Class Participation (30%): This course will be run as a seminar, thus participation in class discussion is essential. In order to fully participate in the class, please complete all reading assignments before class. Attendance will be taken throughout the semester. Any unexcused absences will impact the credit you receive for class participation. In-class discussions, feedback forms, and assignments will be included in class participation.
Class Discussion Facilitator (10%): As a facilitator, you and your co-facilitator(s) prepare a brief 15 to 20-minute presentation for the beginning of class at which you are welcome to bring additional materials (video, news articles, other online content), and after which you will help to facilitate the class discussion. Please do not only summarize the reading, but pose questions to the class for thoughtful debate. On the day of your presentation, please hand in your outline as a group. Facilitation sign-up sheet.
Reading responses (20%): We will have 2 asynchronous classes throughout the semester in which the assignment is to write a reading response on the readings or podcasts assigned. Responses should be 1–2 pages double-spaced and are to be uploaded to Blackboard. You should not only summarize the reading but include your own deep and rigorous analysis.
In-Class Debate (20%): Each student will participate in two debates during the semester, crafting clear arguments and counter arguments. You will be graded on your participation, the strength and clarity of your convincing argument, and your outside research.
Research Paper (20%): Each student is assigned to write a 5-page academic paper on the topic of your choosing. Please pick a topic (either that has been covered in class, or any topic relevant to the course) that you’re interested in researching. Detailed guidelines for this research paper will be disseminated during the semester. The final version of the paper is due on the last day of the semester.
HANDING IN WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: Please submit all written assignments via Blackboard or email on the class date on which the assignment is due.
OVERALL COURSE SCORE GRADING SCALE:
A 94 – 100% A- 90 – 93%
B+ 87 – 89% B 84 – 86% B- 80 – 83%
C+ 77 – 79% C 74 – 76% C- 70 – 73%
D+ 67 – 69% D 64 – 66% D- 60 – 63% F <59%
EXTRA CREDIT: There are no extra credit assignments. Grading will be done on a scale.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Deadlines are human made and so they can changed by humans. If an assignment is going to be late, please let me know ahead of time. I will say, as a student, my papers rarely get better with more time, and it’s best to relinquish the work when it’s due. However, I know things come up, so please just communicate and we will figure it out.
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