I understand, of course, that things happen. In a class like this, you can't miss that much class and learn as much as if you were present and participating. If you know weeks beforehand that you will miss a class, please let me know. Course grades will be based on these assignments. Occasional problems from the Carey text will also be assigned.
Short assignments completed during class are also possible.
After each class period, I will make a judgement on which members of the class participated in that day's discussion and make note of these individuals. The purpose of these assignments are simply to encourage you to come to class prepared, and reward you for doing so. This is a graduate level class, and you are all motivated. I assume most students will receive full credit for this part of the course. Write a small case study about a scientific idea and its history.