GRADING

The grade for the class will be based on a mid-term (40%) and a final exam (60%). Both exams will most likely be short take-home exams, although I may change them to in-class exams if the logistics don't work out. Either way, the exams will be open-book. Very high-quality participation (as described in more detail in the next section) can result in a half-grade increase (e.g. from B to B+, from B+ to A-, etc.). In addition, for any students who do particularly poorly on the mid-term, I will take into account substantial improvement in the final exam.

PARTICIPATION

Roughly one-third of the class will be on call for any given class session. I expect these students to have read the assigned materials in some detail and to be prepared to summarize, analyze, and discuss them in class. Students with last names beginning with the letters A through F will be on call on Tuesdays; students with last names beginning with G through L will be on call on Thursdays; students with last names beginning with M through Z will be on call on Fridays.

If you know in advance that you will not be prepared, you must give me notice by email by midnight on the night before class or in person on the day of class. Lack of preparation without prior notice may be counted against you in your final grade for the course. Conversely, quality (not quantity of) participation, both volunteered and called-upon, will be counted in your favor.

SYLLABUS

The syllabus provides a rough and working outline of the course. However, because it is difficult to predict how quickly we will be able to go through the materials, I will probably make changes, delete certain readings, add others, etc., as the course progresses, so you shouldn't rely on it too much. In addition, I will periodically be distributing supplementary materials in the form of handouts in class.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Probably the easiest way to contact me is by email, at liujr@bc.edu. If you have a short question or comment, feel free to email me or call me. However, I also encourage you to come talk to me at my office hours or by appointment. Feel free to swing by to chat about anything, whether related to the course, about career-advice, or about nothing at all.