Short Essay Papers (36 points)

You will be required to write three short essay papers (approximately 5-7 pages, 1000-1500 words) addressing methodological and interdisciplinary issues on the topics and readings we consider in class. Some limited on-line research might be required. Additional information about the precise assignment will be given on-line at least two weeks before the deadline. You may submit the papers printed out on paper or as a file attached to an e-mail message.

GRADING: Each paper will be worth up to 12 points

DUE: October 8, November 5, December 3 (at classtime)

On-Line Discussion Group Participation (12 points)

Throughout the course, from September 17-December 12, your should actively participate in the on-line discussion group. At least once a week, you should contribute your ideas to one of the on-going discussions. You can post a response to questions posed by others and/or frame your own questions about the course materials and class discussions.

GRADING:

High Pass (outstanding participation all semester): 12 points

Pass (acceptable participation all semester): 6 points

Low Pass (some participation, some of the semester): 3 points

Fail: 0 points

Group Projects (48 points)

For Unit III, you will be required to participate with a group of 4-6 students in the class on an independent project on an approved topic. Examples of topics could include mandatory drug testing in the schools and workplace, recent affirmative action decisions, and surrogate motherhood. You will be asked to identify examples of both legal and philosophical reasoning on the issue from on-line sources and analyze the arguments and methodologies used in consideration of the issue.

You should plan to submit the names of the members of your group no later than Tuesday, October 8 with one or two tentative topics of interest to you.

On-Line presentation: Your panel should disseminate an overview of the issues and suggested on-line resources to the class. You may either post an essay to the newsgroup or put a Web page on-line. This should be available seven (7) calendar days before your oral presentation to the class.

GRADING: up to 12 points (group grade)

Oral presentation: Your panel will make a 30-minute presentation to the entire class during the last two weeks of class.

GRADING: up to 12 points (individual grading)

Written presentation: Each person in the group will write your own final paper (10-15 pages) analyzing the issues and resources for the issue you select.

GRADING: up to 24 points (individual grading)

DUE: Thursday, December 19: 10:00 a.m. - MHB-908

BONUS: up to 4 additional points will be awarded for outstanding participation in in-class discussions.

Assignment of points: For assignments with up to 12 points:

Grade & Points

A+ 12

A 11

A- 10

B+ 9

B 8

B- 7

C+ 6

C 5

C- 4

D+ 3

D 2

D- 1

For assignments with up to 24 points:

Grade & Points

A+ 23-24

A 21-22

A- 19-20

B+ 17-18

B 15-16

B- 13-14

C+ 11-12

C 9-10

C- 7-8

D+ 5-6

D 3-4

D- 1-2

FINAL COURSE GRADE: Up to 100 points are available

A: 81-100

B: 60-80

C: 33-59

D: 9-32

F: 0-8

CREDIT/NO CREDIT students must submit all written assignments and accumulate sufficient points for a "C" for the course total in order to receive credit.

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM: The CSULB policy on Cheating and Plagiarism will be followed strictly. (See Fall 1996, Schedule of Classes, p. 111.) Students who have any questions or uncertainty whatsoever about this policy are responsible for meeting individually with the instructor to discuss the policy. Students who cheat or plagiarize on any course requirements will be failed for the COURSE and will be referred to the Official of Judicial Affairs for possible probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Tuesday, September 17: last day to drop a course without signatures of instructor or chair; last day to drop without a "W" on transcript; last day to add or drop a course using VRR

Tuesday, November 19: last day to drop a course without the signature of the college dean; a "W" will appear on the transcript; the signatures of the instructor AND department chair are required.

NOTE: These are University-wide deadlines and cannot be changed by the instructor, the department chair, or the college dean.

In addition to completing all undergraduate requirements for the course, graduate students will be required to do the following:

Class On-Line Discussions: You will be required to post discussion questions on three of the assigned class readings in Unit I or II.

GRADING: up to 12 points

Critique of written work: You will be required to critique 3-5 of the undergraduate essays submitted for Essay II.

GRADING: up to 12 points

FINAL COURSE GRADE: Up to 124 points are available
A: 101-124

B: 74-100

C: 41-73

D: 11-40

F: 0-10

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Last updated: September 14, 1996