The Problem of War | Interim 2012 

Participation (10% of course grade)

Each of you will be expected to contribute to the success of class discussions. For some of you, constructive participation will mean speaking more than you are naturally inclined to do. For others constructive participation will mean speaking less than usual and encouraging others to contribute. Participation in class might involve any of these things:

1. trying to make a point that is difficult to articulate
2. synthesizing or distinguishing claims that others have made
3. elaborating or clarifying arguments that have been made by others
4. explaining why you disagree with something one of us has said
5. offering textual evidence for or against a claim
6. asking another person to further explain his or her views

The purpose of a good discussion is not personal victory, but understanding. You should use our conversation to speculate, refine, qualify, and even change your mind! Class is not a time for you to sit passively, waiting for a brilliant comment to spring into your mind. Treat discussion as group work on a rough draft—get all the ideas out and see where they lead us.