While they are not individually worth much toward your grade, they will be crucial in collecting your thoughts for the class discussions and symposia in which you will be participating. Students are required to write a research paper focusing on the analysis of a specific topic agreed upon between the student and instructor. Students will have an online writing guide explaining required components of the paper. While these will be open to the public, you as students will bear a special responsibility in the debate, as you are likely to be the only people who have read all the required texts and articles. No matter how passionate the discussion, a civil tone is required at all times.
Students are responsible for getting any missed materials.
Neither cheating nor plagiarism can be tolerated in the academic environment. Check the Student Handbook for guidelines, and be sure to use proper citation for all written work. Students who are caught engaging in academic dishonesty will be flunked for the course. The educational environment aimed for in this class is one of easy access and inquiry. Please feel free to stop the lecture to ask pertinent questions, demand clarification, or request repetition of complicated concepts.