大致上學生應對閱讀作業所附之問題提交回應短文（每篇200-250字），雖然這些短文不計分，但這樣的個人準備將提高課堂討論的品質。進一步而言，定期寫作練習對學生在本課程或其他課程寫更長篇報告的都有助益。學生可以從分佈於本學期課程的13個問題挑選出10個想回應的，並可用連續標記的每一篇文章方式（也就是1/10, 2/10…）來檢驗自己的進步(來計算進度)。寫作作業不可延期繳交。
課堂討論間應對其他同學保持尊重與禮貌。
本課程的重要目標之一是發展及淬煉批判性的分析及論辯。為此目的，學生需寫3篇篇幅漸增的小論文。學生需在指定的報告繳交期限的兩星期前提交計畫之論文的簡要大綱。完成的論文中若曾引用文獻，必定要註明出處。論文格式需符合MLA標準。
小論文必須在指定繳交日期的中午前提交，未獲授課講師允許而遲交論文者成績將降級一個字母以為處罰。延遲一個星期提交成績將降級兩個字母作為處罰。論文記得備存一份紙本。
On most days students shall submit brief written responses (200-250 words each) to the question on the reading assignment. Although these responses will not be graded, such individual preparation will enhance class discussions. Further, regular writing practice will prepare students for longer papers, both in this course and beyond. Of the 13 questions distributed over the course of the semester students may select 10 to which they would like to respond. Students shall account for their progress with this series by consecutively marking each text (i.e. 1/10, 2/10… ). No extensions shall be granted for these writing assignments.
Courtesy toward others in discussions is expected.
One of the primary goals of this course is the development and refinement of critical analysis and argument. To this end students will write three essays of increasing length. About two weeks before a given due date students must submit a brief outline of the essay they plan to write. In finished essays any and all references must be cited. Essays must conform to MLA standards.
Essays are due at noon on the dates indicated. Essays submitted late without prior permission from the instructor will be penalized by one full letter grade. Essays submitted more than one week will be penalized by two full letter grades. Always keep a printed copy of your essay.
