Requirements:

I'm requiring four (4) essays/projects from each student, each submission roughly five pages in length and on a course-related topic of your choice (I may assign a topic if I think it is necessary). At least two of these must be essays that present critical discussions of some topic or issue, incorporating material that we have been discussing. Examples would include a critical report of an article recommended but not required in the course, an exploration of some issue we discuss in class, or a careful articulation of some question or concern you having stemming from the material. You might discuss movies, books, articles, or the essays of other students in the class. At most two of your submissions could deviate from the typical essay format. I'll accept a work of fiction or art, or an otherwise creative endeavor, provided it is accompanied by an artist's statement and it can be submitted in a medium that can be posted on the web (graphic, audio, video, program). The final submission (essay or creative project) will serve as the basis for a presentation to the class during the last weeks of the course.  

All submissions must (1) fall within the topics covered in class, (2) demonstrate an understanding of the material we are discussing, and (3) demonstrate an effort that goes beyond class discussion and reading. Submissions will be graded on bases of competence, carefulness, accuracy, relevance, and effort. You are encouraged to rewrite any or all of your submissions (particularly in light of peer and faculty comments) and the final portfolio of your work will largely determine the final grade.

All submissions will be turned in electronically and posted on our class web site for all to review and comment on. Peer comments are encouraged (expected) and revisions will be accepted at any time and posted. Near the end of the course each student will pick his or her two best submissions for consideration and the class will vote electronically on the three best entries. These will be featured in a final online class journal.

To submit an essay you can upload it with your browser as a web page (.html, .htm) or text file (.txt). If that fails, you can email the essay to me as an attachment; I will also accept essays on disk or some other electonic transfer that we can arrange in advance.

If you have any questions, please ask.

DUE DATES:

1.Tuesday Feb. 10 before midnight
2.Thursday Mar. 4 before midnight
3.Tuesday Mar. 30 before midnight
4. Presentations TBA