ANTH 112 Evaluation & Assignments

Rather than having the bulk of the grade based solely on exams, students will be evaluated on participation (20%), opinion piece (5%), two exams (25% each), and a short paper (25% each).  Participation includes in-class activities and through VIULearn.  There is NO final exam.

**Not submitting an exam or assignment will result in an “F”;
your final grade is based on completing ALL course work.**

PARTICIPATION & ATTENDANCE (20%)
As noted, participation accounts for 20% of your grade; this is split between the different aspects of participation.  Attendance is required; after the first two weeks, a sign-in sheet will be circulated.   If you sign-in and depart, this will be noted.  There will be specific and general in-class discussion.  If you are absent, you cannot participate.  (See VIU General Regulations–Attendance.)

Active participation is contributing to all in-class activities, 10%; discussion is the primary one.  I am interested in the quality of comments and/or questions raised during discussion.  Be an informed participant, i.e., read the assigned materials.

For those who are less confident about speaking in class, you can still participate through VIULearn, 5%. Each student is expected to contribute to the various discussion topics (grouped as weekly) throughout the semester, either by posting a relevant article, or commenting on one submitted by a classmate.  The latter should be substantive, i.e., an informed opinion, not one that states agreement.  Whether you do all or some remains your choice; your participation mark will reflect this.

Please submit a self-evaluation of your participation, 5% (no more than 250 words, through VIULearn): 1) by February 16; and 2) by April 12.  What are you learning?  What is working for you?  What challenges may be impacting your learning.  Be reflective and honest about your participation.  For the last evaluation, April 12, you can indicate whether you want your in-class (10%) and online (5%) participation evaluated as indicated or reversed, that is, in-class (5%) and online (10%).  If you do not explicitly specify, the greater portion of the assessment will be assigned to in-class.

To receive full credit for participation (quality counts!), you must 1) attend class,
2) participate fully in class activities (discussion, evaluation, etc.), 3) provide two self-evaluations of participation, and 4) post to VIULearn.

NOTE:  Last day to post or submit an opinion piece to VIULearn, if you want it to be considered as part of your overall mark, is Friday, April 19, 11:30pm!

OPINION PIECE (5%)
You are encouraged to learn outside the classroom by taking advantage of on- and off-campus events. During the semester, I will post possibilities as I become aware of them.  If there is an event that you wish to attend that I have not listed, please check with me.

Attend an event and submit an opinion piece (no more than 250-300 words) through VIULearn.

opin-ion \ ə-’pin-yə n \ n. 1 a: a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.
(Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate® Dictionary 11th Edition)

As the above definition implies, I am interested in your response to the event. Your commentary is NOT to be a summary.  Be reflective, support your opinion.

NOTE: This is the only assignment that can be considered ‘optional’; there is no penalty if you do not complete this other than missing 5% of your mark.

Last day to post: Wednesday, April 19, 11:30pm

SHORT PAPER (20%):
There will be a sign-up to select one of three episodes, The 1950s to The 1970s, of the series Back In Time For Dinner (BBC 2015; CBC 2018).  This series will form the in-class discussion, February 15.

Culture is dynamic (not static).  To illustrate this, select one item or behaviour to discuss from the selected decade and compare with the 2020s.  Explain why you have chosen the item or behaviour, as well.  Also, comment on the similarity or difference in Canada from the same period in Britain.  [Unfortunately, the CBC 2018 version is no longer available online free.]

You are to write an essay, maximum of three pages, i.e., 900 words, excluding references. Review my comments “On Writing” to ensure that you meet my expectations for a paper.  For references, ensure that you follow the Chicago Manual of Style (Author-Date).  All direct quotes and/or specific paraphrasing require proper in-text citation.  Referencing matters in academic paper!

Your paper will be evaluated according to the following: 1) you have compared the item or behaviour selected; 2) explained the reason for your choice; and 3) spelling, grammar, and presentation.

Submit through VIULearn.

DUE:  Thursday, February 29, 11:30pm

NOTE:

• Assignments are due through VIULearn (follow instructions).  If there are exceptional and/or extenuating circumstances, such as illness or a death in the family, please notify me as soon as possible so that other arrangements can be made.  (See VIU Calendar, General Regulations.)  In such cases, outstanding work (exam or assignments) typically must be submitted before the start of the final exam period.  If in doubt, talk to me!
• Read “On Writing” to ensure that you understand my expectations of a writing assignment.
• If you need help with your writing, please seek assistance from the Writing Centre, The Library, Nanaimo Campus, Fourth Floor, Room 474 Contact the Writing Centre at local 2115, or make an appointment online.  As well, refer to the numerous “how to” handouts available online.
• Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Students caught plagiarizing will automatically receive an F as their final grade.  VIU Student Academic Code of Conduct (policy 96.01)

Created 2006-08-30; last updated 2024-01-08