Mandatory Assignments
There are four types of mandatory assignments:
- Primary Source Observations (PSO)—one per Unit, 15 total assignments, using Hypothes.is, 5 points each
- Collaborative Timeline (TL)—sign up for one entry, using Google Sheets, 10 points
- Midterm Reflection (MR)—one reflection, due 7/31, 40 points
- Final Project (FP)—one project with multiple parts, due 8/15, 40 points
Cafeteria Assignments
I have developed a lot of different types of assignments to help you practice the skills of a historian and better understand the past. These assignments are grouped into three categories:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
During the first week of class, we’ll decide as a class how many of each category group of assignments we’ll complete. You will be able to choose which of the specific types of assignments you’d like to complete for each category group.
Small Category: Complete a minimum of 8 assignments from this category, 10 points each
- Ambiguity Exercise
- Find an Image
- Group Discussion
- Question Generation
- Timeline Reflection
- Visual Source Observations
Medium Category: Complete a minimum of 5 assignments from this category, 20 points each
- Primary Source Interpretation
- Synthesis Paragraph
- Unit Reflection
Large Category: Complete a minimum of 2 assignments from this category, 30 points each
- Lab Report
- Secondary Source Analysis
Total points: 405
Grading
Here’s what you need to complete in order to earn specific grades in this class:
For an A:
- Earn 365.5 points
- Complete all mandatory assignments
- Complete 8 small cafeteria assignments
- Complete 5 medium cafeteria assignments
- Complete 2 large cafeteria assignments
- Complete assignments for all 15 Units
For a B:
- Earn 324 points
- Complete the Timeline, Midterm Reflection, Final Project, and 14 PSOs
- Complete 8 small cafeteria assignments
- Complete 5 medium cafeteria assignments
- Complete 2 large cafeteria assignments
- Complete assignments for at least 14 Units
For a C:
- Earn 283.5 points
- Complete the Timeline, Midterm Reflection, Final Project, and 12 PSOs
- Complete 8 small cafeteria assignments
- Complete 5 medium cafeteria assignments
- Complete 2 large cafeteria assignments
- Complete assignments for at least 12 Units
For a D:
- Earn 243 points
- Complete the Midterm Reflection, Final Project, and 9 PSOs
- Complete 7 small cafeteria assignments
- Complete 4 medium cafeteria assignments
- Complete 2 large cafeteria assignments
- Complete assignments for at least 9 Units
For each letter grade, all requirements need to be achieved. For example, someone who earns 283.5 points, but has not completed the Collaborative Timeline will earn a D.
Course Outcomes
- Gain a working knowledge of the events that shaped western civilizations from 1550 through the present
- Develop the skills necessary to analyze evidence as a historian
- Learn how to read and interpret primary source documents
- Learn how to organize and think critically about course material
- Learn how to write as a historian
Late Policy and Due Times
All assignments are due at 6:00 pm CDT. Assignments turned in after 6:00 pm CDT will be marked as late.
Late assignments will be given 24 hours of grace, and then incur a 10% penalty per day late. Assignments will receive no credit after 11 days.
No late assignments will be accepted after Monday, August 19 at 10:00 am CDT.