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 any of us!
You will determine the grade you receive by fulfilling a contract you will submit for Dr. Sawyer’s approval on Wednesday, February 7.
The Instructor (Dr. Sawyer) will provide written feedback on all assignments turned in to her. However, the volume of that feedback will be correlated to the timing of students’ submissions. That is, assignments turned in earlier will receive more feedback than those turned in by the final deadline (April 12, 11:59 PM).
A Few Notes of Importance
(1) There are circumstances in which you can adjust your contract to reflect the reality of your world. If you need to adjust your contract, you must let Dr. Sawyer know; otherwise she will assume you are committed to the contract you submitted. There are no penalties for switching grades, as long as you meet the criteria.
(2) If you are anxious about turning something in at the “satisfactory level,” please schedule office hours with Dr. Sawyer to talk through your assignments. You may also consider turning your assignments in earlier in the term in order to receive robust feedback.
(3) Accommodations will be made for those who need to miss more than their contracted number of absences due to illness (their own or someone in their care). If this applies to you, please keep Dr. Sawyer abreast of your situation.
(4) No late assignments will be accepted, barring extreme circumstances, such as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
| Column A | Column B | Column C |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Jesus Presentations | Icon Writing | Research Paper |
| 10 Reading Responses | Annotated Creed | Short Research Paper & Creative Project |
100%
For 100% in this course, complete 2 from Column A, 1 from Column B, and 1 from Column C. You must also not miss more than 2 class periods (unexcused).
90%
For 90% in this course, complete 1 from Column A, 1 from Column B, and 1 from Column C. You must also not miss more than 2 class periods (unexcused).
85%
For 85% in this course, complete 2 from Column A OR 1 from Column B, and 1 from Column C. You must also not miss more than 3 class periods (unexcused).
80%
For 80% in this course, complete 1 from Column A, 0 from Column B, and 1 from Column C. You must also not miss more than 3 class periods (unexcused).
Below 80%
Not an option 😘
This contract has been adapted from the work of Prof. Megan Goodwin, Dr. Jennifer Quigley, and Ryan Cordell.