Research Project & Final Research Paper:a0The bulk of the semester and thirty percent of your total grade will be devoted to a long research paper, which you will write on an pop-culture topic of your choice. This paper will be the culmination of our courses learning outcomes. Failure to submit the final draft will result in an automatic course fail. (Length: 10-12 pages, +1 page for works cited, 11-13 pages total.)
Preparatory Research Assignments and Rough Drafts (250 points, 25%):a0You will complete several assignments throughout the unit as you write and revise your paper, including a topic proposal, source evaluations, synthesis matrix, detailed outline, and rough drafts.
Writing Workshops & Writing Center (100 points, 10%):a0Your participation in these opportunities is required for your success in this class. Throughout the research paper unit there will be three days set aside for in-class workshops. Participation in these three days is mandatory and cannot be made up afterwards. You will also be required to attend the Writing Center (Braithwaite Center 101) for at least one hour at some point in the semester (you can either attend a one-hour appointment or two 30-minute appointments). Make an appointment here:
Research Paper Final Draft (300 points, 30%)
Short Essays & Reading Responses (200 points, 20%):a0You will complete three short essays that will allow you to practice and showcase the skills you will need for your final research project. Additionally, you will write responses papers accompanying most of the reading assignments.
Class Participation (80 points, 8%):a0This course is designed around your active participation. First, you should prepare for class by completing the readings carefully (well enough that you can easily recall and discuss information from the material). Because the concepts we discuss in class are directly connected to assignments, you should also take notes to help you complete assignments successfully.
In addition to preparing for class and taking notes, you are required to participate regularly in discussions and other class activities, like group work and in-class writing. Remaining attentive and asking questions also help show your engagement in class. Demonstrate respect for others by listening when other people are speaking. Avoid distracting, disruptive behaviors such as doing outside work, sleeping, and improper technology usage (see technology policy below).
Attendance (70 points, 7%):a0Attendance counts as seven percent of your final grade, with the attendance grade dropping for every class missed. Official University-excused absences for academic events are the only exceptions to this. Academic events include competitions (related to a major or an academic department), fine arts performances, course-related field trips, and conferences associated with professional organizations and honor societies. If you want your absences "excused," I need to be notified directly from your coach or advisor prior to your absence(s).
Arriving late to class will negatively impact your attendance grade, counting as 80% of a regular attendance point. Also note that being over 20 minutes late counts as an absence.
NOTE:a0If your attendance is below 60%, you will fail the class; in other words, you cannot stop coming to class and expect to still pass by continuing to submit assignments.
NOTE:a0You will receive five "free" absences, which will be applied at the end of the semester.
Note: I may adjust assignments and point totals, but I will announce any changes in class and make corresponding adjustments on Canvas.
Grading Scale:a0A=93 to 100%; A-=92.9 to 90%; B+=87 to 89.9%; B=83 to 86.9%; B-=80 to 82.9%; C+=77 to 79.9%;a0C=73 to 76.9%; C-= 70 to 72.9%; D+=67 to 69.9%; D=63 to 66.9%; D-=60 to 62.9%; F=0 to 59.