EnviSci summer 2008 announcement 27 March 08

I will go to UAP on the 18th of April. I'd like to tell you what to expect.

I will call 1-2 people at random (daily, henceforth) to make a report. Both on Descartes.

Reporter 1. Makes a critique of the chapter. The format is as follows:

I. Introduction (suggested topics)
1. What is the article about?
2. Why was it written?
3. What do we need to know to understand it? What is generally known about the subject? What special terms were used and what's their meaning?
4. Give a brif outline of what to expect.

II. Thesis. What is the author's thesis? Summarize his argument.

III. Proof. What proofs (data, evidence, examples) does the author present in support of his thesis?

IV. Objections and Response. Give at least one strong objection to the author and respond to it. Possible sources of objections include:
1. Author was misinformed about something.
2. Author did not include information that should have been used.
3. Author was illogical about something.
4. Author's treatment can be viewed in other ways

V. Conclusion. Summarize the author's point in the light of all preceding information.

Reporter 2. Should be prepared to moderate a discussion on any question from the end of the chapter.

PASSPORT: To qualify as a reporter, you must submit a written critique following the above format, 2 pages max, printed on bond paper, single side single space. If called and you are unable to present that paper, you can not report; you automatically get a ZERO, the equivalent of a long exam.

I shuffle the cards daily. This means you may be called several times or not at all during the term. I strongly advise you to write those papers everyday.

Thus, use your four-day cut between the 14th and 17th to do as much advanced work as you can.

Looking forward to meeting you all soon.