This is a one-credit mini-course, which means it has a lighter workload than "regular" courses.
The course requirements include three ongoing categories. Rather than build to a large project or paper at the end of the semester, the course is designed to create light but steady work throughout our time together.
Discussion Participation: 30% of final grade
Homework Responses: 30% of final grade
* Discussion Questions: 30% of final grade
* Surveys: 10% of final grade
* = Items marked with a star are graded credit / no credit.
There is no final paper, project, or exam in this class.
The grading and assignments in this course are designed to give lots of different kinds of opportunities for success and to provide different contexts for every student to shine. Let me explain the logic behind this system:
Discussion Participation - Discussions are the vital heart of this course and I have designed them to offer you many opportunities to engage key concepts and course materials. We will talk about how best to create a productive discussion space for everyone, but generally in every class we will have space to voice confusion or questions, open discussion (based partially on the discussion questions you submit), and other activities related to that week's materials.
Meeting on Zoom - This course is entirely online, meaning all our classes will meet on zoom. In order to make space for careful thinking together, I ask students to turn on the cameras, use a microphone or headset, and do their best to share their feelings and reactions, either out loud or in the chat.
Discussion Questions - Every session, I ask you to submit four open-ended discussion questions related to the homework due that week. Please click here for more information about the assignment.
Homework Responses - Each class session, you will have an opportunity to answer short questions about the homework assigned. I designed these responses because many students told me that they find it helpful to have some slight reward / pressure to complete the homework for any class. The questions are never designed to be tricky or mean and the best way you can prepare is by completing the homework. There will be plenty of space for you to disagree with the author in our discussion, but the responses are opportunities to make sure we understand what the author is arguing before we move on to questions and critiques.
Surveys - Throughout the semester, I will ask you to complete some short surveys. They help me get a sense of how you're feeling, and therefore what changes I should make to our course plans. They are never quizzes and any answer is fine.
Grade Breakdowns
A+ (98 and above), A (94-97), A- (90-93)
B+ (88-89), B (84-87), B- (80-83)
C+ (78-79), C (74-77), C- (70-73)
D+ (68-69), D (64-67), D- (60-63)
F (59 and below)
Final grades will not be rounded up.
The course requirements include three ongoing categories. Rather than build to a large project or paper at the end of the semester, the course is designed to create light but steady work throughout our time together.
Discussion Participation: 30% of final grade
Homework Responses: 30% of final grade
* Discussion Questions: 30% of final grade
* Surveys: 10% of final grade
* = Items marked with a star are graded credit / no credit.
There is no final paper, project, or exam in this class.
The grading and assignments in this course are designed to give lots of different kinds of opportunities for success and to provide different contexts for every student to shine. Let me explain the logic behind this system:
Discussion Participation - Discussions are the vital heart of this course and I have designed them to offer you many opportunities to engage key concepts and course materials. We will talk about how best to create a productive discussion space for everyone, but generally in every class we will have space to voice confusion or questions, open discussion (based partially on the discussion questions you submit), and other activities related to that week's materials.
Meeting on Zoom - This course is entirely online, meaning all our classes will meet on zoom. In order to make space for careful thinking together, I ask students to turn on the cameras, use a microphone or headset, and do their best to share their feelings and reactions, either out loud or in the chat.
Discussion Questions - Every session, I ask you to submit four open-ended discussion questions related to the homework due that week. Please click here for more information about the assignment.
Homework Responses - Each class session, you will have an opportunity to answer short questions about the homework assigned. I designed these responses because many students told me that they find it helpful to have some slight reward / pressure to complete the homework for any class. The questions are never designed to be tricky or mean and the best way you can prepare is by completing the homework. There will be plenty of space for you to disagree with the author in our discussion, but the responses are opportunities to make sure we understand what the author is arguing before we move on to questions and critiques.
Surveys - Throughout the semester, I will ask you to complete some short surveys. They help me get a sense of how you're feeling, and therefore what changes I should make to our course plans. They are never quizzes and any answer is fine.
Grade Breakdowns
A+ (98 and above), A (94-97), A- (90-93)
B+ (88-89), B (84-87), B- (80-83)
C+ (78-79), C (74-77), C- (70-73)
D+ (68-69), D (64-67), D- (60-63)
F (59 and below)
Final grades will not be rounded up.