For the duration of the course I would like for you to keep a journal which details your experiences and revelations of your journey through the course. Each week (excluding break weeks) I would like for you to contribute to your journal, so that a written account can exist to tell your individual story of the course. (Great for looking back on things, and also useful if you are meeting with me).

In some cases, I may present some more structured activities to be done in the journal. But in general, you are to use the journal to record insights from your epic journey you've embarked upon this semester. While I welcome off-topic banter, that should not be the exclusive subject matter of your entries. Please reference the Journal Initialization Tutorial for further information.

To get credit on your journal entries each week, you need to accomplish the following:

• journal entry is ready by the collection deadline (2AM on the Tuesday the following class week)
• achieve at least the minimum word count (300 words each week)
• entry is contained in the appropriately named wiki page (week1 for Week 1, week2 for Week 2, etc.)
• identifies and includes extrapolation of provided keywords for the week (if given)

Relate to what is going on in class- the topics, what you're doing with them, something you've realized, etc. Excessive irrelevant content (in the absence of any substantial class-related content) risks invalidating the entry.

Note that I am not interested in “English teacher approved” essays- in some courses and settings that is more important. For this course, I want you to be able to effectively convey your thoughts in words- a crucial ability that can later be applied to “proper English essays”.

You can never write too much in my class.

There will be no make-ups for missed journal entries. Have entries ready by the deadline or lose credit.

NOTE for those taking multiple courses with me: Journal content each week MUST reflect consideration from ALL courses you have with me.

Additionally, there are some journal achievements that can be unlocked:

• INTRO: You've filled out an intro section, minimum 192 words, so that it details who you are (x1)
• ALTER: You've customized the journal from the defaults; says your name, changed colors, etc. (x1)
• EXIST: The journal and all entries exist with at least minimum word count in each entry (x1)
• CREATE: You successfully created your journal in the prescribed way before given deadline (x1)
• WRITE: 3 journal entries exceed the minimum word count (x4)

Just to be clear: Achievements are not bonus points.

In your journal I would like for you to detail your experiences in the course. Summary of experience/class notes; or statements/musings on questions like: Do you understand the material? Is it interesting? Anything not making sense? Any parallels to the real world? and general comments and thoughts.

Use the journal to allow me to see the course through your eyes.

Assignments constitute the portion of your grade involving activities you perform in the name of experiencing and demonstrating knowledge in this class- the means by which I will be assessing your understanding of the material through directed explorations of various topics. Some assignments may be comprehensive to one another.

Assignments that take the form of programs should adhere to the various submission policy points to ensure proper organization and readability. In the case of Programs or Scripts, be sure to include proper documentation in the form of code comments.

Projects, Labs, Case Studies, Quizzes, and Homework assignments are subject to the pertinent areas of the Submission Policy and will involve further research and exploration of some problem or topic being covered in the course. Projects may encompass a more time-consuming exploration of a topic or problem, whereas Labs will generally be a specific experiment related to the topic. Case Studies may involve the study or focus on particular concepts learned in class and on other assignments; Homework assignments will be more of a drill exercise helping to gain more familiarity with a particular topic.

Assessments/Projects as assigned must be well organized (ie easy to read) and contain enough of a written description so I can see the “you” in your responses. Generally, developing your own format and following the guidelines laid out in the Submission Policy will be more than adequate.

Maintaining an ever present effort in your journey with respect to being present for class gatherings and making your presence known (both in and outside of class) is an important aspect to academic interactions.

Participation is like the “I care” component of your grade. If you care enough to learn and help enhance the experience, you will have no trouble here. If you are disruptive or are not putting forth effort, however, then it will be duly reflected.

This isn't a “kiss up to the teacher” grade. I don't want people bending over backwards to please me. I want to see people learning and asking questions and growing, not agreeing with everything I say. Sometimes I will specifically ask questions or say things for the sole purpose of getting individual perspectives.

Participation is the contribution of YOU to the overall class, in a positive and harmonious manner to the overall group :)