Required Materials

You will find links to most of the course readings on the digital version of the syllabus on Brightspace. Those readings that aren’t linked on the syllabus will be posted in the Course Readings module on Brightspace. You must bring a copy of the reading, something to write with, and paper to class every day. You will also need to activate your CUNY New York Times account. Directions for doing this can be found here.

Course Requirements

1.  Attendance & Participation 20%

Your attendance and active participation are key to your success in this course. To make the most of our time together, please come to class prepared, having read and reflected on the materials, so you can fully engage in our discussions and activities.

• To help you arrive class on time, there will be beginning-of-the-class activities used for attendance.
• To support your active participation for the entire class period, arriving late or leaving the class for more than 15 minutes will be marked for ½ absence.
• As a way of encouraging everyone to successfully complete the course, those missing more than four class meetings will be asked to retake the course. There will be no distinction between excused and unexcused absences.
• Participation will be evaluated based on how well you are prepared for classes, actively engaging in activities, listening respectfully, and contributing to the conversation.
• Please review the section on “nonattendance because of religious beliefs” from the bulletin (page 71) and Student Bereavement Policy.

2. Reading Quizzes and In-Class Writing 10%

Class will often begin with a short quiz on the day’s reading or low stakes writing assignment.

3. Writing Assignments 60%

Throughout the course, all assignments are designed to help you gradually build toward your research paper. These writing assignments will include analyzing and synthesizing arguments, responding to them, constructing your own, and eventually completing a research paper. The course schedule at the end of this syllabus outlines the due dates for each assignment, and detailed instructions will be shared in class and posted on Blackboard/Brightspace for your reference. To support you in staying on track, please note that late submissions may incur a penalty.

• Respond to an argument 10%
• Topic proposal 5%
• Annotated bibliography 15%
• Thesis statement 5%
• Research Paper 25%

4. Research Presentation 10%

You will have the opportunity to share a 5-minute presentation in class about your research paper. In your presentation, you will tell us why you chose your topic, how it connects to our class discussions and impacts your audience, and give a brief summary of your argument. To wrap up, you will reflect on your research process, consider what you might approach differently next time, and explore how the skills and insights you have gained could apply beyond this class.