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Assignments:
1) Though lectures will be part of many classes, this is not
primarily a lecture course. The issues we are exploring are the topic
of serious debate, and this course seeks to prompt you to critically
engage with these issues in the classroom. There are many readings in
the syllabus, some of which will be assigned to a student to present to
the class. Presenters will have five minutes to introduce the class to
the basic issues involved in the text, and the opinions or resolutions
that come from them. Presentations will be evaluated on the basis of
being concise and to the point. Overall class participation, based on
quality not quantity, is worth 20% of the grade.
All students are responsible for doing all the readings. Class
discussion of the readings will proceed once the introductory
presentation has been made. Students are encouraged to volunteer their
remarks, but I will also be calling on students who have not
volunteered.
2) There will be three short (two-page) thought papers assigned
throughout the semester. The purpose of a thought paper is to state a
thesis and support it with evidence and rhetorical vigor. You should be
prepared to take a position, even if you feel ambivalent about the
given issue. The thought papers will be worth 30% of the grade.
3) There will be a seven-page midterm paper on a topic to be
discussed in class. In this paper, as opposed to the short thought
papers, ambivalence on an issue is entirely appropriate. Use specific
examples to illustrate how the themes you identify. The paper should be
double-spaced, with 12-point font and 1Ó margins. It is due on
Friday, March 9 and is worth 20% of the grade.
4) There will be a twelve-page research paper on an issue of your
choice concerning the European Union. The issue need not be one that we
have dealt with directly in class. Make sure to discuss your topic with
me before you start work; and do not commit yourself to significant
research on the topic until you have four substantial sources. The
research paper is due in class on Friday, April 27. It is worth 30% of
the grade. Unless you get an extension before the due date,
late papers will be docked one point (of 30) per day.
Note: Plagiarized work will not be accepted. If you are using
someone elseÕs ideas, words, or research, you MUST cite them
properly.
You may have one unexcused absence over the course of the semester.
After this, each absence will result in a deduction of 1% from your
overall grade.
Overview of grade components:
Three thought papers: 30%
Midterm paper: 20% (due Friday, March 9, at class time)
Research paper: 30% (due Friday, April 27, at class time)
Class participation: 20
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