Grade Distribution:
Critical Essay 30%
Case Study 30%
Final Examination 30%
Class Participation 10%

Description of Projects and Papers:

1. Research Paper 30% Students will prepare and present a 10 – 15 page research paper on a chosen topic in postmodernism. Topics will be chosen early in the semester. Students will plan, research and develop the paper in consultation with the instructor. These seminar papers will be presented to the class at the end of the semester with an oral presentation. A written version will be submitted to the instructor at that time.

2. Case Study: Oral Presentation & Written Report 30% Students will choose a postmodern practice/artifact from the realm of architecture, film, fine art, music, literature, etc. and present an analysis of the artifact/practice in context of postmodernism. The written report (5 pages) and oral presentation (10 minutes) will explore the object/practice, situate it in terms of its cultural history, and analyze its postmodern aspects.

3. Final Examination 30% Students will write a comprehensive final examination connecting the issues and readings studied in the seminar.

4. Class Participation 10% Students will read a variety of texts, providing active analysis in weekly seminar.

Attendance Policy:
It is extremely important that you come to class. You are allowed two unexcused absences during the semester. After that, you WILL jeopardize the completion of this course. You are responsible for the material covered in each class you were absent. Absence is not a legitimate excuse for coming unprepared to class or for not turning an assignment in on time. Late arrivals, early departures: every two instances that you either arrive FIFTEEN minutes late or more, or leave FIFTEEN minutes or more before class ends, count as one absence. Please review the Academic Integrity Policies, which can be found on the Columbia College Student Handbook. It is my policy to fail a student from the entire course if s/he has plagiarized in any assignment of this class.

 

© 2007 - Ann Hetzel Gunkel
agunkel@colum.edu