You'll produce three longer writings (800-1000+ words) and many smaller writings (200-300 words each). Timely and accurate completion of all assignments can earn you the default grade of a "A" for the course. If you turn in incomplete assignments, you will still have to complete them, making them late. As explained on the Grading Contract, there is direct relationship between timely completion of assignments and your course grade. This includes assignments done in class as well as out of class.
I will still grade each individual assignment as feedback for improvement. A grade of "quality effort" means that your "A" is safe. However, work complete late or really poor effort in content or proofreading will result in a grade of "falls short." As long as the number of "falls short" grades is within the limit stated on the Grading Contract, you still have a chance to make an a "A" or "B" in the course. Here are some (not all) reasons you could get a "falls short" grade:
- Not following instructions
- Incorrect MLA or title formatting
- Missing parts of the assignment
- Generalizing
- Typos
- Incomplete or confusing sentences
- Punctuation or grammar errors
- Vague or uninteresting titles
- A little slip up or two will still get you a "quality effort" if you are otherwise impressive in content and logic.
- If you want a "quality effort," then do quality work--do you deserve the grade otherwise? No complaining if you don't put the time in to produce a stellar piece of writing.
- If you want a "quality effort," then you impress me with your content and expression. If I read a dull, uninspired assignment, I migth get the impression that you did not put the time in, even if it is otherwise decently proofread and clear.
- Poor proofreading is an automatic "falls short." I will not trudge through a bunch of typos and grammar mistakes just to follow your thoughts. Nor will those employers to whom you address cover letters on job applications, by the way.
- Generalizing, next to poor proofreading, is the true mark of "falls short." If your sentences are not specific, you can expect a "falls short" grade.
- If you make enough proofreading mistakes or leave too many typos, then you will get a "falls short." It's about time and concentration. If you are not confident in your proofreading, make an appointment with me to work on your weaknesses.
- Generalizing, poor proofreading, ignoring instructions, failing to brainstorm, putting minimal time into your composing, showing low interest, taking shortcuts--these would be signs of your not caring about your improvement as a writer. Show me that you care. Impress me with your effort. Surprise me with your ideas. Make reading your work a joy. As your teacher, I expect you to show concern in your work. If you don't, it won't be an accident. It will be a choice. So, again, no complaining if you make a "falls short"--just step up your game. Raising your effort level is the only way to make a difference in your product.
- Any assignment that you complete after the deadline is late and will automatically earn a "falls short" grade.
Below is a list of tasks you will do this semester. Remember, assignments turned in late or incomplete will still receive grades, but they will marked as late for course grading purposes:
- Reflections
- Discussion Postings
- Paper Topics
- Assigned Reading Responses
- Peer Responses
- Self-Responses
- Rough drafts of papers
- Revised drafts of papers
- Final drafts of papers
- Self-assessment essay
You can a "quality effort" on an assignment by (a) meeting deadlines and content/length requirements for assignments and (b) participating in classroom activities designed around completion of these assignments. Why? Most students want a course grade to reflect their effort in a course; this approach to grading rewards effort, the labor that you put into completing tasks on time.
