Keep your Journal separate from your class notes. Use a small note book. Clearly mark each Journal entry with the date it was assigned for, and start a new assignment on a new page. Entry tickets are handed in at the beginning of class. If you miss a class explain your absence to the instructor before the class , through email so you keep in touch with the instructor who needs to know how you are doing in order to be effective.
Topics vary, and support the material and issues that are discussed in that class session.
To get credit for your draft you discuss your draft with a classmate in class, and take these comments into account when you rewrite your draft. I am not able to allow rewrites, but encourage everyone to discuss a draft with me. To receive the bonus points I have to see evidence that you took my comments into account when you rewrote your paper, so attach your marked up draft to your final paper when you hand it in . Class should contribute to debate. After the debate students hand in a written version of their presentation.