1. Content: clear articulation of a thesis that is pursued throughout the paper; use of appropriate methodology for the thesis; identification of specific arguments used to prove or explore your thesis; appropriate application of specific evidence to support your arguments AND your personal commitment to your own ideas.
2. Writing: organization, clarity, correctness of grammar and mechanics, effective style.
3. Research and bibliography: appropriateness and completeness of sources: correctness and consistency of form.
DEADLINES MATTER! We cannot participate in fruitful discussions if you do not meet deadlines. Late work will result in a zero grade on the assignment.
Being prepared for class discussions and workshops (reading articles, etc). Active participation in class discussions. Clear presentation of your ideas during class workshops. Offering thoughts and reactions to colleagues’ works during discussions.
1. Discussions for this course will occur in class as well as online. When responding to your colleagues’ work via email or discussion list use the same courtesy as if you were face-to-face.
2. When presenting on your work, it is important that you make sure that you provide your colleagues with copies of your work in a timely manner and that the work be as clear, concise, and well-written as possible.
3. In all discussions we must respect other participants’ ideas. When ideas are presented in class make sure that you offer constructive criticism. Print out a hard copy of your colleague’s work and make detailed notes in the margins as you read it. Be prepared to give thoughtful critiques.
4. Don’t only concentrate on the problems in the work; we all can learn as much (if not more) from hearing about what works in a piece of writing as we can from hearing about the deficiencies.
5. Don’t forget the bibliographies. Take a look at your colleagues’ book lists; you may think of relevant texts that they may not have consulted.
6. Remember to critique the material that has actually been presented, not what you wish had been presented.
7. DEADLINES MATTER! We cannot participate in fruitful discussions if you do not meet deadlines. Late work will result in a zero grade on the assignment.