You are expected to contribute your insights to the class. The culture of the class will, I hope, be a congenial one for self-expression. I will work to maintain such a culture by swiftly countering displays of contempt and by practicing principles of pedagogical equity to the extent possible. I cannot help you learn if you do not participate in discussion, however. Doing excellent written work is not enough to demonstrate adequate performance in an advanced university course.
Preparation is obviously paramount.
Whatever you do, don't just sit there. Say anything you can defend against reasoned argument. In order to participate actively in discussion, you should prepare the assigned readings before class begins. To help organize your participation and preparation, and to allow you to help set the agenda for discussion, you are required to maintain a collection of Q-Cards. On the obverse, keep a neatly-written record of key questions about the readings.