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Participation, Class
Attendance and Class Citizenship
Regular class attendance is essential for this course. Forty percent of your final grade in the course will be based on your class participation and your thoughtful reactions to class readings. In short, you are expected to attend class, actively participate in class discussions and in-class projects, and complete assignments when they are due. Much of this course has a seminar format, which means that the course is discussion-intensive. In-class exercises and small group discussions cannot be made-up out of class, so consistent attendance is absolutely critical to getting the most out of this course. Thus, both attendance and the quality and quantity of your participation in the seminar figure in as part of your class participation grade. Instead of tests on the readings, you will show your knowledge of the assigned reading material based on your contributions to class discussion on the readings and on your written reactions. Any in-class written assignments or exercises will also be considered as part of your class participation grade.
If health or personal problems arise that necessitate your missing class, please contact me prior to the missed class or as soon as possible afterwards. You are responsible for finding out from a classmate or me any assignments, announcements, instructions, etc., that were discussed in class. Three or more unexcused absences will significantly lower your final grade.
Feel free to offer questions, honest reactions, and opposing viewpoints, always respecting the different opinions expressed by your classmates. Be sure to come to class on time and stay until the end. Remember that class is not the place to sleep, read the newspaper, talk on your cell phone or work on homework.