I am using a flexible system that gives you almost complete control over the grade you earn in this class. My goal, actually, is to change your view of grading, at least as it applies to your pursuit of better writing skills. Your grade in this course will, very simply, reflect how hard you worked at making yourself a better writer than you are right now.
You'll produce four longer writings (1000+ words) and many smaller writings (300+ words each). Timely completion of all assignments accounts for 500 pts. The final portfolio for this course is worth a maximum of 475 pts. A total of 900-975 points equals an "A" in the course (800-899 equals a "B" and 700-799 equals a "C").
Timely completion means (a) meeting deadlines and content/length requirements for assignments and (b) participating in classroom activities designed around completion of these assignments. Why? Most students want a course grade to reflect their effort in a course; this approach to grading rewards effort without sacrificing academic rigor.
