Assessment

Assignments

Current assignment requirements, weights, and due dates for Fall 2026. Submission links and grades remain in Canvas.

Op-ed assignment

20%

Friday, October 23 at midnight

A 1,000-word opinion piece for an interested, intelligent, nonspecialist public. Engage substantially with assigned texts from at least two course themes, using close analysis and addressing a serious counterargument.

First draft due October 16 at 11:59 p.m. Include at least two primary and two secondary sources. The updated 1,000-word requirement replaces the word count in the original syllabus.

Download assignment and rubric (Word)

AI and writing resources

The guide explains permitted AI use for writing this semester. The template helps you organize your AI acknowledgment and chat logs.

Seminar participation and writing

20%

Throughout the semester

Preparedness, engagement with the readings and other students, and evidence of depth of reading and thought. Expectations vary slightly by seminar professor.

Lecture attendance and participation

10%

Throughout the semester

Regular attendance, attentive participation, and preparation for possible lecture quizzes.

Examinations

50%

October 21 and December 14

Two in-class examinations: a midterm on Wednesday, October 21, and a final on Monday, December 14.

Semester timeline

Deadlines by week

Week 8

Midterm exam - in class

October 21

Week 8

Op-ed assignment - due at midnight

October 23

Finals

Final exam

December 14