I will determine grades on the basis of the papers, the annotated bibliography, the midterm, the final, class participation, and in-class quizzes (if any). The approximate breakdown is as follows: papers (20%), the annotated bibliography (18%), the midterm (12%), the final (25%), and class participation (25%).
These components will each receive a letter grade (on a 4-point scale) and then a weighted average of the grades will determine the final grade. If there are any, quizzes will initially be graded check/check+/check- and then a combined letter grade will be determined.
Note: I really do grade on class participation. After every class, I will try to complete a checklist indicating who made a substantive contribution, who did not, and who was absent. Bonus point are sometimes awarded for particularly incisive, evidence-based commentary, but you will not be rewarded bonus points simply for talking frequently and at length. Make sure everyone has a chance to contribute. On the other hand, if you do not participate regularly, you will get a lower grade. If you are absent frequently, you will get a lower grade. To avoid letting absences affect your grade, you may turn in a 500 word essay on the day's assignment before the class meets. You might want to model that essay on the book report assignment which will be posted shortly.