Elements of Evaluation:
If enrolled for 3 undergraduate credits or 2 graduate credits, the following assignments will be factored into your course grade:
(1) Reading Responses: 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, 25 points may be earned for participation through reading responses + 5 points for the Check-In Task on MyHeritage (30 points total).
On-Line Students: Students taking part or all of the course entirely via the Net will take part in at least two synchronous discussions during Elluminate Online Office Hours OR view the recordings of three such discussions or recorded lectures and summarize the main ideas in a few paragraphs.
(2) Forums: In addition, ALL students will post at least one original comment to EVERY threaded discussion on the Heritage University Virtual Campus (AKA MyHeritage). These assignments will be worth 20 points total.
(3) Papers: Students will write two papers of 4+ pages. Each of these papers will be worth 25 points (50 points total). The first paper will entail a discussion of differences between the written versions of The Hobbit and/or LOTR and the filmed versions, analyzing the reasons for and success of the changes made. The second paper will entail a critical analysis of any aspect of Tolkien's work using any critical approach(es) desired. UG students taking the course for 1 credit will write only the FIRST paper.
(4) Teaching Demonstration: Students will present a lesson on some aspect of Tolkien's work suitable for a MS, HS, or college classroom. This may be presented during the final weekend or via Ellluminate. The teaching demonstration will be worth 25 points. NOTE: UG students taking the course for 2 credits and GR students taking the course for 1 credit will NOT give a teaching demonstration.
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 25 Forum (Threaded Discussions) 20 Analysis of Genre (Movies vs. Books) 25 Critical Analysis 25 Teaching Demonstration 25
Total Possible: (UG 1 credit students: 75 (69+ = A; 67.5+ = A-; 66+ = B+; 61.5+ = B; 60+ = B-; 58.5+ = C+; 54+ = C, 52.5+ = C-; 50+ = D+; 46.5+ = D; 45+ = D-; 44.5- = F.Total Possible (UG 2 credit students): 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)
Total Possible (UG 3 credit students and Graduate 2 credit students): 125. 92%+ = A; 90%+ = A-; 88%+ = B+; 82%+ = B; 80%+ = B-; 78%+ = C+; 72%+ = C; 70%+ = C-; 68%+ = D+; 62%+ = D; 60% + = D-; 59%- = F.