1. Be careful and take your time. Although introductory textbooks can sometimes seem like “easy reading,” the many facts and theories make it difficult to identify the most important points. In the notes with each lesson, I provide you with what I consider to be the central ideas for each topic. I strongly encourage you to read these notes carefully, as I think they will help you identify and better understand important points in the text. If you have questions regarding anything in the text or notes, please let me know. I will be happy to help you.
2. Make sure that you understand the assignment questions. One of the most common mistakes that students make is not taking enough time to consider what the question is really asking. Frequently, students find themselves in the unfortunate situation of having written a very good answer to a question that was not asked. Please take time to consider what the question requires, and be extra careful to make sure you answer all parts of each question. This, I think, is an especially difficult problem in a course where we do not meet face to face. Therefore, I encourage you again to not only write to me with questions regarding the text, but also with questions regarding the assignments (even if you think they are minor or trivial questions).
3. Don't be afraid to question the material in the course.  Sometimes the pressure to take in all of the facts (and there are many) in an introductory course prevents students from thinking about those facts.  I encourage you to evaluate the material in light of your own knowledge, perhaps from other courses or even personal experience.
4. Be careful with the use of direct quotations. When you use a direct (word for word) quote, you are required to use quotation marks and cite the author, year, and page number of your source. When you do not cite sources or use the appropriate marks, you are committing plagiarism, which is a very serious violation of the Honor Code.

   You also need to be aware of paraphrasing. If you only change one or two words in a sentence, and you do not cite the author, page number, or use quotation marks appropriately, then you are also committing plagiarism. For example, the following sentence appears in your textbook, on the top of page 20: “One problem with experiments is that they are not generalizable” (Barkan 2006, p. 20). Now, if you only change one or two words in this sentence and write something like: “The problem with experiments is they can’t be generalized,” you would be committing plagiarism. The proper way to write a slightly changed sentence would be “[The] The problem with experiments is [they can’t be generalized].” (Barkan, 2006, p. 20).

   Although using direct quotations—providing they are properly cited—is not incorrect, it is a good idea to put things in your own words and cite the source. Use this class as an opportunity to develop and sharpen your writing skills. The most effective way to become a better writer is to practice. I’ll make suggestions and we can work together. This may take you a little more time, but the benefits far outweigh the cost.
   
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Your course grade will be based on fourteen written assignments and your book report/final. The first fourteen assignments, which count as 85 percent of your grade, consist of several essay questions drawn from the readings, lecture notes, and several Web sites. Assignment 15 is a book report on the book Code of the Street, by Elijah Anderson, and counts for 15 percent of your grade. If you wish to use a different book for your final book report, please clear it with me first;  however, only the Anderson book is provided through the Higher Grounds bookstore.

I judge your essay and written assignments by the following criteria:

Clarity

In order for me to evaluate your work appropriately, I must first understand what you are trying to say.  It is therefore very important for you to keep your answers focused and to the point. Be careful to use terminology correctly and don't assume I know what you mean. If you are having difficulty with any concepts discussed in the text or notes, please let me know. My advice is that you first write your answer and then put it away for a few hours or even a day. When you reread the answer, you might find mistakes that you would have otherwise overlooked.

Organization

As stated above, your answers should be focused. Be sure you understand the question and organize your answer accordingly. Your answers should indicate that you understand the relevant issues and you can separate important issues from trivial ones. More words don’t necessarily make for a better answer.

Analysis

Your analysis should be comprehensive. Make sure you answer each question thoroughly and completely. Often, one question may have several parts, so please be careful not to miss any. Your analysis should also consider the merits of different points of view, using evidence to support your conclusions. Be careful to cite work appropriately. For example, don’t just write “studies indicate”—you need to cite which studies you are discussing. Finally, the arguments you present should be well thought out and follow a pattern of logical construction.

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