Assignments - This page will have all handouts pertaining to assignments

• Discussion Questions - 15%
  • On FIFTEEN of seventeen different class periods, you will be required to write three discussion questions and one paragraph answers for each question. The assignments should each be at least a page long.
  • You will be graded pass/fail (S = satisfactory, U = unsatisfactory) on whether you have completed the assignment to a sufficient degree (we will discuss standards in class).
  • You will frequently be asked to use your questions in large and small group discussions. Your ability to do so will affect your participation grade.
  • Especially strong discussion questions and answers may also help your participation grade, as they will demonstrate that you were ready to participate.
  • These papers are informal, but should be viewed as a chance to practice your writing. Therefore, these assignments are subject to the "Death List." If you make any of the mistakes listed, you will receive a "U" for the day.
• Formal Paper - 15%
  • This essay, of at least 1000 words, will be on the book The Death of Woman Wang.
    • Due Thursday, 23 Mar
    • Essay assignment
• Two Tests - 15% each
  • Each test will have identifications, textual analysis, and short-answer questions covering approximately one-third of the class.
• Th 2 Mar - Test #1 - Study Guide
• T 25 Apr - Test #2
• Final Exam - 20%
  • An exam in two parts. The first part will examine the material from the last third of class. The second part will ask one or more essay questions on the entirety of the course.
  • Date and time TBA
• Zheng He exercise - 5%
  • Assignment - Online exercise on Zheng He.
  • Due February 28
• Casta painting exercise - 5%
  • Assignment on a series of paintings from colonial Mexico. More information forthcoming.
  • Due April 20
• Participation (and attendance) - 12%
  • Participation is more than just showing up, but it starts with just showing up. You cannot participate if you are not here. I will take attendance every day. Unexcused absences will weigh heavily against your participation grade.
    • Excused absences - severe illness with doctor's note, death in the family, acts of God, or legitimate St. Olaf activities (i.e., choir tour, concert, sports event) will obviously not incur any direct penalty. However, if you aren't here, you cannot participate, so you will need to work hard to make up for any classes missed legitimately. You are responsible for catching up on material missed by consulting both me and your peers.
  • But participation is about more than just showing up. It's about doing the reading, being prepared to talk about it, volunteering your input, being involved in your group work, preparing for the debates and other discussions, and generally being an asset to the class as a whole. We will have a variety of ways in which you can participate, but none matter more than being an active member in our small-group and full-class discussions.
  • Your participation is a large percent of your grade. You will need to earn it. Take initiative. Do not expect to speak only when directly called upon and ace this section of the class.
  • Finally, being late consistently may be counted as being absent. It will certainly lower your participation grade.