A few quick announcements...

A few of you have asked whether I am making any changes to our blogging schedule for this week due to the upcoming holiday. I wasn't sure whether Tuesday was officially a day off, so I consulted the St. Rose academic calendar, which lists the Thanksgiving holiday as Nov. 22-24. Since Tuesday is a "school day," we'll stay with our usual schedule of posts due by 6:00 Sun. and comments by 6:00 Tuesday. However, to help classmates who may need to get their comments posted before traveling (and before the usual deadline), I would encourage everyone to get their posts up as soon as possible. If you're leaving campus before Tuesday, just be sure to do your comments a bit earlier.

Also, I'm returning your midterms before the break. I am posted a grading "key" to help people understand my system of evaluation.

As I explained in class, I am always looking for a strong grasp of both the themes of the course and of individual texts. I really want to see your interpretation of the texts; I am looking for analysis (vs. summary) and for detailed evidence to back up your assertions.

A: Demonstrates an excellent understanding of the texts discussed; includes in-depth, detailed analysis of these texts; offers a clear and well-argued answer to the exam question; includes an introduction and conclusion that make connections (comparisons and contrasts) across texts, and are not mere restatements of my question.

B: Demonstrates a good grasp of the texts and the issues discussed in class; gives a clear answer to the exam question. Uses examples from individual texts to back up own ideas.

C: Displays a basic understanding of the texts but lacks detail or depth. May be more summary than analysis. May lack a clear, definitive answer to the exam question.

D-F: Essay lacks a clear understanding of the texts and the issues of the course. May distort elements of the texts, suggesting inattention or incomplete reading. Weak or incoherent response to the exam question.

I am happy to answer your questions about your performance on the exam and to offer advice for the final. For obvious reasons, I cannot do this effectively through e-mail, so please schedule an appoinment if you'd like more feedback.