Midterm Feedback and Academic Writing Guidance
Introduction to the Midterm Feedback
The professor addresses student concerns regarding midterm grades.
Emphasizes their intent to be reasonable and to work together in a spirit of help and collaboration.
Contextual Understanding of Student Experience
Recognizes this is the students' first semester at university.
Acknowledges previous inquiries into student permission to speak freely, emphasizing an open classroom environment.
Concerns About Research Paper Submissions
Students express distress over current grades visible on the Canvas system, which are not final.
The professor explains that submissions lack proper research, citations, and clarity, highlighting a group project challenge.
Specific Issues Noted:
Submission of research papers in a paragraph without citations despite a month-long preparation time.
Lack of attention to detail in proofing papers: who took responsibility for ensuring the absence of errors?
Questions directed to the class about presenting ideas and integrating new dimensions into scholarly work.
Importance of Scholarship
Defines scholarship as presenting ideas clearly, the factors at play, and the individual contribution to a topic.
Asks students if they felt their papers adhered to this definition of scholarship.
Citation Styles in Research Papers
Outlines options for citation: footnotes or endnotes, explaining the necessity for full citations to inform the reader.
Mentions importance of citation formats, requiring full citations for the first instance of each source.
Stresses the implications of plagiarism—failure to credit original ideas can result in serious academic consequences, including expulsion.
Clarifications on Citation Practices
Advises on chosen citation styles (MLA, Chicago, etc.), demanding consistency.
Explains the required components of citations, stressing full citation practices during the initial source use, including author, title, publisher, location, year, and page number.
Audience Understanding
The importance of detailing sources so the reader (professor) understands the references made and assures the credibility of the paper.
Differentiates authors with similar last names in citations to maintain clarity.
Structure and Presentation in Research Papers
Encourages students to make papers visually appealing, emphasizing readability.
Provides an anecdote regarding an illegible submission due to poor color choice for text (light green font).
Discusses mixed styles in submissions—highlighting a student's unused title page when an abstract page was more appropriate.
Expectations of Formatting
Discussion around the requirements for a title page and abstract for research papers.
The impact of first impressions based on organization and clarity of content.
Group Work and Submission Guidelines
Addresses submission policies for group papers, clarifying that each member should have reflected their contribution in a way indicative of their effort.
Reviews the consequences of group members not submitting, mentioning zeros given for missing assignments.
Feedback on the Resubmission Process
Facilitates a process whereby students can resubmit papers for potential grade adjustments.
Establishes a deadline (Thursday at midnight) for resubmissions, promising to consider improvements in grading.
Discussion of Fairness in Grading
Discusses fairness in terms of averaging previously assigned grades with new submissions.
Raises the question of equity concerning the grades of those who had already submitted papers versus late submissions.
Student Reflection on Grading and Improvement
Opens dialogue with students about what points they feel could be justified in their resubmissions.
Encourages students not to focus strictly on grades but rather on the learning process and insights gained through revisions.
The Harlem Renaissance and Historical Context
Shifts focus to the Harlem Renaissance as a pivotal moment in African American culture and resistance.
Great Migration and Harlem's Role
Describes the Great Migration, where African Americans moved from the rural South to urban centers in the North and West, particularly to Harlem.
Identifies New York City as the cultural hub for writers, artists, musicians, and intellectuals, drawing parallels to modern migration destinations.
Cultural and Artistic Explosion
Indicates Harlem as a center for cultural explosion, where notable figures like Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington thrived.
Discusses artistic expression as a form of resistance against the backdrop of systemic oppression and white flight.
Organizational Developments
Mentions the establishment of important organizations during this time, including the NAACP and Greek-letter organizations, that fostered community and resistance.
Marcus Garvey and the Back to Africa Movement
Notes the efforts of Marcus Garvey in recruiting for a back-to-Africa movement and highlights his impact on the Harlem community.
Connections to Current Class Structure
The professor stresses the importance of scholarly writing and honors the student's potential to improve and affirm their place within an academic community.
Expresses concern about the lack of awareness regarding course content, urging students to reflect on the cultural history discussed in class concerning their own academic efforts.
Application of Ubuntu Philosophy
Explains the Ubuntu philosophy: "I am because we are, and we are because I am," emphasizing interconnectedness, community, and responsibility within group projects.
Encourages mutual accountability among group members, equating good work with collective success.
Final Engagement with Students
Invites students to think critically about the reciprocity of effort and success in community-based learning.
Emphasizes the importance of rectifying poor practices learned in prior educational settings and moving toward excellence in current experiences at university.
Encourages an open dialogue where students can voice concerns and questions in upcoming classes.