Your assignments are intended to help you actively develop an understanding of cultural criticism.

An essay of 2500-3000 words. 25%

Reader's reports. Four peer assessments of your classmates essay drafts. I will provide a form for you to fill out. 15%

An internet research project that includes two parts and is worth 20%.

An in-class seminar. 20%

A final take-home examination. 20%  

Essay:

• Your essay will be on a topic of your choice in consultation with your instructor. You should ensure that you develop a workable topic that can be thoroughly investigated in the amount of space allowed. Avoid generalizations and work to develop your project in relation to some of the cultural theory we are reading. Think of this as a language lab for your newfound skills in feminist cultural studies.
  
  Double space your work in 12 point type and  include a bibliography (see MLA style sheet). You may chose to write in traditional essay form or you may write an innovative (for lack of a better term) essay. There must be a written component to this project although other media can become part of the final form. Your work might be an electronic hypertext, a written document supplemented by audio or video documentation, or a cross-genre text (for instance autofiction, multiple-voiced, creative documentary, etc.) We will discuss the innovative forms in class.
  
  Due date of draft: March 11
  Due date of reader's reports; March 18
  Due date of final paper April 1 

Essay reader's reports:

You will finish a good working draft of your essay and bring four copies to class on . Over the next week, you will read and comment on four of your colleague's papers and return the following week with completed reports. Each student will thus have a peer reviews of the essay before you hand it in for my review of your work. Please note that you must participate in this part of the course in order to pass. You will all be responsible for handing in the draft on time.

Internet Research Project:  
Part 1: participation in discussion about the course materials, lectures, seminars, or topics. Students will be required to send at least five substantial messages.
Part 2: a web site directory on a topic of your choice. We will discuss how to go about searching the web in the next computer lab class.

Seminar Presentation :

• This will ensure you are engaging with our readings and can develop critical analysis. They will be done in pairs or small groups. Topics to be discussed in class. Aprox. 20 minutes in length.

A note re: participation. All students are expected to attend all classes and participate in discussion. If you find it difficult to speak up in class, please talk with me.

Elements that will be especially meaningful in your grade include: depth of thought & insight, originality, thoroughness of approach, clarity, organization, and research skills.

My goal as a teacher is to develop a grade that reflects your progress through the course. If you feel you have been unfairly marked or that I have misinterpreted your work, please discuss your concerns with me. I cannot divine or interpret unspoken angst.

Grades will be given on the nine-point stanine system. They translate in this way:

• 9 Outstanding A+
  8 Excellent A First class standing
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  7 Very good B+ or B
  6 Good B- or C+ Second class standing
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  5 Fair C or C
  4 Pass D+ or D Pass

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  3 Fail F
  2 Fail
  1 Fail

Take-home examination:

• Format: You will be given a choice but must answer two essay questions. A reasonable amount of time to spend on the examination (reading, thinking about and writing) is ten to twelve hours. You are not required to do any additional research beyond what you have accomplished in the course. You may discuss your ideas with other members of the class, and you may ask someone else to proofread your exam before you submit it. Please do not focus on works you discussed in your paper.

  Grading of take-home examination: You will be graded primarily on your ideas. However you will find that your ideas take shape more eloquently in clearly written, well-organized essays free unencumbered by mechanical errors.

  Due date: The take-home examination questions will be distributed in the final class. Your take-home examination will be due under my office door (Humanities Centre 3-75) no later than in class at 6:30p on April 15.

Assignment Deadlines:

• Lateness will not be tolerated due to the fact that: (a) this is adult life, and (b) why extend the suspense of the project a moment longer than necessary? Should a state of emergency arise (tidal wave, volcanic eruption, sudden and surprising physical/mental paralysis confirmed with doctor's note), please notify me of the circumstances as soon as you are able.