Homework/Preparation/Assignments (10%) Each student will have read the material and do the homework to be covered in class on the due date. The student will work diligently on the website and Sakai. Late assignments will not be accepted.
Oral Participation/Class work (10%) All students will have the opportunity and the responsibility to participate in class on a regular basis. At random, students will be given the opportunity to respond to an aspect of the theme that the class is discussing. The professor will take notes regarding the relevancy of the response. Willingness to participate, preparedness and creativity will be rewarded at the beginning, but expectations will rise as students become conversant in the material and approach. Students who do not or cannot attend class are unable to participate. They will automatically receive a 0 for that day’s discussion/activity. The following criteria will be used to evaluate class participation
Active class participation is a very important component in this class; the following criteria will be used to evaluate class participation:
-A range: very dynamic engagement in all class activities, student is consistently prepared for class sessions, very often begins interaction, participates actively and promotes participation in partnered and group activities, collaborates keenly in the creation of the learning environment. The student speaks with great fluidity and fluency, has excellent range of vocabulary and excellent control of grammatical structures.
-B range: active engagement in all class activities, student is generally prepared for class sessions, often begins interaction, participates actively in partnered and group activities, collaborates in the creation of the learning environment. In general the student speaks with fluidity and fluency, notices mistakes and correct them, good range of vocabulary and good use of grammatical structures.
-C range: moderate engagement in class activities, student is irregularly prepared for class sessions, seldom begins interaction, participates moderately in partnered and group activities, limited fluidity and fluency. Responds usually limited to homework and drill exercises. The student seldom expresses opinion due to limited grammatical control or limited vocabulary.
-D range: little engagement in class activities, student is seldom prepared for class sessions, never begins interaction, participates little; very limited fluidity and fluency. The student has very limited range of vocabulary and only answers if is asked. The student cannot express opinion and offer advice.
-F range: no visible engagement in class activities, student is usually unprepared for class sessions, doesn’t participate in partnered and group activities; interferes with the creation of the learning environment.
Papers (20%): Each student will write two research papers (5 - 6 pages). The topics will be discussed in class. It should be well informed and effectively argued. The first paper will be on a literary or cultural work read in class, and the second one will be on a topic we haven’t read but related to the class (You will receive more details in class). Students are expected to incorporate the critical method outlined in class into the analysis of a short story, or a collection of short stories. Further, these papers must: 1) formulate a clear position and argument; 2) provide supporting evidence with citations from the text(s); 3) present ideas in a well-organized format; and 4) pay close attention to grammatical accuracy, spelling, format, critical thinking, etc.; 5) be turned in on time.
Cultural presentations (5%): There will be one presentation for which an assignment will be given at the beginning of the semester in order to practice and prepare. Remember that you are not allowed to read during your presentation. The instructor will provide guidelines and detailed instructions.
Quizzes (20%): There will be 12 quizzes. The quizzes will cover the material (short story) studied before each quiz. The questions may include multiple choice, true or false, identifications, and short answers. No make-ups! Your teacher will drop the lowest grade of the 12 quizzes. (Note: if you miss a quiz, that's the quiz grade that will be dropped.)
Final Project (5%): The final project will be your interpretation of one or more of our short stories in a different style of art (painting, photography, etc.) You will receive more details later in the semester
Native Speakers Sessions (10%): Regular attendance and active oral participation is mandatory. Native speaker’s sessions meet once a week. You are allowed one absence without penalty. Each absence following will lower your grade; Five absences will earn you a grade of E in Native Speaker (10% of your grade). SIX ABSENCES WILL EARN YOU A GRADE OF F IN THE COURSE.
Final exam (20%) The final exam is comprehensive and cumulative of all the topics covered in class, and includes an oral and a reading comprehension sections, grammar, culture and/or literature. The final exam is during final exam week; don’t make travel arrangements before you know the final exams schedule.
Grades will be based on the following scale: