Assessment

1. Participation (15 points): You must be in class regularly and punctually and remain until the end to participate in discussion. After missing 1 class, ( equivalent to a week of full semester classes) you will lose points for each successive absence. There are no excused absences.

2. Weekly Response Papers (15 points) Each Thursday at the start of class, I will collect a typed weekly response paper of about 300 words which engages with the readings for the week. Each response will include at least one substantive discussion question. They cannot be emailed but must be hardcopy. They are not essays, so they do not require evidence for the reading you give, but they are places for exploring and experimenting with the readings. If you want feedback on an idea for the research essay, indicate this on the response paper.

3. Presentations (20 points). This is an opportunity for you to present your research and/or work in progress about a particular author or related subject. Your presentation of at least 30 minutes will serve as a point of departure for further discussion which you will facilitate. The presentation must be accompanied by a typed handout that you distribute in the class period before your report. It should not exceed two pages (one sheet front and back) and will contain the following information:

A. The title of the presentation and the name of the presenter

B. The text(s) you expect your fellow students to have studied

C. A summary of your major ideas and observations

D. The sources/web sites you have consulted

E. A question or questions you want the group to discuss.

The handout will allow all of us to think through your report in advance and formulate helpful questions and responses. A sign-up sheet for these presentations is posted on my office door. To enhance your learning and the use of your time, consider building on your oral report for the final research paper. Use the class as a testing ground for your argument.

4. Research Essay. You are required to write a 3000 word essay that should engage some of the major critical statements relating to the writer/themes of your choice. The word number does not include the endnotes and the bibliography which must be done MLA style. The minimum number of pages for the essay itself is 10 pages. Please see me in my office at least two weeks before the essay is due to discuss your topic.

Many of the ideas contained in this description are inspired by syllabus requirements of my colleague and friend Dr. Michael Wutz