Requirements and Grade. If you don't pay attention to class discussion and take decent notes you will not do well on the exams. Being behind on the reading will adversely affect your participation grade. When I calculate the participation grade, solid attendance but no contribution to discussion will attain a C. Consistent and intelligent participation will attain an A. Occasional participation will attain a B so long as the remarks are pertinant and thought through. Do not assume that merely talking will make up for being unprepared.
Participation is only valid if it advances or develops the discussion constructively.
Your response should be an intellectual one. Check with me if you are in doubt as to what might qualify. One of these events will provide the basis for your final paper. It should be well organized, precise in grammar, spelling etc. and thesis-driven. It should be formal in tone and at least as sophisticated as the work you would do in ENGL 1102.