Class will usually follow the same basic structure. If I have any material I wish to present, I will do so at the beginning of class. After that, I will usually ask you to write for five minutes on one or two discussion questions that I'll provide from my reading and from your responses. We will frequently screen clips. I expect everyone to come prepared for class by having read the texts for the day, written any assignments, and considered topics for discussion.
Regular attendance is required.
As a result, I urge you not to be absent unless you absolutely cannot make class. An A means that I find that the paper to be essentially understandable and coherent. An A paper negotiates the texts and issues it discusses with clarity and precision, and it develops ideas I find interesting and thoughtful. Its precision of language is outstanding. A B paper demonstrates less clarity and precision than an A paper.