EALC 150g: Global Chinese Cinema and Cultural Studies Professor: Brian Bernards Instructions and Grading Rubric

for Participation Participation is a nebulous category, and somewhat subjective, but at the same time it is an essential part of a successful course. Without enthusiastic participation from both instructors and students, a course can become monotonous. This does not mean that one must like every aspect of a course it simply means that one should try to actively engage the course material with enthusiasm and inquisitiveness while being given the space and freedom to develop and vocalize ones unique perspectives and insights. True knowledge is formed in collaboration and through cooperation, not through competition and creating adversaries. Students play a key role not only as passive receptors of information, but also as active creators and molders of collaborative knowledge. In evaluating student participation, my goal is to devise a system that, although imperfect, is as fair and objective as possible. From my experience evaluating participation in previous courses, I have found the following scoring system to most accurately reflect and account for the degree and various types of participation among a diverse range of students: Each student is given 80 points at the start (out of a total of 100). For each missed film or reading pop quiz during lecture, 2 points are subtracted. An additional 2 points are subtracted for each absence from discussion sections. For each tardiness at sections (arriving to class more than 10 minutes late), 1 point is subtracted. 1 point is also subtracted if you use computers or wireless devices for non-class related purposes during discussion sections. For each discussion section in which a student demonstrates outstanding participation, 2 points are added to the running total (1 point is added for above-average participation). A student can reach a maximum 100 participation points by demonstrating outstanding participation for at least 10 weeks out of the 15-week semester or throughout roughly 2/3 of the duration of the course while maintaining a perfect or near-perfect attendance record. Outstanding Participation: A Rough Definition 1) Speaking up in class with enthusiasm and inquisitiveness, including both small group and whole class discussions (in both lecture and discussion sections). Here, you should demonstrate your preparedness and critical thinking, indicating that you have completed the required course materials that are being discussed that day and thought them over critically. Speaking up does not simply mean regurgitating what the p rofessor or TA says by mimicking their viewpoints. It is certainly okay to both politely agree or disagree with your instructors and your classmates. Friendly, respectful, and lively debate positing or addressing dissenting viewpoints makes for a very enjoyable and successful seminar. While your comments should reflect your preparedness, all viewpoints, as long as they are respectful of others, are welcome and encouraged, no matter how sophisticated they may be. 2) Actively listening to your instructors and classmates. This certainly includes taking notes and asking follow-up questions. Participation is not just saying something and then mentally checking-out for the rest of the session (students who overtly do this will not be 1

rewarded with participation points). Students are expected to pay attention and remain engaged throughout the duration of class. 3) Outside of class, participation points can be earned by visiting your TA or professor during office hours. This is a great way for your instructors to get to know more about your work and your ideas on an individual basis. You may come to office hours to discuss any aspect of the class, from paper writing to tests to further elaboration on points raised in discussions and lectures. If you cannot come to regularly scheduled office hours, you can always schedule an appointment by emailing your TA and your professor.