Requirements:
Writing:
Three graded papers,
on a topic arising from the texts you read (I will assign the general form of the paper and the type of topic, but the specific topic will be your choice),
(2)a longer paper of 5-6 pp. (due 12/20)
developing your own views on a topic related to what you have read, and
interspersed among the papers.
Participation:
Regular, prepared, and active
(4)participation in class discussion
and timely completion of graded assignments.
Your final grade will be based on these in the following way: 10%, 20% and 40%, respectively for the graded papers, 7.5% each for the timely and serious completion of ungraded writing assignments, and 15% for participation in discussion and other aspects of class participation. (When you receive credit for an ungraded assignment, its portion of your final grade will be figured using your highest grade for other aspects of the course, so completion of the ungraded assignments will alter the proportions above in a way that could raise but cannot lower your grade.)
Attendance and due dates:
As part of my evaluation of your participation, I will be keeping a record of your attendance. You will be automatically excused if you notify me in advance that you will miss a class (e-mail or voice-mail messages are fine). After the fact, I will expect you to have a good reason. Due dates for the papers are subject to negotiation. I set a default due date for the class, but I am willing to set individual due dates (within reason) for those who find that inconvenient. My policy on missed deadlines is similar to that on missed classes: I’ll re-negotiate the deadline (again within reason) if I hear in advance; but after the fact, I’ll expect an excuse. Unexcused missed deadlines will have an effect on your participation grade.