READINGS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
This Web Syllabus is the definitive source of information for our course. Your paper syllabus will soon be out of date. You should consult this site at least twice a week. I will change assignments and add mandatory readings and links throughout the semester. Thus, you are responsible for knowing about any changes in requirements.
Paper Sources
- Roger Scruton, The West and the Rest
- John Kingdon, America the Unusual
- Carolina Maria de Jesus, Child of the Dark
- Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, The Communist Manifesto
- Course Reader: Buy this immediately in the La Fortune Copy Center
All of these books (with the exception of the Reader) are available in the Hesburgh Library Reserve Room.
Virtual Sources
You, your classmates, and your TAs will engage in regular discussions and debates over WebCT Vista. You will find this link on the left column of this page. Participation in these virtual discussions is one of the most important and beneficial segments of this course. By using WebCT Vista, you will be better prepared for your Friday sections and you will have the opportunity to test your ideas and argue with each other. Remember: You can't study politics without a little conflict!
Visual Sources
There are several required films in the course. Two of them will oblige you to attend evening showings on alternative nights. Please mark in your calendars either Wednesday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. or Thursday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. for the first film; and then, either Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. or Thursday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. for the second film.
Grading
You will earn your grades in this course on the basis of several different types of assignments. There will be two take-home essays during the semester and an in-class final examination. The take-home essays will be docked 1/3 of a grade for every day they are late. Your participation in discussion sections will also be an important part of your grade. Participation includes both the quality of your comments during the section and the quality of biweekly written assignments and WebCT discussions. You will lower your grade by failing to attend class or discussion sections.
First Reflective Essay
Second Reflective Essay
Participation, WebCT, and Short Essays
Final Examination |
15 percent
15 percent
30 percent (15% + 15%)
40 percent (20% + 20%) |
Advice for First-Year Students at Notre Dame - Read Here
RETURN TO COURSE HOME
