Activities for COM 201

Activities for COM 201
Fall 2007

You may earn up to, but not exceeding, 10 percentage points toward your final grade by participating in the following activities by the given deadline.

Activity Description/requirement Points Deadline

Presenting and interpreting current events relevant to course material
Prepare a two- or three-minute oral presentation for the class:

1. Confirm your presentation time with the professor or TA prior to beginning of class. Those who have not yet presented have priority over those who have presented once.

2. Present a copy of the story/event report to the class (may be online, video or print), and give a brief synopsis.

2. Briefly discuss how the story/event ties in with our current course topics (topic must be discussed in class or assigned for reading within one week of presentation date). Be prepared to offer your own informed interpretation and field questions from the class.

Immediately after presenting, provide a piece of paper to the instructor with a) the name of your presentation, b) your name and c) the date of presentation.
Up to three points per presentation:
0=poor (or missed directions)
1=average
2=good
3=excellent

Two-presentation maximum. Must follow all directions (at left) to receive credit.

The last day to present is December 4, but the opportunity to present may become unavailable due to limited class time.

Opportunity to present is contingent upon class time and agenda -- usually no presentations on days with guest speakers or exams.

In other words, don't depend on this activity too heavily since the opportunity is not guaranteed.

One-page thought paper Write a one-page thought paper in reaction to a topic covered in class. Cite recent readings as well as events in the media or personal experience to support your key point(s).
Paper must be typed and double-spaced. Write your name on the back. Use correct grammar and punctuation.
0=poor
1=average
2=good
3=excellent
Two-paper maximum.
Tuesday after the week the topic is discussed in class or required for reading. One paper per week maximum.
December 4 is the final deadline. Only one paper may be handed in on the 4th -- any prior papers will have to have been turned in by November 27.

Performance on pseudo-pop-quizzes About twice during the semester, a very brief, unannounced quiz will be administered to those in attendance. The basic purpose is to reward students who keep up with the reading and attend class regularly. Two points max. (For example, a perfect quiz score may be worth 2 points and getting 1 or 2 questions wrong on a 5-item quiz may be worth 1 point.) Dates for this activity will not be announced.

Participation in research studies Occasionally, you may have the opportunity to participate in research studies. These may be unannounced until the day of the activity, so once again, regular attendees are most likely to benefit. 1-2 points Last day of class.

Activity	Description/requirement	Points	Deadline
Presenting and interpreting current events relevant to course material	Prepare a two- or three-minute oral presentation for the class: 1. Confirm your presentation time with the professor or TA prior to beginning of class. Those who have not yet presented have priority over those who have presented once. 2. Present a copy of the story/event report to the class (may be online, video or print), and give a brief synopsis. 2. Briefly discuss how the story/event ties in with our current course topics (topic must be discussed in class or assigned for reading within one week of presentation date). Be prepared to offer your own informed interpretation and field questions from the class. Immediately after presenting, provide a piece of paper to the instructor with a) the name of your presentation, b) your name and c) the date of presentation.	Up to three points per presentation: 0=poor (or missed directions) 1=average 2=good 3=excellent Two-presentation maximum. Must follow all directions (at left) to receive credit.	The last day to present is December 4, but the opportunity to present may become unavailable due to limited class time. Opportunity to present is contingent upon class time and agenda -- usually no presentations on days with guest speakers or exams. In other words, don't depend on this activity too heavily since the opportunity is not guaranteed.
One-page thought paper	Write a one-page thought paper in reaction to a topic covered in class. Cite recent readings as well as events in the media or personal experience to support your key point(s). Paper must be typed and double-spaced. Write your name on the back. Use correct grammar and punctuation.	0=poor 1=average 2=good 3=excellent Two-paper maximum.	Tuesday after the week the topic is discussed in class or required for reading. One paper per week maximum. December 4 is the final deadline. Only one paper may be handed in on the 4th -- any prior papers will have to have been turned in by November 27.
Performance on pseudo-pop-quizzes	About twice during the semester, a very brief, unannounced quiz will be administered to those in attendance. The basic purpose is to reward students who keep up with the reading and attend class regularly.	Two points max. (For example, a perfect quiz score may be worth 2 points and getting 1 or 2 questions wrong on a 5-item quiz may be worth 1 point.)	Dates for this activity will not be announced.
Participation in research studies	Occasionally, you may have the opportunity to participate in research studies. These may be unannounced until the day of the activity, so once again, regular attendees are most likely to benefit.	1-2 points	Last day of class.