Class Contribution Grade

A portion of your grade will be awarded for this component as expressed on your syllabus and discussed on the first day. Come to class prepared to contribute to the discussion of the materials assigned for that class period. This means having prepared for the day's discussion.

What comprises good student comments?

• Relevance: Your comments should pertain directly to the materials at hand. If you have to start off your comment with "this may not relate…" you are probably quite correct. Does your comment clarify the issues or does it take us off the track?
• Advancement: Your comments should deepen the analysis. They should also incorporate the economic tools which we are trying to develop. Do your comments move us forward or do they require us to backtrack or detour?
• Rationality/Logic: Are your comments rational and logical? Are they consistent? Do they relate and connect to that which other comments have revealed? Are you drawing upon your previous knowledge or new knowledge you have gained from the readings?
• Originality: Are you being creative? Do you point out relationships to other readings or subjects which we have discussed in the past? Are your comments mundane or repetitive or are they new, offering fresh insight to the subject matter?
• Factuality: Your comments must be factually based. Until we agree on the facts of the case, analysis is spurious. This does not mean that there is only one interpretation of the facts, it simply means that will want to constantly clarify the facts as we progress.

This is the method for determining your participation grade each class period:

1.No attempt earns a "0"

2.An attempt which sidetracks us or is irrelevant: -1 point

3.An attempt which is relevant: +1 point

4.An insightful comment which moves the conversation clearly forward: +2 points

Whenever you want to discuss this component of your grade I will be happy to do so. Remember – this isn’t about "face time" – its about your contributions to the discussion of the materials at hand.

Disclaimer: The schedules and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
Web page Last Updated on December 12, 2016