Participation

The content of this course is not simply the readings, homework, and research projects.  It is what takes place in the classroom in our learning community.  Your active participation is very important.  We will be devoting many class sessions to hands-on workshops and discussion.  Peer feedback will help us all become more effective in communicating our ideas. 

These guidelines are meant to ensure a classroom climate where everyone can learn. Our analysis of structural inequalities, and the hierarchies of power surrounding race, gender, sexuality, and immigration can be sensitive topics.  You do not have to agree with our course material.  However, you do have to demonstrate that you understand the course material and can evaluate it as a historian.  You also cannot create a classroom environment that detracts from others’ teaching and learning. 

The best participants:

• Treat their professor and classmates with respect and courtesy.  This involves:
  • Referring to their classmates by their preferred names and pronouns
  • Avoiding stereotypical or offensive language in talking about class content or their classmates
  • Listening carefully to peers’ contributions, and showing respect for their ideas, even when they don’t agree
  • Taking turns to allow everyone to participate.
  • Being careful not to “other” their classmates by making assumptions about their backgrounds
  • Reflecting on their own identities and perspectives, and consider how that might shape their responses to class material
• Come to class prepared with their notes, questions, and comments on the day’s materials
• Come on time and ready to learn
• Don’t interrupt class by coming and going for breaks (except in cases of urgent need!).
• Follow current guidelines around masks and public health
• Keep up with activities that are building blocks for larger projects
• Are willing to share their questions, ideas, interpretations, and reactions to class themes
• Take notes about class discussions, and do not use computers for non-class related activities. 
• Are willing to take creative risks as they learn new things
• In critiques or peer review think carefully about their classmates’ projects, and provide clear, respectful, and specific feedback on the strengths and areas for improvement
• Don’t hesitate to visit Dr. Holt in office hours to talk through their assignments or other questions! 

I’ll evaluate your participation and professionalism at three points in the semester so that we can talk together about how your contribution to the class’ success.  Your attendance record will also contribute to this evaluation. 

Posting discussion questions in advance of your peers’ presentations during our last two weeks of class will also count towards your participation grade.

College of Wooster Maximum Class Absences Policy

The College of Wooster expects regular class attendance as it is necessary for students to achieve essential learnings of their courses. A student may not miss more than 25% of class meetings (est. 10 class meetings in a course like ours that meets three times a week), through any combination of excused and unexcused absences. If this occurs, the instructor will notify the Dean for Curriculum and Academic Engagement and the Dean of Students for consultation.