Memos: Throughout the semester you will submit five brief analytical memos (200-350 words) about readings, concepts or frameworks of your choosing. This is an opportunity to critically reflect on something we read or discussed that you connected with—something you found especially interesting; something that was unclear and you’re trying to process; something that made you see a particular issue differently; or something that helped you understand your own experience. This is not a summary of the text but rather your thoughts on the reading, whether a critical assessment, observation, a connection you see with another reading, current events or a personal experience.
The memos are meant to help you learn how to not only take in but also critically assess theoretical concepts and frameworks. They are graded based not on the “correctness” of your answer but on the effort you put into reflecting on the text, including concepts or ideas you do not feel you grasped. You must submit 5 memos during the whole semester. The first three memos are due before the midterm and the remaining two before the last day of class. You will have the option of publishing your memos on this course site.
Reading Notes: Throughout the semester you will have to submit 10 sets of reading notes. A set of reading notes is defined as reading notes about one specific text assigned for a given day (e.g., one article, one chapter of a book). Ideally, you are taking notes on all the readings. However, I am asking you to submit only ten. These can be typed or submitted as a photo of handwritten notes. While you are free to write your notes in whatever format works best for you (essay, bullet points, diagram, mind map, table, etc.), your notes must cover the text in sufficient detail to show that you read it. Notes that are partial or do not capture the content of the text will not be accepted. You must submit five reading notes by October 24 and the remaining five no later than December 10.
Discussion Lead & Post: Every week 2-3 people will act as discussion leaders. You will sign up at the beginning of the semester for a day of your choosing. This does not require you to make a formal presentation as a group. Instead, you must read the assigned texts, briefly discuss your ideas and come to class prepared with key points and questions to stimulate class discussion. This is an opportunity to get creative and make connections with everyday life—you can come up with an activity for the class, bring in a short video or relevant news articles—whatever you feel will help us engage in discussion. Each person in the group will have to submit their notes from the discussion as well as any materials and questions they contributed. Your questions and any additional materials you provide will be posted on the course website. The post along with any materials you wish to share with the class have to be emailed to me by 8:00PM on the Friday before the relevant class.
Midterm: A take-home exam where you will be asked to answer in essay form several questions related to the material covered so far. The questions will ask you to critically engage with the readings and the theoretical frameworks discussed. The questions will be made available on October 19.
Final Paper: You will have three options for the final paper. For detailed instructions click here.
Option 1: Research Paper – A 12-15 page paper based on your own research, which explores an issue or question relevant to topics covered in class.
Option 2: Ethnography Review – A 12-15 page academic review of an ethnography, which links the book to course topics and readings. (I will provide a list of ethnographies from which you can choose. You will not have to purchase the book you select.)
Option 3: Illness Narrative – A 12-15 page illness narrative based on an interview with a friend or relative who has experienced an illness or who has been a caregiver for someone else during a time of illness.
