Talking points portfolios
Talking points are due during every class session for which readings are assigned. They will be returned to you with brief comments.
Three times during the semester, you will organize your talking points into portfolios for scoring: Due dates: October 12, November 14, and finals week.
Scoring will be based on evidence of steady and active engagement with the reading throughout the semester. Talking points must be handed in at each class session; they cannot be made up.
The purpose of this assignment is to prepare for discussion of the assigned readings. Your talking points may also prove to be a starting point for ideas you develop in formal written assignments.
Daily Talking Points
Write a brief response to each of the assigned readings for each class session. (This means if three essays are assigned, you’ll write three responses; if five are assigned, you’ll write five responses.) Your responses may be questions, comments, or even graphic representations of a concept. They can be informal, but must be clearly readable and give a good indication of your engagement with the reading. Include your name and the date on the page. Keep in mind that very superficial responses that merely criticize the reading for being difficult or 'boring' will not demonstrate that you've been actively engaged with the course material.
The Calendar includes questions to focus on in your talking points during the first part of the semester. These questions should guide rather than limit your notes. For class sessions to be conducted by students, the facilitation team will circulate focal questions in advance.
Talking Point Portfolios
Collect all of your talking points for the weeks covered in a folder and submit them on the following dates:
Weeks 1-6 October 12
Weeks 7-11 November 18
Weeks 12-end Finals week
You are welcome but not required to revise or add new comments or graphics to your talking points before submitting them.