Overview: I'm willing to give a few extra-credit points in exchange for some basic information about the students in my discussion sections. If you missed section last week, or want to get a few points ahead for minimal additional work, this is your opportunity. There will likely be a few more extra credit assignments this quarter, each of which will be worth more points but entail substantial additional work.
Due: No later than noon on Tuesday, 12 October 2010. No late extra credit assignments will be accepted under any circumstances. For this assignment only, you may submit an electronic copy to me by e-mail instead of a printed copy. Of course, you may also leave it in my box in South Hall, or give me a printed copy in section. I do not accept handwritten work.
For one-half point each, provide brief (approximately five to eight sentences) answers to any or all of the following questions:
Describe your educational background: major, previous coursework that interests you (whether directly related to this course or otherwise), research interests, intellectual passions, theoretical preoccupations, focus of coursework in your department, minor (if any), previous major (if applicable), time spent studying abroad, areas of curiosity …
Describe anything unique or unusual that you bring to the discussions. What makes you different from other students in your department and in our discussion section as a whole?
Tell me what you hope to get out of our discussion sections (aside from points toward your grade). Are there particular areas/ideas/texts outlined on our syllabus that interest you? Do you have hopes, concerns, or expectations about how particular issues/readings will be discussed? Are there particular areas on which you'd like to expend particular attention?
What is your particular interest in "the environment"? Are you (or are you not) an "environmentalist," and what does this term mean to you? What motivated you to take this particular course?