1. Analytical essays. You will write two formal academic papers this term, one offering a geopolitical analysis of Satrapi and the other a geopolitical analysis of Sacco. Details will be provided on R 5/3 (week 5) and T 6/5 (week 10). These papers are worth 35 points towards your grade in the class, the first is worth 15 and the second 20.
2. Abstracts. Each week starting with week 2 you will be assigned a chapter in Ó Tuathail to "abstract" and present to the class (for week 1, simply participating in the discussion of the introductions to Ó Tuathail will count for credit on this assignment). Details about this assignment are provided on a separate handout. It is worth 20 points towards your grade in the class.
3. Organized discussion. Each week starting with week 2 you will be assigned a chapter or section of Massey to prepare for discussion (for week 1, simply participating in the discussion of the introduction to Massey will count for credit on this assignment). This entails identifying 3-5 keywords and at least three (3) questions or talking points. When more than one student has been assigned to a chapter or section, you will be expected to coordinate your presentation. In most cases, I will give a few minutes of class time to share notes and organize your presentation. You will turn in a written version of your keywords and questions/talking points. If you cannot attend a class session, you may still earn full credit for this assignment by getting your keywords and talking points/questions to me in advance of the meeting. If you clear with me in advance, I will accept late assignments for partial credit. Each individual assignment is worth 2 points, for a total of 20 towards your grade in the class.
4. Blogging. I have established a weblog for the class called "Geo-politics". Each week between class meetings you will participate in discussions about class presentations, discussions, and readings. Details are provided on a separate handout. This assignment is worth 20 points toward your grade.
5. Social bookmarking. I have established a class account at http://del.icio.us which will allow you to share references related to assigned reading. This assignment is worth 5 points toward your grade. It is explained in detail on a separate handout.

Final grades will be assessed on a standard 100 point scale (93+ is an A; 90-92 is an A-; 87-89 is a B+; 83-86 is a B; 80-82 is a B-; 77-79 is a C+; 73-76 is a C; 70-72 is a C-; 67-69 is a D+; 63-66 is a D; 60-62 is a D-. Lower than 60 is an F).

For students enrolled in GEOG 533 (CRN: 30501), grades will be based on the assignments outlined above and an additional project to be worked out in consultation with the instructor. Graduate student grades will be assessed on an 120 point scale: 111+ is an A; 108-110 is an A-; 104-107 is a B+; 99-103 is a B; 96-98 is a B-; 92-95 is a C+; 87-91 is a C; 84-86 is a C-; 80-83 is a D+; 75-79 is a D; 72-74 is a D-. Lower than 72 is an F.