We’ll periodically discuss the Readings and Writings in class. The TAs will propel these discussions by selecting some exemplary Writings and Projects and using them as the basis for a short discussion that reinforces or challenges some of the key ideas raised in the course. This exemplary work will then be posted on the website for further discussion in the form of comments.
These online contributions constitute a substantial portion (50%) of your participation grade, calculated as follows.
At the end of the course the mean number of constructive contributions per student will be calculated. Grades will be be assigned according to the following distribution to a maximum of 10/10.
Put another way, if your number of constructive contributions is equal to or greater than the average number, you’ll receive 10/10; if you make 3 contributions and the average number is 5, you’ll receive 6/10; if you make no contributions you’ll receive 0/10. Typically one contribution per Writing or Project posted will be enough but this is not guaranteed: you are encouraged to make more. Each post will remain open for comments for two weeks only. Please consistently identify yourself with your full name and your UCI email address.
Constructive contributions are succinct contributions that introduce new thoughts and help propel discussion. The TAs will delete contributions that are not constructive.