Dr. Andrew Wood Office: HGH 210; Phone: (408) 924-5378 Email: wooda@email.sjsu.edu Web: http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/wooda

Assignments

Show and Tell (25 points) Sign up to select one concept from the week's reading and relate it to a contemporary pop culture artifact. It may be a film, television show, comic strip, or other text of your choosing. In five to seven minutes, employ the artifact to expand our understanding of the concept. An example might be to select a brief scene from Friends to illustrate Kant's notion of Categorical Imperative. You will be evaluated on your ability to provide a professional oral presentation about an insightful and thought provoking topic.

Participation (50 points) In order for this class to thrive, you must demonstrate a command of the readings and a willingness to share insightful ideas with your colleagues. Primary grading criteria: Connect disparate ideas and keep the conversation going.

Unannounced Quizzes (100 points) To inspire you to read and retain the material we cover in this class, I will conduct seven brief multiple-choice quizzes. Each quiz will be designed to test only that you’ve read and considered the reading for that day. I will only use your four top scores (25 points each) for this component. Quizzes may not be made up.

Summary Papers (100 points) Respond critically to two course readings (50 points each). Within 250-300 words, answer the following questions: (1) What are the author's primary arguments and thesis? (2) How does this text relate to ideas raised in this class? (3) What is your personal reaction to the ideas raised in this text? Note: You will submit one summary paper before the middle of the term.

MUSE Activity Responses (25 points) Attend at least three MUSE workshops and activities during the semester. For each one, you will present a 100-200-word reflection piece that outlines one valuable concept you learned from the activity (5, 10, and 10 points).

Course Project (100 points) Write an essay of 800-1000 words that provides at least three arguments for an original statement of faith, philosophy, or ethics. Supporting your claim, you will draw from at least five properly cited readings and at least two Simpsons episodes. One fourth of your score for this assignment will be determined by your presentation of a polished and thought provoking oral report of seven to ten minutes. Note: You will submit a proposal paragraph, first draft, and final draft on dates noted in the syllabus.

Download the PDF gradesheet and attach it to your essay.

Final Examination (100 points) The final examination offers an opportunity to demonstrate understanding of the material discussed in this class through multiple choice, true/false, and matching questions. I will offer a thorough review before the test.