Readings

Students are expected to have all assigned reading material completed by the dates specified on the syllabus. Students should be prepared to interpret and discuss the daily readings in both oral and written forms. Your participation in class discussion  is vital to success in this course.
 

Writing

All writing assignments must be completed by the dates specified on the syllabus. All papers must be typed, double-spaced, with a traditional font size and style; margins must be standard one inch. You must proof read your work for mistakes. Careless editing errors will result in a lowering of your grade on a particular assignment. You must be prepared to discuss all writing assignments in class.
 

Position Paper

In the position paper, you will express your opinion on an issue for class discussion. In two to three pages, you should clearly state your position on an issue and offer evidence to support your conclusions. On the day the assignment is due, students will be asked to state their positions in class and defend their ideas. Please note (once again): Your participation in class discussion is vital to success in this course.
 

Evaluation Paper

An evaluation paper is a key exercise in critical thinking. Evaluative arguments move beyond your low-level review of a book, movie, lecture, etc. to a critical analysis. You will state your judgment clearly, and back it up with reasons and evidence. As you learned in Communication Arts, you must convince your reader that your judgment is informed and your reasoning is sound in a four to five page paper. Note: You must place your evaluation in historical context.

Observation Paper (Oral History Assignment)

This writing assignment will have three parts: 1) a list of pre-prepared questions; 2) an oral interview transcript and 3) a four to five page paper. Once you clearly understand this assignment, you will find a subject to interview. Arrange the interview and prepare a list of questions to ask. In the interview, ask the questions and take notes (and use a tape recorder if available). Following the interview, transcribe your tape or decipher your notes and type them. Finally, compose a paper based on your interview. Note: you must include your own observations in the paper.
 

Essay Exams

Written exams will have both short answer questions and essay questions. All essay exams must be written in "blue books" available in the campus book store. Exams will include information from lectures, readings, and class discussions. In writing an essay exam: budget your time; organize your thoughts and answers; circle and understand key task words in the questions asked. Most often students perform poorly on exams by failing to fully answer a question.
 

Oral Exams

In an advanced seminar, an individually-scheduled oral exam will be given to students. In a quick ten-minute session, you will be asked two or three broad-based questions covering various interpretations of historical events. You are expected to provide thoughtful and logical answers.