There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that grading isn’t (and maybe can’t be) 100% objective, and that often grades reflect unconscious instructor biases. This class hopes to disrupt the white male supremacist myth of objectivity by giving you a choice in how you do in this course. Contract grading makes it clear what the expectations are for each grade level. There are no surprises–for either of us!
You will determine the grade you receive by fulfilling a contract you will submit for my approval on Tuesday, May 3. There are circumstances in which you can adjust your contract to reflect the reality of your world. Note, that if you need to adjust your contract, you must let me know; otherwise I will assume you are committed to the contract you submitted. There are no penalties for switching grades, as long as you continue to meet the criteria.
A
All assignments must be submitted and completed at a satisfactory level. That is, they should be relatively free of errors and meet the assignment requirements. If the assignment does not meet this level, students may be asked to re-do their assignment or risk not receiving their contracted A.
- Attend class at least 7 times.
- Show a breadth of engagement during the term in your self-evaluations, including in-class engagement.
- Turn in the Deep Dive, Project Proposal, and Subjugated Knowledge Project by the end of term (June 21 for graduates, June 24 for others; proposal should be turned in beforehand).
- Turn in 7 out of 8 Reading Responses by the end of the term (June 21 for graduates, June 24 for others).
B
Most of the assignments are submitted, and those that are are completed at a satisfactory level. If the assignment does not meet this level, students may be asked to re-do their assignment or they may risk not receiving their contracted B.
- Attend class at least 6 times.
- Show some engagement during the term in your self-evaluation, whether in-class or outside of class.
- Turn in Deep Dive and Subjugated Knowledge Project by end of the term (June 21 for graduates, June 24 for others).
- Turn in 4 out of 8 Reading Responses by the end of the term (June 21 for graduates, June 24 for others).
C
Only major assignments submitted and are completed at a satisfactory level.
- Attend class at least 6 times.
- Turn in EITHER Deep Dive and 4 reading responses OR Project Proposal and Subjugated Knowledge Project by the end of the term (June 21 for graduates, June 24 for others)
D/F
Not an option 😘
Note: I also reserve the right to reward exceptional work throughout the semester using the full range of The Seattle School’s grading scale. If you contract for a “B,” for instance, and submit particularly strong pieces to fulfill that contract, I may elect to raise your contracted grade to a “B+.”
This contract has been adapted from the work of Prof. Megan Goodwin, Dr. Jennifer Quigley, and Ryan Cordell.