Requirements

Presentations - Each person will be responsible for at least two in-class presentations, each requiring that you do some background research and/or consult secondary criticism on a text. Your presentations will typically last approximately 10-15 minutes. A list of topics is posted on the Presentations page. They will typically correspond to the reading or viewing assigned for that day.

Papers

  • Five short (2-3 page) papers.(50 %)
    You will write one paper on some aspect of each text/film or film/film pairing we cover in class. Topics are not assigned
  • Final longer paper (4-6 pages).(25%)
    For the final paper you may choose to either expand on one of the five papers you have already written or you may opt to examine a film/text, single film, or film/film pairing of your own choice.

    My policy on rewrites - I will either require or actively encourage rewrites on many of your papers. I allow an unlimited number of rewrites on all papers.

    Final Editing Project 25%

  • You will edit the papers of three of your classmates, taking into account all of the issues we have discussed over the course of the semester. You will be graded on the thoroughness and the thoughtfulness of your feedback. Go here for the guidelines.
  • During the final week of classes we will meet in small groups to discuss the papers you have edited. Check the schedule of assignments to find out which group you are in and when each group will meet.

    A listserve list has been created for this class. Please subscribe as soon as possible by sending an e-mail to:

    listserv@hermes.circ.gwu.edu

    with the command:

    sub coffeetalk Firstname Lastname

    If you need more help with the list, please check the Listserve website.

    Attendance Policy Since this class will be run as a a seminar, your presence and participation are crucial. Therefore, more than three unexcused absences *will* adversely affect your grade. More than six constitues failure. If you miss a scheduled conference time, and do not contact me to reschedule during the week conferences are held, I will count it as three absences.

    Plagarism Policy Knowingly claiming the work of another as your own is an infringment of the Code of Academic Honesty. It is also flaming insult to anyone who makes his or her living by writing. Please do not do it. If caught, you *will* fail the class and be referred for disiplinary action.