Class participation

You will write a one-to-two page memo at the end of the semester, scoring yourself on these four components of class participation.  This memo will be an opportunity to make an argument that will really make a difference in your life!

Attendance = 25.  Subtract a point for every day you missed.  Perfect attendance = perfect score.  If extenuating circumstances (health problems, family priorities, etc.) kept you away from classes, you can explain those situations here, but they will only be convincing if you have been talking with me throughout the semester about why you are      missing class. 

Weblogging and discussion board = 25. You will be asked to make some regular contributions to the class weblog or discussion board, and if you make all of those contributions, you should give yourself 18/25.  If you make additional contributions, add a point for each one.  If you do not make all the assigned contributions, take away one point from 18 for each one missed.  If computer access was a problem for you throughout the semester, you can explain how it affected your performance, and you can suggest a grade that seems appropriate to you.

In class participation = 25 (contributions to class discussion, to small group discussions, to peer reviews, etc.)  If you are uncomfortable speaking out in full-class discussion, make sure you contribute to small-group discussion, give good peer feedback, etc.  Make an argument for an appropriate score out of 25.

Work ethic = 25.  Students can work hard in this course in ways other than the three just listed.  If you did a lot of research for your papers, drafted extensively, sought additional help from the Center for Writers or SuperTutor, came to my office hours for additional      help or just conversation, make an argument for a high score in "work ethic."  If you didn't do these "extra things," make an argument for an appropriate score out of 25. 

Remember that

A = exceptional in all categories (90-100)

B = very good: exceptional in some categories, acceptable in others (80-89)

C = acceptable in all categories (70-70)

D = very weak in one area, acceptable in others (60-69)

F = very weak in two or more areas, acceptable in others (under 60) 

NB:  Your memo should be clearly organized and relatively free of errors; I reserve the right to lower a participation grade based on a poor memo.