Evaluation of Learning
1880s cover for Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s novel. Source: http://tinyurl.com/n3njv36.
Your learning in this course will be evaluated in the following ways:
2 Writing Portfolios: 50% Instead of grading individual writing assignments, at midterm and the end of term I’ll ask you to prepare a writing portfolio (a collection of selected examples of your writing) which I will read and grade.
Preparation/Participation: 30% This part of your grade will reflect your preparation for class on a daily basis and your comments on blog posts.
Quizzes: 20% There will be one 10-minute quiz at the end of our discussion of each novel (5 quizzes total). Quizzes will test your ability to apply basic theoretical concepts and/or identify and analyze key passages from the novels.
Descriptions of the different writing assignments for this semester can be found on this website in the section on writing.
Additional information about preparation and participation can be found on this website in the sections about Class Format and Reading.
In general, grades will be assigned according to the following criteria:
Writing
A: Your portfolio is complete. Your portfolio cover essay describes and reflects in some detail on your learning to date as represented by the contents of your portfolio. The other work included exceeds expectations and requirements given in the assignments.
B: Your portfolio is complete. Your portfolio cover essay describes your learning to date as represented by the contents of your portfolio, and provides some (but not extensive) reflection and analysis. The majority of other pieces in your portfolio demonstrate a solid working understanding of the expectations and requirements given in the assignments.
C: Your portfolio is complete. Your portfolio cover essay provides minimal description and little reflection or analysis of your portfolio writing and your learning to date. The majority of other pieces included meet the minimum expectations and requirements given in the assignments or struggle to understand the material.
D: Portfolio was incomplete.
F: Portfolio was not submitted, or submitted late without advance notice and permission from me.
Participation
A: You are a regular contributor to class discussion, active in small groups (your group works for the allotted time and stays on task), and an active participant on the course website (you comment regularly on others’ posts, and you have contributed substantive posts beyond the required 4). You have no unexcused absences.
B: On most days, you contribute to class discussion, and you are active in small groups. While not a regular contributor to the website, you may have commented on your classmates’ posts. You have no more than than 2 unexcused absences.
C: You only contribute to class discussion when called on and your responses when you’re called on demonstrate the bare minimum for preparation. You are relatively quiet in small groups. Basically, you’re attending class. You have at least 3 unexcused absences.
D: You do not voluntarily participate in class discussion, are silent in groups, and your responses when you’re called on reflect minimal to poor preparation and/or engagement.
F: You have missed 5 or more class meetings. (See Course Policies.)