Psy 303. PERSON IN SOCIETY
Fall 2003

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING

General Information

Course structure:
In general, we will meet from 1:00-2:30 as a large group for lectures, films, and discussions. From 2:40 - 3:40 we will meet in small groups for structured exercises and discussion of class material. This schedule will change on occasion to accommodate guest speakers.

GE credit:
This course meets GE Area D1, Individual and Society. If you have upper division standing, it also serves to meet the upper division GE requirement.
If you are a psychology major, you can count this as a GE course or as a course for the major, but not both. You can count it as both GE and supporting units.

Important note:
If you using this course for the Psychology major, it must be taken for a grade. If you are using it for GE credit, you may take it credit/no credit. The requirements for a grade are significantly different from the requirements for credit/no credit, so please read carefully over the following descriptions as you make your decision.

Assignments and Grading: Graded Option

A. Your grade will be based on two papers, 5-7 pages each in length, and your participation in class. Each will contribute 33% toward your final grade. The two papers are:

1. Media reflection paper. 33% (Click here for more information on this assignment.) Our understanding of the world and our place in it is profoundly shaped in modern society by various forms of media - television, radio, print, electronic media, and others. In this paper you will report on your own media history, reflect on the ways that it has shaped your worldview, and consciously experiment with altering these patterns. Due October 9. (Late policy: Grade will be lowered by 1/3 of a grade for each week it is late. No papers will be accepted after November 6.)

2. Proposal to the California Legislature. 33% (Click here for more information on this assignment.) This course has dealt with the impact of the globalization of economcs and communication as a result of the information technology revolution. It has also explored political and economic tools that local communities can use to respond to the dislocations they experience. How has what you have learned in this course influenced your thinking about the political economy of California and of your own home bioregion? Include at least two well-argued specific proposals that the California legislature could consider for next year's budget cycle. Due December 11. (Last class -- Late policy: For papers submitted between December 11 and December 18, grade will be lowered one grade. No papers accepted after December 18.)

Note: See handout on academic honesty, and abide by its guidelines.

Grading criteria for papers will vary somewhat by the assignment, but generally include:

- coverage of specific details, to be provided in class for each assignment
- understanding of central concepts employed in the paper
- originality and clarity of thought
- integration of experiential and theoretical material
- clarity and overall organization of writing
- orthodox grammar and spelling

You can rewrite the first paper if the grade was a C+ or lower.

3. Participation. 33%. Grades will be based on attendance and contribution to class discussions. TA's will keep track of attendance and small group participation, and the TA's and instructor will keep track of participation in large group discussions. A participation grade of "A" reflects an exceptionally high level and quality of involvement in the class and reflection on the readings. A grade of "B" will be given for a moderate level of involvement in discussions. Grades will be in the "C" range for minimal involvement in group discussions. Poor attendance/participation will result in "D's" and "F's." Note: unexcused absence from more than 3 class sessions will result in failing the class.

B. Response papers. Each week, bring a 1-2 page response to the readings to hand in to your TA. These will be graded on a credit / no credit basis. To get credit, the response paper must include all of the following three components:

1. Address concepts from the reading. Since there are no exams in this course, this is the only opportunity other than class discussions to show that you understand the central concepts of the course.

2. Go beyond summarizing and actively engage with the ideas. What new thoughts did the reading spark in you? What questions did it raise? Was there anything that you particularly agreed with or disagreed with? Why?

3. Write clearly. If the TA can't follow what you are saying, something needs to be clarified.

You need to get "credit" on at least 12 response papers to pass the course. Response papers that get grades of "no credit" may be rewritten the next week.

Assignments and Grading: Credit/No Credit option

You will be responsible for weekly response papers, as described above. You must get credit for a minimum of 12 response papers to receive credit for the course.

You may miss no more than 3 class sessions.

You will not be required to write the two graded papers.

Disabilities. If you are a student with a documented disability and believe you mayneed academic accommodations for this course please be sure to see me during the first two weeks of the semester. Please note that you must be registered each semester with the DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES office in STV 1038, ex. 664-2677 to receive accommodation considerations.

Note on incompletes: A grade of "incomplete" will be assigned only in cases of unanticipated illness or emergency, and requests for incompletes must be submitted in writing by December 11. No exceptions.