I will determine grades on the basis of the paper, the midterm, the final, the map quiz, class participation, and any supplemental quizzes or assignments. The approximate breakdown is as follows: paper (27%), the midterm (12%), the final (26%), class participation (30%), Map Quiz (2%), and onther in-class quizzes (3%).
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.
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. Points are added for participation; points are subtracted for non-participation and non-attendance. Bonus point are sometimes awarded for particularly incisive, evidence-based commentary, but you will not be rewarded 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 research paper source assignment.