1) a mid-term essay(20%), draft due in class Oct. 7 for peer editing; complete version due at 5 p.m. Oct. 29 in Saunders 125 mailbox. I will post in advance on the course webpage, both for the mid-term and the final essay, a set of guidelines on peer editing.
2) a final essay (35%), draft due in class Nov. 23 for peer editing; complete version due at 5 p.m. Dec. 10 in Saunders 125 mailbox. Refer to the guidelines on peer editing.
3) an intellectual journal (25%). The journal needs some explanation.
The purpose of the assignment is to encourage you to keep up with your reading, enliven class discussion (since more students will have read the assignment), and offer a forum to record your personal responses to the readings, thereby personalizing the course and, at the same time, sharpening your skills in thinking critically and writing fluidly. Journal entries must be typed. They should be approximately 250 words, one typed page. Please type or write entries on three-hole paper or use a three-hole punch. When I return your journal entries to you (within 7 days), you should keep them and collect them all in a thin binder or folder. On the last day of class you will turn in the whole journal. The journal entries are due on the day the reading is assigned. No exceptions. These cannot be turned in late. There is no way to make up for lost work in this project. Each journal entry should (1) quote or summarize one passage in one assigned text for that one day and (2) record your honest and informed reflections on the reading. Make sure that the journal entry has your name and the date of the class when you turn it in. Suggested topics (study questions) are listed on the Schedule page for most readings. Each entry should engage the ideas expressed in the text in some direct and thoughtful way. These entries will be graded as either acceptable (check) or unacceptable (minus). A check means that you handed it in on time (at the start of the class session) and followed the instructions fully. I do not grade journals for thesis or grammar, as I do other written work. You control how well you do on this journal assignment since your grade is determined by how many acceptable journal entries you submit (ones with a check, that is). Here is the scale:
A=14 entries (scattered over at least 10 weeks);
B=11 entries (scattered over at least 8 weeks);
C= 8 entries (scattered over at least 6 weeks);
D= 6 entries (scattered over at least 5 weeks);
F= 4 or fewer entries.
Although most of the journal entries will focus on the readings, there are three exceptions: (1) one journal entry should respond to one of the films listed in the Calendar of events, and try the Robertson Scholars UNC/Duke bus service (see schedule here); (2) another journal entry should respond to a lecture or performance outside of class, from the same Calendar of events; (3) you may choose to write a journal entry on the visit to the Islamic art exhibit at the Ackland Art Museum. These special event journal entries should be turned in within a couple of days after the event, and for either of the first two items, you will need to think about how to relate the event to themes discussed in class.
The journal entry for the last day of class is required of everyone.
4) class participation (15%), based on informed and consistent participation in discussions (this presupposes that you are present in class).
5) one turn as class facilitator (5% of grade): Teams of students will be responsible to introduce the topic for one class session. You will post an outline of your presentation as a web page or PowerPoint to present in class. Let me know if you want me to post it for you or link it to the course website. Every team should meet with me briefly beforehand to discuss your strategy. 
Discussion Facilitator Schedule:

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