GLST 490 Evaluation & Assignments

PARTICIPATION & ATTENDANCE (20%)
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 in-class discussions. If you are absent, you cannot participate. (See VIU Calendar, General Regulations – Attendance.)

Active participation is contributing to all class activities; discussion is the primary one. Credit will not be given to verbose individuals who enjoy the sound of their voices. I am interested in the quality of comments and/or questions raised during discussion. Be an informed participant, i.e., read the assigned articles!

Please submit a self-evaluation of your participation (no more than 250-300 words, through D2L): 1) by October 10, and 2) December 10. Provide a score out of 10, 10 being “perfect”—i.e., prepared to discuss readings, asks relevant questions or comments to further understanding of topic(s), responds and listens respectfully, does not dominate interactions, refrains from being disruptive, and attends regularly and is on time. A score of 6 indicates that you attend regularly and are on time, but do not participate in any other way. Do not obsess over the writing of this; be reflective and honest about your participation.

For those who are less confident about speaking in class, you can still participate through D2L. Each student is expected to contribute to the various discussion topics (minimum of four posts), 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.

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-assessments of participation, and 4) post to D2L.

OPINION PIECE (5%)
You are encouraged to learn outside the classroom by taking advantage of on- and off-campus events, for example, viewing a WorldBridger film (Thursday evenings) or attending an Arts & Humanities Colloquium (Friday mornings). During the semester, I will post other possibilities as I become aware of them. Check with me if there is an event that you wish to attend not already identified.

Attend an event and submit an opinion piece (no more than 250-300 words) through D2L.

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.

BOOK RESPONSE PAPER (10% each)
For each book, you will write a short paper (no more than 600 words), including a response to the following:

  • How has this book affected your understanding of labour and globalisation?
  • What are the key issues addressed?

Although you will be submitting a paper for each book via D2L, only two will be graded. One will be your choice, which you should indicate, and the other I will randomly draw. Submitting all three is considered part of your participation.

You will be evaluated according to your critical and reflective commentary. Spelling and grammar do matter! As well, use appropriate referencing when necessary. As an anthropologist, my preference is the AAA-style guide; if you use another, be consistent!

DUE: September 23, October 14, and November 18
(before midnight)

FINAL PAPER (30% + 5%)
I am open to other formats of “research” other than a formal paper, such as, a video, or creative writing piece. Should you elect to work on something in a non-standard format, I will consider having students working as a pair. Every student will need to consult and receive approval of his/her topic. Submit the title and abstract of your paper/project, November 18, via D2L, for 5% of your grade.

Your paper/project should illustrate your ability to think and write critically and intelligently. If you write or present a solely descriptive work, do not expect a high mark. I am interested in hearing your opinion; therefore, you need to take a position regarding a topic or issue, and, then, support it. Incorporate information from your class readings, the films, and lectures/discussion, where appropriate.

As noted above, I will appreciate your use of the AAA style guide. You will not be penalized for using another style format, but I will be looking for consistency. All citations are to be fully referenced. (Paraphrasing also requires citation of source.) To not do so will be considered plagiarism (which comes with an academic penalty). Wikipedia is NOT an appropriate reference source!

Papers should be 7-10 pages in length, approximately 1750-3000 words, excluding endnotes and/or bibliography. Your paper is to be submitted typed, double-spaced, 11-12pt font size. Margins should be 2.5cm (1 in). For further information on how to present and write a paper, go to On Writing.

Students electing to do a video will post it directly to D2L. Videos (or any other non-standard format) are to be accompanied by a bibliography.

Like a paper, the video needs to illustrate your ability to think critically and express a point of view. The format also implies a degree of creativity. These are the criteria for assessing your video work.

Any research involving human subjects (i.e., interviews, surveys) must undergo an ethics review. See “Preparation of Ethics Statement.”

Your “paper” will be evaluated according to the following: 1) your understanding of the chosen topic or issue; 2) your research; 3) critical thinking; and 4) spelling, grammar, and presentation.

DUE: Tuesday, December 9, 12 noon

NOTE:

  • NO LATES, please! Assignments are due in class or through D2L (follow instructions). Only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., verifiable ill-health) and only when the instructor is notified prior to class will other arrangements be made. (See VIU Calendar, General Regulations.) There is a penalty of 1% per day (M-F) for any late assignment. As mentioned, in extenuating circumstances, any outstanding work (midterms or assignments) must be submitted before the start of the exam period.
  • 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, Fourth Floor, Room 474. Appointments can be booked online!
  • Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Students caught plagiarizing will automatically receive an F as their final grade.


To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
–Edmund Burke, statesman and writer (1729-1797)

Created 2013-09-02; last updated 2014-09-01