English 399: Grading

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English 399:
Grading

I don't feel exams are an appropriate evaluation tool for this class, so I am centering your grade around two main pieces: (1) Reading logs and class participation, (2) an independent project/paper.

I have linked the reading logs with class participation, because you cannot contribute to class meaningfully without having done the reading. Attendance is another key, an objective element that I can use to balance my subjective evaluation of your participation. Participation will be 15% of your grade.

Reading logs [so-called, since this will also involve reaction to the film and some in-class writes] will be 40% of your grade. On the assignments page you will find guidelines for doing the logs; there is a balance of "directed" reading and personal reactions built in. You should bring logs to class each day. I will collect reading logs three times over the term [see schedule], unless I begin to sense in class a dereliction of duty, in which case I will collect them unannounced. Evaluation of the logs will primarily be on completeness, but I reserve the right to add points to exceptionally good log entries and subtract points from under-developed entries.

The independent project/paper is outlined in detail on the assignments page; in total, it will be the final 45% of your grade, but broken down as follows -- interim reports 12%, presentation 8%, paper 25%. Meeting deadlines will be an important part of your grade. The project is designed to have you accomplish on your own the same type of analysis we will be doing in class on a new text of your choice. I am not making class time to do peer reviews of drafts, but I encourage you to do so on your own time; extra credit for those who do!!

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