Assignments

Exams

There will be two take-home exams. The first exam, which will be distributed on March 2nd, is due on March 9th. The second exam, which will be distributed on April 13th, is due on April 20th. These exams ask you to apply material covered in readings and class discussions. (30% total)

Field notes

When conducting fieldwork, researchers typically maintain a journal of observations, insights, and evolving research questions. As you play the game, you should be taking notes about your interactions with other players and making connections to ideas in class readings. Throughout the semester, you will record these observations, insights, and questions in a regularly updated web log. No prior technical knowledge is required to create this on-line research journal. I will periodically distribute specific web log assignments, but you should independently update the journal with your thoughts and observations at least once a week. (20% total)

Research paper

You will also write a term paper based on the research conducted throughout the quarter. This term paper will constitute 40% of your overall grade in the course.

The length of your paper should be 3,000 – 4,000 words excluding references and appendices. (This is approximately 12-16 double-spaced pages.) For many of you, this will be the first time that you have undertaken a research project of this sort. You are not expected to have prior research experience. Relax, be creative, and have as much fun as possible. Your final paper is due by noon on Saturday, May 7th (40%)

Participation accounts for ten percent of your overall grade.

Late assignments will have their grade reduced by one-third of a letter grade for each day that the paper is not received. If you expect to miss class or arrive late please let me know in advance. All assignments must be completed in order to receive a passing grade in this class.

Participation

Attendance

You are expected to regularly attend class sessions. A total of three absences are permitted. More than three absences will result in lowering of your overall grade or dismissal from the course, at the professor’s discretion. The three absences include excused absences and should be conserved like "sick leave."

If you are a member of a Trinity University team or organization, school-sponsored activities may cause you to miss class during the semester. If this is the case, you should present me with the dates of the activities in writing prior to the activity. If notice is not received in advance, the class period will count as an absence.

Discussion

Class discussion is an important part of the Trinity experience. To receive an excellent grade for participation, you should arrive on time and participate in discussion without prompting. An average grade will be given to those students who only answer questions when asked. I understand that some people are very shy. If you’re not comfortable participating verbally in class, there are other ways of participating. For example, you could bring materials to class that would facilitate discussion. Please see me to discuss these options.

Quizzes

From time to time, quizzes will be given in this course. Quizzes are more likely to appear if I notice that people are not prepared to participate in class discussion.