Requirements
The requirements for the course are as follows: (1) 26 TypePad entries (50 pts. Each=700 pts.); (2) a self-evaluation (1 page, typed, single-spaced) assessing your performance in the course (not graded but required.).
TypePad Posts
There are 13 web exercises required for the course. They are due in class on the date stated on the syllabus schedule. Points or partial points will be awarded for the following:
- promptness (0 or 10 pts.)
- introduction (1–5 pts.)
- thesis (1–5 pts.)
- argument (1–10 pts)
- evidence (1–5 pts)
- grammar (1–10 pts.)
- format (1–5 pts.)
- bonus (0 or 5pts)
Hence, each post is normally worth a maximum of 50 pts. Although the posts result in short papers, a good deal of thinking and drafting is necessary to prepare a good post.
Writing
George Mason University has made a commitment to improve students’ writing. Toward that end, instruction in writing will be a part of this course. Effective writing is a major component of effective thinking, and, as such, is the foundation for history. (The word, history, comes from the Latin, historia, meaning story or chronicle.) Although it is impossible to teach the whole of composition in a semester, it is possible to impart several useful techniques and develop a writing discipline via a continuous schedule of writing exercises. Should you need some extra help with your writing, the university maintains writing centers at several locations on campus in addition to an online writing program. The writing center will not line-edit the drafts of your posts, but the tutors will help you think through the writing process and offer helpful suggestions. The writing center can be accessed at: http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/services/index.htm