An estimate of the time you spend on each week’s homework assignments,
webx, and reading of the text(s) is appx 6-8 hours. This is beyond classtime
(Using the homework formula of 2-3 hours for every 1 hour in class).
Papers to be handed in should be word-processed, double-spaced, black ink, and
size 12 font in Times New Roman. You may submit your work electronically, as
an attachment. Please be sure to mark in the message box which assignment it
is. For example, Outside Event Summary #1. Note: I typically do not hand back
electronically sent papers.
Written work will be graded based on:
1. Content and synthesis of learning (weaving together and presenting the depth
of your understanding and ability to generalize and apply the learning) utilizing
class (webx) discussions, the text(s), your life experiences as it pertains
to the topic and your educated opinions, and
2. Appropriate writing format and word usage for college level work, including
written work free of grammatical and spelling errors. 10% of assignment points
are related to how well you've written your paper.
Special Topic Project:
You will design a project intended to allow you to explore a particular topic
related to diverse families in a way that is most meaningful to you. Please
keep in mind a time frame of approximately 10-12 hours, at a minimum.
The project should synthesize information from your own life experiences, new
learning through the creation of the project, as well as information presented
in class through discussion, textbook, fieldtrips, speakers, etc. The project
may reflect how you might use the information in your career or it may be simply
a creative reflection of your impressions at this point in your teacher/human
service education program. The process and outcome should be enjoyable and have
authentic intellectual value in order to be discussed in class.
The project needs to be fresh-not a project or paper you have done for another
class-though it could be work that builds on something you began working on
in another setting. This project is worth 30% of your grade. As a part of this
project you will be asked to discuss your project/learning with peers. Design
a meaningful mini presentation in the form of a power point to share with peers.
Please discuss your idea for a project with me before you begin. You may work
with a partner or in groups of no more than three.
Your grade will be based on a self-assessment, an approved rationale (to be
completed by midterm), and a log of hours.
Outside
Event Summaries:
You are expected to attend a variety of "outside events" (4) over
the course of the semester.
Attend a play, public debate, art exhibition, musical venue, ethnic restaurant,
church service, campus lecture or "brown bag", a cultural event or
celebration as it relates to diverse families. Choose something you wouldn't
typically go to, nor have ever been to. Explain why you wouldn't normally have
attended this event. Summarize where you went, what happened, your critical
impressions and relate the activity to issues covered in class discussions/video/speakers.
Explain why the event you attended was meaningful in relation to this class.
You may attend with others in the class, but the summary paper you hand in needs
to be your own reflection.
Final
Reflection & Synthesis:
This will be the "final" in the class. I will provide you with a list
of questions/statements for you to reflect upon and respond to. Your final reflection
paper should include your opinions about issues that have been raised in class,
how you perceive yourself growing as a result of discussions and reading from
class, and an opportunity to reflect upon current understandings as they relate
to previous thoughts, feelings, ideas.