Assignments & Grading
Grades will be determined by the number of points earned (up to 200 points
possible) through the following:
- Participation in class discussions, including ungraded exercises,
and generating questions for discussion. Expect to be called on
to discuss assigned readings at any time during class. Your level
of preparation and ability to respond coherently and constructively
will be reflected in your participation grade. (30 pts)
- Three brief (3-4 page, double-spaced, 12pt. font, 1-inch margin)
assignments (instructions will be provided; all assignments should
be turned in via Collect
It):
- Analysis of a candidate's Web strategy (25 pts)
- Analysis of online issue advocacy/protest (25 pts)
- Participant observation in e-rulemaking process (10 pts)
- Two brief (3-4 page double-spaced, 12pt. font, 1-inch margin)
take-home essay quizzes based on readings. Hard copies of essays
should be turned in during class (25 pts each)
- A final research project in which you will work in groups of
2-3 to produce a research paper, a political Web site, or an online
collection and analysis project; due Friday, March 14 (50 pts).
Each group will make an oral presentation of their project to
the class on March 10 or 12 (10 pts).
Guidelines for the three different kinds of final projects are
here, and this is the
grading key I will use.
Revision and re-submission of the written assignments & quizzes
will not be permitted. Requests for re-grading of an assignment
must be presented in writing, with a clear rationale, within one
week after receipt of grade. The grade for late assignments will
be lowered by 10% of possible points per day of delay. In addition
to the loss of points, delayed submission of final projects will
result in an incomplete final grade. All assignments must be completed
in order to pass the course.
I will not mark for grammar but if it impedes my ability to understand your
arguments your grade will suffer, so it is a good idea to have at least one other
person proofread your writing. Use William Strunk, Jr., and E. B. White, The
Elements of Style (New York: Macmillan, 1979) for writing style questions.
The University of Washington has a number of resources to help with writing style,
and they are described online.
Howard Becker’s Writing for Social Sciences also has advice on
developing good writing habits. Citations should be formatted according to the
Chicago Manual of Style. Please refer to the University of Washington’s
“Principles
on Academic Honesty” for the definitions and consequences of plagiarism. |
