Methods of Instruction: This is an "activity based" curriculum that requires the students active participation in a wide variety of educational experiences. While the content of the readings, occasional lectures, and the films themselves should provide important and significant content, the emphasis is on what is commonly referred to as "process." Our belief is that this area of study is critical to character as well as to the development of knowledge about this area of study. We are influenced by Aristotle’s idea that we are studying virtue to become virtuous.

Grading System: Most of the course activities, including attendance, are based on the "criterion referenced" idea that the student must complete each of the assignments at a satisfactory level. Failure to complete any of the assignments could lead to an "F" in the course, although that possibility would seem to be remote since we expect to inspire all students full participation. A way of thinking about how the student will be graded is that if all of the assignments listed above are completed satisfactorily, the student will have earned what might be thought of as 80 points. A grade higher than a B- can be earned in several ways, but the primary way is to earn higher than a B- on the final exam. The final exam will be a summative exam and be the most conspicuous measure of the skills associated with academic excellence and preparation for further upper division or graduate work. Other ways that "could" influence a grade positively include a grade higher than a B- on the midterm, and/or particular brilliance demonstrated on one or more of the other classroom assignments. We emphasize that the only guaranteed method of earning any grade is full participation, and to earn a grade higher than a B- is by success on the written exams. However, in special circumstances we reserve the right to raise a student’s grade by our judgment that the student has achieved unusual distinction on one of the other course assignments. If for some reason a student misses more than three classes, or fails to complete an assignment (and in rare circumstances a late assignment might be accepted with prior approval) the student is more likely to be asked to withdraw, or to be given an "F" than to have the grade lowered by a pre-set amount. However, this is only the policy of last resort. Our overwhelming goal is to insure that each student is successful.

In conclusion we (Professor Holmes and Professor Gose) have the immodest goal of making this the best class that the students ever take. Of course that is our goal for each of our classes, and it can only be true if this is the only course you take from us...which we use as the last will and testament of this syllabus to challenge us all to excellence, to suggest our great affection for humor, and to set our course for a truly heuristic experience.

David Holmes and Michael Gose
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