Reading assignments and class participation (35% of course grade):

There will be twelve weekly readings assignments, each involving submission of a one- or two-paragraph answer to one of a list of several questions about the reading. Responses should be concise and no more than two hundred words. Assignments will be accepted via bSpace.  Assignments will be given on Thursdays and due on Sundays. No late assignments will be accepted. No assignments will be accepted over email. Assignments will be worth up to 3 points each. We drop the two lowest assignment grades.  Thus, each student can receive up to 30 points for assignments, based on their ten best assignment grades.  From time to time you will be called upon to discuss your assignments in class.  Participation and lecture attendance are mandatory.  Professors will assign up to 5 points for class participation.

Midterm exam or paper (25% of course grade)

The midterm exam will be 80 minutes and include three essay questions, most chosen from a list of questions provided in advance. One short-answer section asking for identification of quotes, people, dates, and other topics. We will give out a study guide.

Students can submit a paper instead of a midterm exam.  The midterm paper will be a 2000 word essay in response to one of a list of essay questions.

Final (40% of course grade)

Cumulative exam. Five essay questions, most chosen from a list of questions provided in advance. One short-answer section asking for identification of quotes, people, dates, and other topics.

Other

From time to time we will give brief homework assignments to be discussed in class. No grade will be assigned for class participation as such, but we tend to look kindly on students who manifest a lively interest in the proceedings.

Exam questions will be based on material covered in readings, slides, and class discussion. Class slides will be posted shortly after each class.