Elements of Evaluation:
If enrolled for 3 undergraduate credits or 2 graduate credits, the following assignments will be factored into your course grade:
(1) Participation/Discussion: The nature of this class demands that all students demonstrate their understanding of the readings whether through regular contributions to the class discussions, in synchronous discussions, or through asynchronous responses to questions about the readings. Both quality and quantity will be considered, with an emphasis on the former. Altogether, 15 points may be earned for participation through reading responses + 5 points for the Check-In Quiz and Tasks on MyHeritage (20 points total).
On-Line Students: Students taking part or all of the course entirely via internet will take part in at least two (2) synchronous discussions during Elluminate Online Office Hours OR view the recordings of three (3) such discussions or recorded lectures and summarize the main ideas in a few paragraphs.
(2) Post-First Forums: ALL students will post at least one original comment to EVERY post-first forum on the Heritage University Virtual Campus (AKA MyHeritage). The topics will vary from reading to reading. These assignments will be worth 20 points total.
Note on Papers: If you are taking this course in conjunction with Eng 450-550 (Literary Theory), consult with Dr. Schmidt so that you may select topics that allow the papers to be used for both courses.
(3) Papers: Students will write two papers of 4+ pages. Each of these papers will be worth 20 points (40 points total). The first paper will examine some aspect of the SF genre or one of its subgenres that helps illuminate one or more of the texts we read. The second paper will entail a critical analysis of any aspect of one or more of the works read in the course using any critical approach(es) desired. GR student option: Write ONE paper of 10+ pages appropriate for a conference or journal submission (you do not actually need to submit it, but students considering Ph.D. study may need some longer writing samples for their applications).
(4) Teaching Demonstration: Students will present a lesson on some aspect of one of these works suitable for a MS, HS, or college classroom. I recommend combining your presentation with one of the two papers. Students may present during the final weekend of the semester or via Ellluminate. The teaching demonstration will be worth 20 points.
Verification Activity: This assignment also serves to verify or authenticate the work of online students. Online students will be expected to produce positive ID to the instructor at the time of the online presentation.
Figuring Course Grades:
Check-In Tasks (1 + 4) 5 Participation or Reading Responses 15 Post-First Forums 20 Genre Analysis 20 Critical Analysis 20 Teaching Demonstration 20
Total Possible: 100 (98+ = A+; 92+ = A; 90+ = A-; 88+ = B+; 82+ = B; 80+ = B-; 78+ = C+; 72+ = C; 70+ = C-; 68+ = D+; 62+ = D; 60+ = D-; 59- = F)