ENG 470 - Hegel's Phenomenology of the Spirit & Its Readers

Prof. Steve Evans • Spring 2006 • English Department • University of Maine

SOME BASIC COURSE ACTIVITIES DEFINED

Presentations Each individual in the group scheduled to present on a given day will prepare a focused set of remarks (observations, questions, definitions) aimed at helping other class members better understand the material. Group members are encouraged to coordinate with one another in advance but it is not required. Initial remarks should be restricted to five minutes or so in the interests of hearing from everyone in the group.

Class log entries Generate an entry for the ongoing"course log" based on detailed and attentive class notes. Your goal is not to recapitulate the content of the day's discussion in every particular, rather it is to provide an economical set of reminders (what we might call, after Proust, "madeleines") of what came forward for reflection and discussion.

Annotations Select and read an article, essay, book chapter, or reference-book entry pertinent to our shared topic, then provide a critical synopsis of no more than five hundred words. Annotations should present a fair-minded account of the work's project, including its major areas of focus and central lines of argument, as well as a critical evaluation of its success in framing and carrying-through that project.

Position papers In one thousand words or less, affirm or rebut a claim encountered in our reading of and about Hegel. Successful papers will adopt a clearly-defined position, back it up with well-articulated reasons, and demonstrate understanding of and respect for opposing views. Papers are expected to be carefully composed, revised, and proofed prior to submission. Papers not meeting these standards will be returned (without grade or comment) for revision and resubmission.

HOW THESE ACTIVITIES ARE GRADED

I employ a seven-point scale in grading these activities and assignments. A score of "5" reflects full credit earned for good work. A score of "6" indicates remarkable accomplishment. A score of "7" is reserved for truly exceptional work (among the best I've seen all semester) and will thus be seldom given. Scores of "4" and below indicate less than full credit and warrant discussion with me (either after class, in office hours, or by e-mail).

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