Course Requirements

Class participation (Total 25% of grade)

Students are expected to complete the assigned readings for each week's meetings and participate in the class discussions.   Because of the size of the class and the complexity of the format, we also encourage students to participate through the class discussion forum. Students can pose brief questions or comments about particular readings in the appropriate section of the class discussion forum for each week (preferably no later than the evening before the class!) and also respond to each others' questions and comments. It is easiest to start a threaded discussion by giving your message a title that includes your own name and the topic of your question or comment, or, if it refers to a specific reading, the author's name.   (For example, "MJ's question about Mary Wollstonecraft") You can answer a question or comment on something posted by someone else by clicking on that comment and replying to it.

Two weekly reaction papers (15% of the grade each)

Each student is required to submit two short reaction papers, each 500-750 words in length. These should tie together the readings for a particular week, including critical comments on each. These papers must be posted in the appropriate section of the discussion forum no later than 6 PM on the evening before the class.

Sign up for reaction papers here.

Report on "student choice" reading (15% of grade)

Each appropriate week there are several additional readings listed under "student choice."
These are books that complement the main readings and bring in a particular perspective or a wider range of material. Every student is required to write a brief report (ca. 750 words) on ONE book.   The report should be posted no later than 6 PM on the evening before the class for which it is most relevant.   The report should describe (briefly!) the nature of the material, relate the themes of the material to the issues covered in the required reading of that particular week, and indicate what and how the material adds to the overall themes of the seminar.   The author of each report should present a very brief summary of one or more points made that are most relevant to the other readings and concerns of the course at an appropriate point in that week's class discussion.  

Sign up for your student choice reading here.

Seminar paper (25% of the grade)

Each student is required to write a longer paper drawing on and expanding upon themes and materials of the course through more focused reading and research. The format of the paper will vary depending on the student's program and aims. It may be a first draft of an article, conference paper or Plan B paper, or a discussion of a particular approach or thematic area that may eventually become part of a dissertation chapter or prospectus. Or it may be a research proposal for a project that will be completed in spring term 2006. The length is also flexible depending on the nature of the project.   You need to consult with at least one of the instructors about your topic and research plans for this assignment no later than the end of Week 6. Each paper will be read in draft form by two of the instructors and by a student in the class. The revised paper will be read by one of the two instructors who read the first draft. Students are encouraged to consider beginning a research paper that can eventually be presented at a Fall 2006 research conference based on the seminar's themes.   Final drafts of the papers are due on December 21.

Seminar paper schedule:

 

Before Week 6:

Meet with an instructor to discuss and develop plans for the semester's work.

 

by end of Week 8 (October 28)

Post a short (1-page) description of your project and a preliminary bibliography in the appropriate section of the discussion forum.

 

Week 13 (November 29)

Preliminary drafts due - three copies to be distributed to two instructors and one peer reviewer. Students are encouraged to post their drafts on the Learn@UW discussion forum as well, so that other students may read them.

 

Weeks 14 and 15 (December 6 and 13)

Presentation of first drafts in class

Peer review (5% of the grade)

Each student will be assigned one research paper written by another student in the class for peer review.   This review (1-2 pages) should offer comments on the paper and suggestions for improving the argument, methods, style, or other aspects of the paper. This review is due on the date scheduled for the discussion of the paper (December 6 or 13). Email copies of the student author and the instructors, before class discussion.

Grade distribution:

• Class participation : includes class attendance; preparation for class as indicated by postings of questions and comments on Learn@UW discussions as well as participation in in-class discussion; consultations with instructors, etc.: 25%

• Reaction papers : 30% (15 %each)

• "Student choice" report : 15%

• Seminar paper: 25%

• Peer review: 5 %