Culture and the Environment in the Neotropics

Assessments
In-class assessments:
Students will either present to the class (part of discussion leading grade) or
participate in class discussion (part of attendance grade). Both are forms of
assessment whereby I as professor can evaluate their understanding of course
content. They will be graded only upon completion or participation.
Discussion Leading Requirements:
Student prepared an outline for the class according to the instructions
(summary, author biographies, and discussion questions) 5 points
Student demonstrated in-depth understanding of course material 5 points
Participation Requirements:
Student demonstrated that they read the material 5 points
Outside of class assessments:
Students will be assessed on their progress in the final project. These assessments
include completion of the problem statement, research plan, rough draft, and peer
review. Together, they constitute 70% of the final project grade.
Problem Statement Requirements:
Correct format, 3 pages (12-point, Times New Roman, 1-in margins, 1.5
spacing, bibliography in APA format) 5 points
Description of the social-environmental problem 5 points
Important and pertinent information about a specific study site or narrowly
focused topic 5 points
Research questions 5 points
Bibliography with at least five reputable sources 5 points
Research Plan Requirements:
Correct format, 1 page (12-point, Times New Roman, 1-in margins, 1.5
spacing, bibliography in APA format) 5 points
Description of research methods 5 points
Bibliography with at least 10 peer-reviewed or primary sources 5 points
Rough Draft Requirements:
Correct format, 8-10 pages (12-point, Times New Roman, 1-in margins, 1.5
spacing, bibliography in APA format) 5 points
Either most details of a few main points, or few details but all main points 5
points
Peer Review Requirements:
Reposting of a peers paper with constructive comments (what was done well
and what needs improvement 5 points