If you write several meaningful sentences about a point, you get that point added to your total for the final grade. One point each week is likely to be for reacting however you will to what went on the last class meeting. I will likely offer a point each for responding to each of several specified related readings. I will likely ask you to write your own beliefs and feelings about some issue or problem related to that class. At any time, you can get an extra point for responding to my response either to you specifically, or to commentary I write on the e-mail list regarding what people are saying and writing in the seminar generally.
Late assignments get no credit, so please write early and often.
There will be thirteen assignments. If you get all five points for ten weeks, or the equivalent in total points, you will do A work and do the minimum 5,000 words of writing for an S in the intensive writing section, if you are enrolled there. You will write a lot this semester if you make the grade, probably in most cases more than you have written in any one class before. Writing should be fun, and be used to say what you really care about. Go for it.