COURSE OUTLINE
(Sample)
This outline is conceived in order to provide different and varied opportunities for graded assessment.
Grading
1. Attendance and participation: 10%
2. Hosting (2 shifts, 5% each): 10%
3. Essays (20% each): 40%
4. Midterm and Final exam (10% each): 20%
5. Writing Assignments: 10%
6. Extra-credits (1 shift): 5%
7. Workshop (1 shift): 5%
2. Hosting (2 shifts, 5% each): 10%
3. Essays (20% each): 40%
4. Midterm and Final exam (10% each): 20%
5. Writing Assignments: 10%
6. Extra-credits (1 shift): 5%
7. Workshop (1 shift): 5%
Course Requirements
Item 1
Attendance and Participation: Students are required to attend every class, do the assigned reading, and finish all course work on time. Students must bring the assigned book(s) and/or text(s) to class and be prepared for discussions. This grading is a reward for being active and inspiring during the class discussions and in the workshops “Social Foundations” 1-4.
Item 2
Hosting: This grading will be devoted to covering a number of shifts (2) as hosts, according to these guidelines. For each class, we will designate a team of 2 hosts in a balanced rotation. Each host will give a 5 minute presentation on a specific topic related to the readings. These presentations shall be done with slides. Once they have presented, each host will share their slides with the classmates on the course website. After the designated leaders have presented, we will open the discussion to all the participants.
Attendance and Participation: Students are required to attend every class, do the assigned reading, and finish all course work on time. Students must bring the assigned book(s) and/or text(s) to class and be prepared for discussions. This grading is a reward for being active and inspiring during the class discussions and in the workshops “Social Foundations” 1-4.
Item 2
Hosting: This grading will be devoted to covering a number of shifts (2) as hosts, according to these guidelines. For each class, we will designate a team of 2 hosts in a balanced rotation. Each host will give a 5 minute presentation on a specific topic related to the readings. These presentations shall be done with slides. Once they have presented, each host will share their slides with the classmates on the course website. After the designated leaders have presented, we will open the discussion to all the participants.
Item 3
Two essays, between 1,750 and 2,000 words, typed, 1.5 spacing (1” margin on all sides, font: Times New Roman 12). Please, make sure to add the word count at the top of your paper. The total amount of words, between the 2 essays, should be at least 3,500-4,000 words of finished writing. These essays must reflect your understanding of the texts covered in class as described above. You will be expected to do a close reading that includes textual analysis, as well as demonstrating strong argumentative and rhetorical skills (do not simply summarize the text). A list of possible topics will be provided. Alternatively, students are given the opportunity to develop their papers on specific topics of interest upon approval. Electronic or late submission of the essays will not be accepted.
Item 4
Midterm and final examinations are a mix of multiple choice questions and short essay questions based on the assignments.
Item 5
Writing Assignments: Students should post them online, on NYU Classes, by the due date. I will check them periodically over the semester.
Item 6
One Extra-Activity, such as:
Item 7
One Workshop. The workshop is aimed at experiencing first hand the task of setting a document for posterity, a manifesto outlined for the evolution of a just and equal society. In three to four workshops, conducted by a team of leaders, we will discuss crucial topics related to each specific course.
Two essays, between 1,750 and 2,000 words, typed, 1.5 spacing (1” margin on all sides, font: Times New Roman 12). Please, make sure to add the word count at the top of your paper. The total amount of words, between the 2 essays, should be at least 3,500-4,000 words of finished writing. These essays must reflect your understanding of the texts covered in class as described above. You will be expected to do a close reading that includes textual analysis, as well as demonstrating strong argumentative and rhetorical skills (do not simply summarize the text). A list of possible topics will be provided. Alternatively, students are given the opportunity to develop their papers on specific topics of interest upon approval. Electronic or late submission of the essays will not be accepted.
Item 4
Midterm and final examinations are a mix of multiple choice questions and short essay questions based on the assignments.
Item 5
Writing Assignments: Students should post them online, on NYU Classes, by the due date. I will check them periodically over the semester.
Item 6
One Extra-Activity, such as:
- Visits to related exhibits / museums / conferences (upon prior agreement and with related proofs of attendance). You will have to give a 5 minutes presentation in class. Credits: up to 5%.
- Covering an extra shift as host. If you have already covered your required turns (see “Grading / Attendance and Participation”), and there is a need for a host, you may volunteer (no more than one extra shift for each student). Credits: up to 5%.
- A short lecture / performance / video based on one of your essays. This assignment is intended as a way to share your research with your classmates and train you to face international audiences. This presentation shall last no more than 8 minutes (depending on the number of applicants), and shall not be a mere reading of your essay. It shall include slides / multimedia / performative arts / rhetorical skills: creativity and originality are strongly encouraged and will be evaluated positively. Credits: up to 5%.
- Volunteers may develop the results of the workshops (see “Workshop”) into printed copies / slide shows / acts / art pieces. In the last class, the works produced by the volunteers will be presented in teams and distributed (if printed). Credits: up to 5%.
Item 7
One Workshop. The workshop is aimed at experiencing first hand the task of setting a document for posterity, a manifesto outlined for the evolution of a just and equal society. In three to four workshops, conducted by a team of leaders, we will discuss crucial topics related to each specific course.
Class Etiquette
This is the class etiquette, which will be enforced and maintained:
- everyone has the opportunity and feels welcome to present their view; no-one feels discriminated against based on their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, political or personal view, physical (dis)abilities, personal characteristics etc.
- the discussion is balanced in tone and in the amount of time offered to each discussant and to each presenter (everyone respectfully taking the podium; no-one left in the shadow)
