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Our exploration will combine close reading of theoretical texts with discussion of the empirical studies they have influenced. Such an exploration demands an active engagement with sometimes tough materials. To that end, you will be asked to write three short (4-5 page) essays over the course of the semester. Specific instructions will be given in class; in general, essays should compare, synthesize, apply and evaluate theoretical perspectives. Each essay will be worth 20% of your final grade. The other requirements for the course are a final exam (30% of final grade), and class participation informed by careful reading of assigned texts (10% of final grade). Paper and attendance policy Class attendance is mandatory and frequent absences will result in a substantial grade reduction. Please consider this before signing up for the course. Paper deadlines are strict. While I recognize that emergencies occur, I want to minimize the amount of time we spend negotiating extensions and excuses, and that I spend chasing down missing papers. For that reason, I’ve developed the following policy. Papers should be handed in at the beginning of class on the day they are due. Papers put in my mailbox or slipped under my office door that day, turned in by a classmate or by you in a cameo appearance at the end of class will receive a grade deduction (B+ becomes a B). After that, a full letter grade will be deducted for each day’s delay (B+ become a C+). If an emergency makes it impossible for you to meet the deadline, the teaching assistant or I may grant you one extension, provided that you request and receive it before the deadline. Subsequent papers must be handed in on time. Finally, please use our office hours. Come in to talk if you’re having difficulties with the readings, lectures, or discussions, want to try out an idea for a paper, or just want to chat about issues that have come up in the course. |