This component of your grade evaluates your level of engagement with the subject matter, including preparation and meaningful contributions to the class discussion (both in person and online)

Portfolio 1 (10%)
Portfolio 2 (10%)

The most important components of the portofolio are your blogged agenda items for each assigned reading, as well as a limited number of additional blog entries that ask you to read and reflect upon your peers' blog entries. (I might ask you to write a blog entry that links to conflicting opinions offered by your peers; your blog entry would examine the situation, evaluate the best evidence in favor of the opposing viewpoints, and render a judgment.)

Since classroom discussion of the assigned texts is where most of the learning in this class will take place, the portfolios will also include participation self-assessment worksheets, and a brief reflective essay.