Presentation Rubric
Superceded Scientific Theories & Paradigm Change
Assignment Overview
Each student gives a short presentation on a superceded scientific theory of their choosing, framed through Kuhn’s account of paradigm change (Structure, through Ch. 8).
Requirements:
- Visual component — slides (or an equivalent visual aid).
- Talking component — you present to us; you don’t read a script. Note cards for prompts/reminders are fine.
- Length: 10–12 minutes.
- Content: touch on relevant elements of Kuhn — paradigm, normal science, anomaly, crisis, and/or response to crisis — as they apply to your chosen theory.
- Slides: should not be text-dense. Use them to support what you’re saying, not to say it for you.
- Working Together: As a paired project, you may divide the presentation into two parts, but each of you should speak for at least 5 minutes. You may also choose to present together, alternating back and forth.
Rubric
| Criterion | What I’m looking for | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Kuhnian Content | Clearly explains the superseded theory itself, and explicitly connects it to at least one Kuhnian concept from Ch. 1–8 (paradigm, normal science, anomaly, crisis, response to crisis). Historical details are accurate. | 35 |
| Delivery (Talking) | Speaks to the audience rather than reading a script word-for-word. Note cards are fine as prompts, not as a page to read from. Comfortable command of the material, reasonable pacing and eye contact. | 25 |
| Visual Component (Slides) | Includes slides that support the talk rather than substitute for it — not walls of text; used to show images, key terms, or structure rather than full sentences the presenter reads aloud. | 25 |
| Time Management | Falls within the 10–12 minute window. | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
Notes on Common Deductions
- Reading slides verbatim, word-for-word, in place of talking to the audience.
- Slides packed with dense paragraphs of text rather than key points, images, or structure.
- Running significantly under 10 minutes or over 12 minutes.
- No clear connection drawn to Kuhn’s framework — a purely historical report on the theory, with no paradigm-change lens.