230143 KO Discussion Class Key-Questions and Concepts (2015W)

To pass the discussion class, students are expected to
(1) read the literature for the respective discussion workshop and;
(2) prepare for the discussion: analyse the paper (take short notes and bring them to class):
(3) participate actively in all the discussions.
(4) Chair one workshop with your group (approx. 5-6 people): No power point presentations are requested, but preparing questions for the text that had to be read and think about ways how to conduct the discussion; pay attention to the time management and that everybody engages;
(5) Each group has to write one short essay (2000 words) on the papers they had to deal with at the workshop. These short papers should be handed in (uploaded on moodle) three weeks after your workshop presentation. A good essay has an introduction which points at the issues at stake, elaborates on the key-points of the papers, points to some elements of the cases where we did see connections and draws a short conclusion.
(6) Adhere to the general standards of good academic practice.
Presence and participation is compulsory in the discussion class and you have to sign an attendance list each time. Be on time because late coming disrupts the discussion. An absence of two hours (= 1 discussion class session) at maximum is tolerated, provided that the teaching assistants are informed about the absence. In case of problems, please contact the teacher. Absences of up to four hours in total may be compensated by either a deduction of points or/and extra-work agreed with the lecturer. Whether compensation is possible is decided by the lecturer and needs written (e-mail) agreement.
Absences of more than four hours in total cannot be compensated. In this case, or if the lecturer does not allow a student to compensate absences of more than two hours, the course can not be completed and is graded as a 'fail' (5), unless there is a major and unpredictable reason for not being able to fulfil the attendance requirements on the student’s side (e.g. a longer illness). In such a case, the student may be de-registered from the course without grading. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate this in a timely manner, and to provide relevant evidence to their claims if necessary. Whether this exception applies is decided by the vice-director of studies responsible for the master programme.
Grading scheme: The grading of the course is based on the separate assessment of different tasks on a scale of 1-5.
Essay (quality of argument, language, layout, correct bibliography (APA style), handed in on time (delays will impact grading): 40 %
Managing the discussion class you are responsible for: 30 %
Contribution to the discussion in class on the basis of your reading and preparation of the text; engagement in the discussion group; your presence (late coming will impact your grade): 30 %
To successfully complete the course, a weighted average of at least 4,5 is required.
Failure to meet the attendance regulations, to deliver course assignments on time or to adhere to standards of academic work may also be considered in the course assessment.