All papers must be written in English, typed and double spaced. You will be evaluated on the logic and clarity of your argument and the solidity of your evidence for that argument. Specifics will be discussed in class. If you are concerned that you might not be prepared for this course, and you would like a graded assignment back before the drop date, you are welcome to turn the first paper in early. This portion of your grade includes your productive oral participation in class, attendance, any ungraded in-class assignments, the extent to which your written assignments reflect that you are listening actively in class, and the improvement in your work over the course of the semester.
Students enroll in the class with varying degrees of preparation.
Even if you enter the class with a strong background in the subject, you must demonstrate that you are learning something from this class in order to do well in it. If you are studying the subject for the first time, do not fear that you will forever be lagging behind the more advanced students. You are strongly encouraged to discuss your papers, as well as all of the assignments, with me at my office hour. There will be no opportunities for extra credit, but if you would like to improve your performance on the written assignments, I will always accept drafts in advance, to be returned ungraded with comments and suggestions. If you choose to write two short papers, you are not required to submit proposals, but it would be a good idea to do so in any case.