Helping to lead class discussion. Each student will participate in a group of 2-4 students in helping to structure class discussion by outlining common themes and areas of difference among the readings assigned for that week. Evaluation will be based on understanding of readings, clarity of organization of ideas, evidence of collaborative sharing of responsibilities and ideas, and skill at oral presentation. Each group should prepare a handout for the class that briefly summarizes the key points of their presentation. Each paper should be a discussion commentary on one of the assigned readings.
Essays are due in class when the paper in question is to be discussed.
One term paper due Dec. 10. Students are expected to find at least one academic essay published since 1995 that discusses this topic and incorporate its position into their discussion. Essays will be evaluated in terms of their accuracy of interpretation, clarity of organization, quality of argument, appropriateness of articles selected, sensitivity to the complexity of debates, evidence of original thought, and quality of expression. Each paper should be a discussion commentary on one of the assigned readings. Essays are due in class when the paper in question is to be discussed.