Participation – 20%

The course depends on your participation. Attendance is critical, along with completing the reading, showing up on time, and contributing to discussions (listening actively, asking questions, raising ideas, etc.). Each graduate student will help lead discussion once over the semester by presenting on at least one part of the readings in class (with one page summary of main points and questions submitted to Professor 24 hours in advance of class). 

Zaps – 25%

Another part of your grade is based on weekly responses to class reading assignments (see separate assignment), posted on your digital portfolio. These 400-500 word “zaps” are intended to be fast, immediate responses to the readings for the week, and must include an image or visual component. You must post at least 6 reflections during the semester and at least three by Week 8 in order to receive full credit.

Digital Portfolios – 15%

Your digital portfolio is a pedagogical tool that will help you archive your initial thoughts on the course material. In doing so, your digital portfolio will help you see possible changes in your thinking and build deeper connections across course material overtime. CUNY Academic Commons will host our course website and your digital portfolios. You will learn how to format and design and develop the barebones of your digital portfolio during class time. Your digital portfolio must be organized and easy to navigate. It must include your name and CUNY affiliation as the website’s title, a menu bar and side column,  “About Me” and “Resume” pages, and a section to archive your zap posts. Your zap posts should always include a visual component.

Final Research Essay and Presentation – 40%

Working individually, you will choose topics and geographic sites of contemporary New York City related to work, culture and politics themes. Please post your proposed topics by week 5, post finalized updates by week 7, and post about your site or research visits by week 12 of the class. The last part of your grade is based on a final paper. This paper is an extension and elaboration of the topic you will have presented in class. A separate assignment sheet will explain further details. These papers will be showcased in the final class.

Grade Scale 

• A  93-100             C+ 77-79.9
• A- 90-92.9            C  73-76.9
• B+ 87-89.9           C- 70-72.9
• B 83-86.9             D 60-69.9
• B- 80-82.9           F <60