RequirementsRequirementsThere will be no exams for this course. The focus of the course is on reading, discussing, writing and doing over the course of the semester, and hence your entire grade will be based upon this.
If you want to get the maximum benefit from this class (i.e. learn lots and have a grade to show for it), you will do the following...
1. Come to class prepared, and participate (15% of grade). Being prepared means having read the assigned article(s), and having jotted down your initial thoughts or questions about the article(s). Particpating in class discussions is valuable because it makes you an active learner and *massively* increases the likelihood that you will understand and retain the material.
In class, don't hesitate to ask if there is something that you do not understand. Also, if you find the logic of an argument unconvincing, point this out to the class.
2. Think and write carefully in written assignments. (60% of grade) There will be regular written assignments, consisting either of problem sets or critical evaluations of some article.
It is fine to work with other students on the written assignments; this is even encouraged, since it will most likely improve your understanding of the material. However, if you do this you should submit an assignment that you have written yourself, you should mention who you worked with, and -- most importantly -- you should make sure that you are satisfied that you have understood what you have written.
3. Take care in writing the two short papers. (25% of grade) You are expected to write two short papers or 'squibs' for this class, which take you beyond the material directly discussed in class. While the scope of these pieces is flexible, I recommend that one of the pieces be a critical review of a couple of related papers in the syntax literature, and that the other piece be a discussion of some novel data that you have collected. The first squib is due on the last day before Spring Break, on April 3rd; the second squib is due on the last day of classes May 20th.
You are not helping yourself if you wait until the last possible moment to work on these squibs, and if you spend forever stressing out over what to write about. There are vast numbers of interesting papers to review and topics to explore, and your success will depend more on the care you give to working on the project than on the brilliance of the choice of topic! You should let me know in advance what you are working on, and you should also let me know if you're not sure what to write about.
| A | 80-100% | B- | 60-65% |
| A- | 75-80% | C+ | 55-60% |
| B+ | 70-75% | C | 50-55% |
| B | 65-70% | C- | 54-50% |
Note that even in the A range there is plenty of room for you to show extra initiative and insight.