Class Participation
Class discussion constitutes one key method for developing your analytical skills. Thus, I expect prompt, regular attendance and active participation in discussions of texts. You should come prepared for each class session, with required reading completed. During class discussions, students should plan to ask questions, make comments, summarize their electronic postings, interpret passages, or contribute to small-group exchanges. Students should also expect me to call on them, as I want everyone to earn full points for class participation. Like all skills, speaking in class becomes easier with practice. I do not expect fully polished analyses in class discussion; rather, your contributions represent ideas for further development.
The wireless classroom and presence of student laptops present the temptation of email and the web; therefore, students must follow basic ground rules:
- Students should switch off and stow their cell phones before class begins.
- Students will not text, check email, electronically chat, update their social networking status or surf the web during class, unless instructed to do so.
Lack of engagement in class activities, inadequate preparation, and failure to adhere to classroom rules will substantially lower your participation grade for the course.