Approximately once a week each student will submit a statement reflecting on the topics discussed during the past week. These papers are, as a rule, due on Mondays. These statements, at least 600 words (two pages) in length are informal, short, non-research essays on discussion topics. They are not just summaries of activities. They should go beyond mere recording of events to include personal analysis and commentary. Emphasis will be on (1) integration of the student's own ideas and thoughts with the subject matter of the course and on (2) coherent and logical expression of these ideas. In these statements you will briefly summarize the main points, offer your own opinion and thoughts about the topics raised, and support your statement with specific data. One of these written assignments will be a mid-course evaluation. Occasionally there may also be in-class writing assignments or short announced and unannounced quizzes.  No make-ups for quizzes will be given.

There will be two unit exams in this course. These exams will consist of single essay questions which you will know in advance and which will challenge you to reflect on the information and issues raised in that portion of the course.

Class Presentation

During the final two weeks of class, student will give 15/20-minute presentations to the class on their individualized projects. An appropriate hand-out must accompany this presentation. The grade for this presentation will be based upon 1.) the appropriateness of the presentation to the topic; 2.)  the presenter's ability to explain the project orally to this audience; 3.) the quality and appropriateness of the visual features accompanying the presentation (e.g., hand-outs and visuals.).