Overview

Grading for this class is based in expectations about student performance. It seems worthwhile to spell out the most important of these in some detail. They fall in three areas:

Readings:

ALL assigned readings are required -- every one of them contains "some of the most important things." That's why they're assigned!

Class time is for expansion on topics you've become familiar with in the readings, and for development of themes, ideas, etc., not covered in the readings.

You'll need to cover and understand the assigned readings on your own in order to pass the tests. You'll need to take notes and pay attention in class to get a really good grade.

Time Commitment

Doing "well" requires putting in time outside class. The assignments in this class (readings and projects) are designed to require @ 3 hours outside class each week for each course credit hour (that's 3 hrs. of credit X 3 hours outside class = 9 hrs per week). When you put that 9 hrs. per week across a 15 week semester, it yields a 135 hour commitment to the course outside class.

[Of course, you're also expected in class, which makes the time commitment across the semester equal to 177 hours.]

Engagement