Evaluation:
Evaluation: Grades will be based on three response papers, participation in section, two to four quizzes, a final exam, and a research paper. The breakdown of your final grade is as follows:
3 Response papers: |
15% (maximum 3 pages each) |
Participation in section: |
10% |
Research Paper: |
40% total |
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Quizzes: |
5% |
Final Exam |
30% |
Additionally, students may have the opportunity to attend public lectures, where arrangements for extra credit will be specified. Up to .1 (on the 4 point scale) can be gained through extra-credit, depending on availability of speakers. Each extra-credit opportunity can earn .05 on the 4 point scale (so extra credit for a maximum of two opportunities).
The course is not graded on a curve. You are responsible for keeping copies of everything you turn in.
Quizzes:
There will be up to four pop quizzes done in section (each t.a. may draw up his or her own quiz). We will take your top two quiz grades. Note: Expect that there will be a quiz on the syllabus in the first week of the class. Most of the quiz information will come from readings in the New York Times.
Final Examination:
The final has been set by the University for Wednesday March 16th, 2:30-4:20. It will be a closed book, closed note examination. It will be composed of three sections: short answers on some major themes, events, people, and dates from the course; an essay that will present a New York Times article and ask you to comment on it using information from the course; and another essay section. Study guides for the first and third part of the exam will be presented in the last week or so of class.