Assignments and grading:
(1)Five papers:
paper 1 (c. 1-2 pp., due 9/13): an exposition of an argument;
paper 2 (c. 2-3 pp., due 10/4): an exposition of an argument and presentation of a possible objection;
paper 3 (c. 3-4 pp. due 10/25): presentation of arguments on each side of an issue with an evaluation of their relative strength;
paper 4 (c. 6-8 pp., due 11/22): development of a position on an issue, including a consideration of objections to it;
paper 5 (c. 3-4 pp., due 12/18): a paper analogous in form to paper 3, written on material from the last part of the course.
All will be on topics arising from the texts you read; I will suggest the form each paper should take, but you will have substantial freedom of choice in the topic.
(2)Regular, prepared, and active participation in class (which could include completion of brief writing assignments in preparation for, or during, class).
Your final grade will be based on these in the following way: 10%, 10%, 15%, 30%, and 15%, respectively, for the papers, and 20% for class participation.
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 missing of deadlines will have an effect on your participation grade.