- attention to standard rules of English grammar: This not only assumes that you recognize common punctuation and capitalization standards but that you revise your work to reflect that understanding and express yourself efficiently. If you have questions as you revise, consult a handbook or a reliable online resource, such as the Purdue OWL.
- use of appropriately formal language: Avoid contractions and words or phrases that convey a conversational tone.
- consistent effort on all assignments: From discussion posts and email to short essay responses and group presentations, each assignment and mode of communication between members of the class and your instructor should represent your best effort.
- attention to directions and feedback: Guidelines of length, focus, content, etc. are deliberate. Please follow them. While brevity has its merits, short responses will not receive full credit. Also make sure you understand my expectations as expressed in these guidelines as well as the feedback I give you on your work. Both are intended to make you better communicators and better readers. If you have questions, ask.
- honesty: The work you submit must be your own effort, not that of a friend, parent, or colleague who has a special interest in writing or an "eye for grammar."
Each of these points contributes to a positive overall impression. In the absence of face-to-face time in the standard classroom, my primary means of contact with you will be through your work, at least until we arrive in London. Please aim to deliver your best impression with each assignment and to use appropriately formal language and tone when corresponding with me, especially via email.
Brief descriptions of each assignment appear below; detailed descriptions of the assignments will be linked as necessary. Due dates expressed here match those on the course calendar.
- short-response papers (2 @ 10 points each = 20 points): These short response papers (1 full page, single-spaced) allow students deeper engagement with a particular text and favor close reading and textual analysis over research. Both of these short response essays should be completed before departing for London. Students are encouraged to Skype with the professor in advance of submitting these assignments to ask questions about the work and to address further expectations. DUE before departure for London. [additional details]
- discussion board posts (2 points each, up to 20 points): Discussion board posts will carry us throughout the semester, offering a space for continued engagement with the texts we read and (eventually) discussion in person. DUE weekly.
In general, students should aim to post at least twice a week: once an “original post” early in the week when you complete the week’s assignment, then a “response post” later in the week where you engage with a colleague’s thoughts about a particular element of the text. The discussion forum itself will be hosted by GoView. Points earned here reflect a cumulative total rather than an average, so all students should be able to earn full credit if they keep up with the work. DO NOT fall behind in this assignment. Post the bulk of your responses before we leave for London so that you don't have to worry about it while we're there.
- terms and reading quizzes (variable points for each quiz, 10 points): These quizzes will relate directly to the readings and will be administered through the Google Docs. DUE weekly (Sundays 11:59 p.m.) before departure.
- in-class and in-the-field discussions (5 points per week in London = 25 points): Active participation is expected on a daily basis in our face-to-face meetings. Preparation includes active, engaged reading of the assigned texts and any additional materials necessary to enhance the understanding of the material. DUE weekly in London.
- collaborative project and presentation (25 points): This final project for the course will require small groups of 2-3 students to prepare a digital scrapbook of their work paired with images and reflections on a set of topics running through the readings—travel, politics, gender roles, town v. country, nationalism, etc. Highlights for the digital scrapbook will be assembled in a prezi for peer and instructor evaluation. Students will also be required to populate a Google map shared with the course to trace their own ramblings in the city. Multiple components described on the course website will provide additional details on the points available here. DUE in London, variable due dates for component parts.
