AFR 140 Introduction to Africana Studies: Assignments / Assessments / Exams

All assignments must be typed, double spaced, and use a 12 pt font. Make use of standard spacing for margins. The preferred citation style is APA. Quizzes and Presentations cannot be made up. Late assignments will be penalized a letter grade each day they are past deadline (eg: turned in one day late, a B+ will become a C+ and so on). Grading rubrics and detailed instructions for every assignment will be posted on our Blackboard site. 

Students will form small working groups of 2-3 members. These groups will be crucial in providing feedback on your writing, class discussions, and your presentation. Each group member will also peer evaluate your individual participation in each assignment. Small groups will meet during class and as needed outside of class in order to discuss, debate, and evaluate assignments. Small groups will be assigned the second week of classes. During this time, a sign-up sheet will be posted on Blackboard via Google Docs for students to sign up for facilitations. Each group will be responsible for the following, due on the date they sign up:

Class Facilitation: 10%

• The small group presentation should be guided by the questions posed in the corresponding readings. A detailed rubric will be posted on Blackboard.
•  Presentations should incorporate at least one artifact that represents an aspect of the readings/subjects we have learned about over the course of the semester
•  Each facilitation should be based on explaining and contextualizing the assigned readings for that date.
• Groups will present these elements in oral presentations that should be documented via PowerPoint and posted to Blackboard.
• There should be at least one activity in each presentation that actively engages the audience.
• A self- and peer-assessment rubric will be completed as part of the evaluation for this project.
• If a member fails to participate as their group prepares, they will receive a zero for this assignment.

SHORT WRITING ASSIGNMENTS/QUIZZES/PARTICIPATION: 20%

• In class writing assignments will be given throughout the semester. The questions and prompts will focus on summaries of the readings and class discussions. 
• In class writing assignments will take place during the first 20 minutes of a class period.
• You are allowed to use your notes for the in class writing assignments. Prompts will also include questions targeting what we have discussed in class as well as your personal experience/analysis. 
• Pop quizzes will be given on readings and films, etc., at the professor’s discretion. Quizzes may not be made up and are typically given at the start of class. 
• Students are expected to demonstrate support of a safe community and active participation in class. Examples of participation include being aware of your verbal and physical communication during class conversations, making efforts to be courteous and responsive to the members in our class through language, tone, and actions, and approaching the instructor with your concerns and questions. 
• Lateness, early departures, absences, and any other form of disruptive behavior will negatively affect your final grade. Log in on time and ready to engage around the course materials.

BOOK REFLECTION: 10% (See Syllabus for due date)

While students are responsible for reading both required texts in their entirety, the book reflection will focus on only one. You can choose one of the following options for this assignment:

1. PAPER: The written book reflection is a 3-4 page paper that analyzes a specific theme from the text you choose. This assignment will be reviewed in class and a detailed rubric will be posted on Blackboard.
2. VIDEO: Record a presentation or video (at least 3-4 minutes) that includes a creative representation of your book reflection. A detailed rubric for this option is posted on Blackboard.