WOMEN FROM AFRICA: Cultures, Identities ... - SFU Library

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENTSAttendance & Participation (20%)The course will consist of seminars comprising lectures, student presentations, discussions, and screeningof films or documentaries. Students are expected to read the assigned material before class, participateactively in discussions, exercises, and group workshops, as well as contribute weekly to Blog discussions onWebCt. In-class work should always guarantee respect for each other‟s ideas and willingness to engagewith the course material.The attendance and participation grade will reflect students‟ attendance, level of enthusiasm andthoughtfulness, willingness to contribute to class discussions, presentations, punctuality in makingassignment deadlines, and weekly contribution to the Blog (WebCt, discussion section).The Blog is meant to generate further discussion outside of the classroom. Blog entries should consist ofcomments, not summaries of the articles assigned.Students will lead a 15 min. presentation on a chosen topic. The presentation will engage course materialintegrated with further research to generate class discussion.Short assignments (10%)The short assignments consist of two critical responses of 2 pages each. The responses will identify thecontext and main argument of the discussed test and engage critically with the ideas proposed.Short paper (20%)The short paper consists of a 6-page argumentative essay focusing on, and elaborating, one topic fromthe course readings (essays) of weeks 1-6. The paper must have a clearly identified thesis.Mid-term Exam (25%)The Mid-term is a take-home exam consisting of essay questions on the topics discussed from week 1 to 9testing the students‟ reading and understanding of the material read in class.Questions will be handed in at the end of class on July 13 (week 9). Due date: week 10 (July 20).Final Research Project (25%)The final research paper consists of a 10-12 page essay focusing on a topic of your choice. The essay willhave a clearly identified thesis and will include research in addition to the material read in class. We willwork together to choose and refine your writing topics. The research project will be shared in the form ofround-table discussion in week 12.Writing requirementsYour writing is a central component of your critical and creative thinking. In submitting writingassignments, you will commit to the exploration of ideas tradition through rigorous critical thinking,intellectual engagement, creativity, and respect for different ideas. Your writing will display quality andintegrity: outside sources will be properly cited and your work will be of the highest quality that you canproduce. Plagiarism will have severe consequences. If you have any questions about using outside sources, pleaseask.6