Assignments
Weekly Response Papers will be due every Monday at the beginning of class. These response papers will take the place of journal entries. After reading the assigned reading for the week, write a one-page response to the text. Do not summarize the reading. This is a place for you to express your emotional reaction to the text, your frustration if you do not understand certain points, or your interest in the author or her material. Focus on what you want to say, rather than how you are saying it (although you should always proofread and check for errors).
Response papers must be typed. Please use the Class Format Guidelines ; papers should be one page in length only. If you are tardy, your paper is due before you take your seat. Late Weekly Response Papers will lose one point for each day late and not be accepted after Wednesday. If you are absent, your paper is due when you return to class.
Grading for Response Papers
| 5 pts Outstanding |
Demonstrates careful critical thinking. Uses relevant examples from the text and clearly explains connections. No major errors in mechanics. | |
| 4 pts Very Good |
Shows careful consideration of the text. May use examples and explain connections. Few errors in mechanics. | |
| 3 pts Acceptable. |
Seems to understand the text but fails to show original thinking. Examples may be unrelated to discussion or not clearly connected. May have several errors in mechanics. | |
| 2 pts Needs Work. |
It is not clear that you read and/or understand the text. Unclear discussion fails to make connections or demonstrate minimal understanding. | |
| 1 pt Unacceptable |
Clearly Unacceptable. Incomplete off-topic or otherwise unacceptable for honors level work. One point minimal effort. | |
Short Papers
Three to five pages, topics to be assigned.
Research Paper
Three to five pages plus Works Cited, topic
to be assigned.
Quizzes, Tests, and
Exams
Pop quizzes may be given periodically; scheduled
tests will cover the material currently under study. The Final Exam will
be comprehensive, covering all material from the semester.