Assignments Due Thursday

It was great meeting with all of you today. I'm really looking forward to our work together. Here are the assignments for Thursday. See you then.
Chris

Paper #1

Due: Thursday, September 9

1. Re-read your project proposal. Reflect on what you’ve written. Based on what you know now, consider:
· Does the subject still evoke your deep curiosity?
· Is the project substantial enough to occupy you for a full semester?
· Do your goals seem attainable within the time frame?
· Do you need to tweak or perhaps even completely revamp your project proposal?

2. Jot down notes in response to the following questions:
· Why am I interested in this topic?
· What do I already know about it?
· What do I think about it at this point?
· What questions do I have? (Be as specific as possible.)
· How do I envision the project unfolding over the course of the semester?
· What do I want to get out of it?
· How will I (and others) know if I’ve been successful?

3. Write a brief paper (2-3 pages) describing your project as it currently stands. Clarify your topic of inquiry, your project goals, key steps involved, and the criteria by which the success of your project will be measured. Share your passion for the subject and what you hope to get out of undertaking it.

4. Read what you’ve written and evaluate:
· Does your paper accurately describe your project as it currently stands?
· Are your ideas clearly expressed?
· Does your paper reflect your passion for the topic?

5. Revise as needed.

6. Proofread your revised draft. Correct errors of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Save a copy of the paper on your computer, and print 2 copies to bring to class. (Your paper should be double-spaced, with one-inch margins. At the top of the page, please include your name, the date, “Directed Studies Seminar,” and “Paper #1.”) Due Thursday, September 9.


Self-Assignment

Due: Every Thursday

Self-assignments are written instructions for tasks that you will complete week by week. Effective self-assignments are focused on tangible, attainable, incremental goals that you commit to achieving within a given time-frame. Your self-assignments are the step-by-step means by which you will complete your project.

Please identify:
· the specific tasks that you will undertake
· your expectations for the work
· how and when you will do the work
· your deadlines

Self-assignments must be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. Please write your name, the date, and “Directed Studies Seminar” at the top of the page.

PLUS!
Identify one thing you can do on this project and DO IT!