Evaluation Framework
Grade Metrics
| Percentage Range | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90% – 100% | A |
| 80% – 89% | B |
| 70% – 79% | C |
| 60% – 69% | D |
Distribution of Weight
| Assessment Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Weekly Writing Labs | 40% |
| Final Research Project | 25% |
| Midterm Reflection | 20% |
| Participation | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
Course Guidelines
Participation and Attendance
Attendance is recorded daily. While I am currently developing an automated sign-in system, the responsibility for ensuring your presence is recorded stays with you. You must be in the room to mark yourself present.
This course moves away from traditional surveillance; instead, you will curate your own record of engagement and contribution, which is available for review upon request. To navigate our sessions effectively, please arrive with a laptop or tablet and access to the day’s readings.
Writing Lab Fridays
Our Friday sessions function as a scaffolded writing lab. These are collaborative spaces designed for open experimentation with form, AI integration, and collective problem-solving. Rather than finishing a static assignment, you will use this time to iterate on your work and mediate between different writing tools and methods.
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Process: Each lab session is designed to build toward your larger projects. Because the value of the lab lies in active collaboration, these sessions must be completed during the scheduled class time.
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Absences: If you cannot attend a Friday session, please notify me in advance to arrange a remote equivalent. Late work is not accepted, as the course logic relies on staying synchronized with the weekly lab cycle.
AI and Algorithmic Literacy
We will treat Large Language Models (LLMs) as active participants in the writing process. In this class, we do not just use AI; we interrogate it. You are encouraged to experiment with LLM outputs to automate bureaucratic tasks or test structural ideas, but the primary intellectual work remains yours. Because these tools facilitate high-quality editing and formatting, I expect a high level of technical polish in your final submissions.
Take-Home Assessments
Rather than traditional exams, this course utilizes two major writing projects to measure your development.
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Midterm: Algorithmic Literacy Reflection
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Scope: A three-page personal reflection situating your development in navigating and understanding algorithmic tools. A more detailed assignment prompt will be available.
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Due Date: Friday, February 27.
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Final: Research Project on Algorithmic Risk
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Scope: A five-page research project investigating a specific aspect of algorithmic risk, bias, or safety. This project requires you to experiment with and critically read LLM outputs as part of your primary research. A more detailed assignment prompt will be available.
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Due Date: Sunday, April 26.
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