All assignments will be given a percentage grade based on the following grading scale:
| F | 0-59% | expresses little accurate information and/or is not coherent, fails to answer the questions posed by the assignment, does not meet minimum assignment requirements (especially the word length) |
| D | 60-69% | demonstrates little thought; work shows effort, but the information, explanation, and conclusions are weak |
| C | 70-79% | articulates your thoughts coherently |
| B | 80-89% | explores why you think the way you do |
| A | 90-100% | reserved for excellence, when you use the material as a springboard for higher level critical thinking of your own rather than merely report information or describe what you think. For instance: You engage with other perspectives or counter-arguments. You demonstrate creativity and original thought. You step back from your own point of view to look at the pros and cons of thinking in the ways you do. |
Pluses and minuses will be included on final course grades where
appropriate.
Regular, critical engagement with the assignments in class and on the discussion board is required to earn a participation grade above 75%. You will not be graded on whether or not your comments are "right." You will be graded using the above grading scale on whether or not you completed the assignments, critically reflected on them and the issues for the class, and constructively engaged questions and ideas posed by the professor and your fellow classmates.
Final grades will be calculated as follows:
| Attendance & participation: | 15% |
| Papers: | 40% (20% each) |
| Mid-term exam: | 20% |
| Final exam: |
25% |