COURSE STRUCTURE
We’ll engage in both synchronous and asynchronous activities:
- Asynchronous:
- You’ll complete course readings, screenings, and listening exercises on your own time
- You’ll complete individual assignments on your own time
- You’ll occasionally be invited to use our class Slack to engage in asynchronous discussions, but you’re also welcome to use this platform at your own discretion: to initiate conversations of your own, to reflect on the design of our learning environments (in the #our-learning-environment channel) and to propose ways that I/we can improve those environments, to solicit or share resources from/with your classmates, etc.
- Synchronous:
- Please check each week’s webpage for specific logistical information and links.
- Nearly every week we’ll meet as a full group in the classroom. Because our external guests aren’t permitted to visit us on campus, we’ll “simulcast” our class on Zoom. Each class will likely be broken into various “acts” – lecture, reading discussion, guest presentation, small group work, full-class workshop, etc. – with breaks in-between.
- Some weeks we might hold small-group discussions or workshops in lieu of our regularly scheduled plenary meeting.
- On two occasions, near the beginning and end of the semester, we’ll schedule half-hour one-on-one conversations – in lieu of our group sessions – to discuss your individual interests and needs, as well as your progress on your individual projects.
ABOUT THE WEEKLY SCHEDULE
If you’re accustomed to syllabi that consist of little more than a weekly schedule and a list of readings, the following might look a bit – or a lot! – intimidating. Fear not! Most of what you see here is my attempt to provide context and intellectual framing. I explain why I’ve chosen particular texts, and what I hope you’ll gain from reading, watching, or listening to them. I offer tips regarding what to focus on. I pose questions that I hope you’ll keep in mind as you engage. I also occasionally direct you to collections of related resources that you’re welcome simply to skim, but which might (I hope!) prove useful for your own research – or inspire a new interest, or introduce you to some new resources, or connect you to a new community. In short, the voluminous text you’ll see below is meant to serve as a friendly guide to your weekly preparations. It’ll ideally make your reading more efficient and meaningful 🙂