Grading System

This course will utilize a labor-based point system, which means your final grade depends on objective standards, not on how “good” the quality of your work is. Rhetoric is a subjective process, and this grading system should alleviate the anxiety that often comes with the personal nature of writing, composing, and creating content. 

The basic idea: On day one, you start at 0 points and accrue them during the semester by meeting the deadlines and requirements listed under Major Assignments. Meeting a requirement means you’ve met the learning outcomes, so you’ll earn the points as listed. If you don’t meet a requirement, or miss a deadline, you won’t earn the available points that time. If you meet all deadlines and requirements for all six major assignments, you’ll earn enough points for a B as your final grade, demonstrating that you’ve met all the Learning Outcomes of the course. Anything above a B means that your learning has surpassed our goals, or that you’ve meaningfully contributed to the learning of others. If you’d like to earn enough points for an A, or make up for unearned points, you may choose one of two extra credit opportunities (info below). There’s also an opportunity to receive peer-nominated bonus points (see Major Assignments). 

It’s your choice what final grade you’d like to work for; I won’t hold that choice against you. I only hope the work you produce is done with integrity—whatever that means for you.