Syllabus

Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

Syllabus Archive

The following syllabi come from a variety of different terms. They illustrate the evolution of this course over time, and are intended to provide alternate views into the instruction of this course.

Spring 2011, Anne McCants (PDF)

Spring 2009, Anne McCants (PDF)

Spring 2008, Anne McCants (PDF)

Spring 2007, Anne McCants (PDF)

Spring 2006, Anne McCants and Steven Ostrow (PDF)

Spring 2002, Anne McCants (PDF)

Introduction

A list of topics covered in the course is available in the calendar.

Course Requirements

This course has a scheduled three hour final exam. In addition, each student will be expected to write a number of very short (1 or 2 pages each) discussion papers, and two substantive essays (5 or 6 pages each) over the course of the term. The discussion papers will be due in Week #1, Week #2, Week #4, Week #7, and Week #9. The longer essays will be due on Week #6, and Week #11. The discussion papers should pertain to the reading assigned for the week they are due, while the topics for the two longer papers will be assigned in class.

Plagiarism Policy

No internet sources should be consulted for your papers, other than those which are either primary source collections, or are academically refereed sites. If you are unsure about a site, please consult me prior to using it. If used, all internet sources must be properly footnoted and cited in your bibliography at the end of your paper just as for any other type of source. Plagiarism from any kind of source will not be tolerated. Cheating earns an automatic F (0%) for the assignment. Moreover, all cases of cheating will be reported to the COD for their consideration of the appropriate disciplinary action to take with the student involved. If you are unsure what plagiarism is please see the MIT Online Writing Communication Center. If you are still uncertain, please see me.

Grading

Late Paper and Un-excused Absence Policy

Late papers will be accepted without penalty in the case of a medical emergency or some other type of emergency which has been brought to our attention in advance. Otherwise, late papers will be graded down 5% points for each day they are late. Students are expected to attend every class. Two un-excused absences will be permitted without penalty. However, each un-excused absence above two will result in your final grade being lowered by 2% points. If you know in advance that you must travel during the week for professional reasons, please see me as soon as possible so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Calendar