Completion-based assignments

These assignments are graded by completion: we’re interested in process, not perfection.

Reading responses

For each of set of readings, you will have an opportunity to write a ~3-5 sentence response to a given prompt. (This may be during class or at the end of class.) The prompts may include the following formats:

• Define a keyword: explain how it might apply to an example not in the reading.
• Method autopsy: what did the author actually do to arrive at their conclusion? What is the data? The unit? Analytical method?
• Three-sentence summary: what question was the author trying to answer? How did they do it? What is the argument?
• Quote interpretation: here is a selected quote from the reading; write 3-5 sentences about why it matters or how it works in the rest of the reading
• Agree / disagree: I will put up a statement about the reading; write whether the author would agree or disagree with the statement.
• TIL: what did you learn today? Why is it important, significant, interesting…?
• Charitable disagreement: what is the strongest argument against the reading and how might the author respond?

The responses are primarily graded for completion and engagement, not correctness: ✔️+ (1.5 points), ✔️ (1 pt), ✔️ - (0.5 pt). Your total for this component is capped at 19 points, so a ✔️+ can offset a ✔️ - or a session you miss.

Attendance

You must speak at least once in class per session in order to receive attendance and participation points (one per class). There are no make-up assignments or excused absences for this, as there are over 100 points available in this grading schema. For one-off absences because of illness or other conflicts, not being able to make up these lost attendance points is very unlikely to make a difference in your final grade.

Syllabus quiz

Please read the syllabus. This will not be a “gotcha” recall quiz; I want to make sure that you have an understanding of the basic policies of this class.