, you can ask the students for their questions. You can also feel free to let the students ask questions during your presentation. In either case, respond to the questions as best as you can. The idea is to encourage discussion as a result of your presentation. You should feel to ask questions to the group, if you wish.
After your presentation: After your presentation, please send a short (1-3 paragraphs only) evaluation to Professor Thain (gjthain@wisc.edu), letting Prof. Thain know how you felt your presentation went. Include any comments that you think would be helpful for future presenters in their preparation. Also, please let Prof. Thain know whether he has permission to let your comments be known to the group or whether you prefer to have them kept confidential. The suggestions of the students in the LLM/SJD seminar help improve its effectiveness and we appreciate hearing your comments, both positive and not so positive.
If you have specific questions about your presentation,
send an email to Prof. Thain, gjthain@wisc.edu, in advance with your questions.