Each examination will consist of a number of multiple-choice questions concerning the main theses and presuppositions of each author, as well as comparisons and contrasts between authors. In addition, each test will include a short essay question. To prepare for the exam, you should review your notes from lectures and from your own reading. You are responsible for understanding any significant claim made in the texts, even if it is not specifically addressed in lecture. Studying in groups at this stage is highly recommended, as is making use of the electronic newsgroup for the class.
You will have a choice between taking a comprehensive final exam (worth 50% of the course grade) and a non-comprehensive exam (worth 25%). If you take the comprehensive exam, you may drop the lower of your two midterm exams.
At the beginning of each lecture, you may turn in a short paper (1-2 pages, 250-500 words), in response to two of the discussion questions for that day’Äôs reading. The papers should be sufficiently specific and thoughtful that it is evident that you have read the assigned texts carefully and critically. You should complete eight by the end of the semester: 8 := 100; 7 := 90; 6:= 80, etc.
A seating chart for the class will be produced. If you have a verifiable excuse for an absence, please talk to me, in advance if possible.
During the lectures, I will try to clear up questions and confusions about the texts, provide some historical and cultural background, and define key words and phrases. I will not talk about everything that is important in the text. After the lectures, you should give the assigned texts a second reading, highlighting the most important sentences, making marginal notes that encapsulate the main point and significance of key paragraphs, and reflecting on why the author says what he does and what wider significance the passage as a whole has.
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