Most students find course lectures and discussion helpful in formulating their thoughts, but the most successful student essays advance discussion beyond the lectures. Instructors will select essay questions from pools of three to five questions distributed a week in advance. Midterm and final examination essay questions will be graded on the same criteria as the analytic essays. A student who begins poorly but shows steady improvement will receive a course grade commensurate with the degree of improvement. No one should give up because of a bad start.
Regular attendance is encouraged.
Unexcused absences will result in a lower grade, and excessive absence may result in your being dropped from the course. If you miss class for an acceptable reason the absence may be excused. If you know in advance that you must be absent, please inform your section leader. If advance notice is not possible, get in touch with your section leader as soon as possible after the missed class. You are responsible for keeping up with assignments, even in cases of excused absence .