METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
I will assess your work chronologically, meaning that a stricter emphasis will be placed on the final papers than on the initial papers. If you show improvement throughout the semester, the first few papers, if graded poorly, will factor into your final grade to a lesser degree than your improved grades. The initial papers will be graded on your ability to utilize concrete details to describe your main statement and supportive arguments, appropriate language for your audience, and accuracy in sources as well as your ability to critically analyze the chosen work(s). As the semester continues, I will begin to begin to evaluate your papers structurally: is your thesis statement narrowed to a specific topic and relevant to the chosen work(s)? do your supporting paragraphs revolve around a central thesis? are the sentences and paragraphs concise and to the point? are there transitions between paragraphs, allowing one idea to flow into the next? are your introductions and conclusions enticing and culminating, respectively? are academic sources (hard copy and electronic) used accurately and concisely? are the academic sources cited accurately as per the Modern Language Association (MLA)? have you spell-checked/grammar-checked your work by word processor tools and by self-evaluation?
As stated previously, class participation is a major requirement of the course, and you will be assessed for a certain percentage of your grade for your input in the classroom. Participation includes two or more of the following: class discussion, blog analysis of readings, and discussion readings with me during my office hours. Since discussion is essential to this class, it is expected that every student attend each class and participate in a way which adds to our discussions. This requires that we all treat everyone else with respect and courtesy. No derogatory, rude, or inappropriate comments or behavior will be tolerated.
You will be given periodic quizzes throughout the semester to ensure that a basic understanding of the texts have been attained.
 GRADING
Papers are graded based on your ability to accurately present a paper based on the previously stated guidelines. Your grade will be divided into the following percentages:
Two semester papers 30%
A 3-4 page reflective paper will be due at two points in the semester. I will give you a list of possible topics before the
 deadline. Each essay will assert a clear, SPECIFIC thesis drawing together two of the texts we have recently discussed in class.
 These theses will then be supported by textual evidence.
Final project 30%
A research paper displaying the culmination of learned material, analysis, and research methods will be due on the last day of class.
Exams 20%
Two exams will be given during the semester based on recently covered texts. Possible exam questions will be distributed prior
 to the examination dates.
Quizzes 10%
Numerous quizzes will be given through the semester to test your comprehension of the works.
Class participation, blogs, etc. 10%
See Blogging.
Your points will be translated into percentages; your final grade will be calculated according to the following percentage scale:
100-90% A
89-80% B
79-70% C
69-60% D
59%-below F
You will be allowed to revise any of the two semester papers (not the final research paper), provided that you submitted both initial and final drafts on time in the first place, for up to one week after receiving the papers back from me. My goal is not to take your paper and slap a final grade on it, but to teach you and allow you to improve yourself. Your revisions can change the quality of your paper, and your final grade for the assignment will be based on the final revision.