Assignment Outline
Submission Guidelines and Due Dates
All assignments must be submitted by the specified due dates. Most assignments will be available for 1-2 weeks and are due on Sundays at 11:59 PM, with occasional exceptions for specific assignments.
If you anticipate difficulty meeting a deadline due to personal circumstances, please contact me as early as possible to discuss potential accommodations. For questions regarding due dates or assignment requirements, do not hesitate to reach out for clarification.
Written Assignment Standards
All written work should demonstrate clear, concise communication while maintaining completeness. Strong academic writing requires:
- Precise language that conveys your intended meaning
- Logical organization and flow of ideas
- Proper grammar, punctuation, and proofreading
- Adherence to specified word limits
Points may be deducted for exceeding word limits or for errors that impede comprehension. Additional writing guidelines are provided in Module 1 and within individual assignment instructions.
Grade Distribution
Grade calculations are based on total points earned divided by total points available, with all points carrying equal weight. The following categories represent approximate allocations and may be adjusted within each category as needed.
Assignment Types
Quizzes
Four quizzes of varying length and point values will assess your understanding of course material. Each quiz allows 60 minutes for completion with one attempt permitted. You may reference your textbook and notes during quizzes. All quizzes must be submitted by their assigned due dates.
Short Answer Responses
These assignments require you to engage with assigned readings, videos, or audio materials and provide focused responses to specific questions. Effective responses should:
- Directly address the question asked
- Provide well-reasoned support using assigned materials
- Demonstrate clear understanding of key concepts
Multimedia Projects
Select modules feature creative assignments requiring you to synthesize course concepts through visual or presentation formats. Examples include graphic representations of theoretical frameworks and recorded presentations. These collaborative group projects are evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated comprehension of assigned topics
- Effectiveness of message delivery
- Ability to present complex information in accessible formats
These skills reflect the modern professional need to communicate efficiently across diverse audiences and platforms.
Annotations
Several assignments utilize Canvas's Hypothesis tool, enabling you to highlight text passages and provide contextual commentary. Some assignments also require responses to classmates' annotations. This interactive approach promotes deeper engagement with course materials by facilitating peer dialogue within the source documents themselves.
Grading criteria include meeting minimum contribution requirements and demonstrating substantive application of course concepts in your annotations.
Essays (Approximately 50% of Final Grade)
Group essays represent a significant component of your course grade. Working within consistent groups throughout the semester, you will complete assignments that may require explanation of concepts, analysis of positions, or advocacy for specific viewpoints.
These assignments serve dual purposes: mastering substantive course content and developing versatile writing skills. Effective academic and professional writing requires adapting your approach to different purposes—persuasive writing differs significantly from explanatory writing. Review the writing guidelines in Module 1 to enhance your essay quality throughout the course.
Course Structure and Pacing
The course is organized into modules, each beginning with a Module Overview that provides comprehensive navigation to all required materials and assignments. Assignment types and completion times vary by module, with some extending beyond one week to accommodate more complex requirements.
Modules 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11 feature particularly time-intensive assignments. Staying current with earlier module content will facilitate success during these demanding periods, as later modules build upon previously introduced concepts and skills. Consistent engagement with course materials will also better prepare you for the comprehensive final examination.