I am using a flexible system that gives you almost complete control over the grade you earn in this class. My goal, actually, is to change your view of grading, at least as it applies to your pursuit of better reading and writing skills. Your grade in this course will, very simply, reflect how hard you worked at making yourself a better reader and writer than you are right now.
You'll participate in discussions, produce reading notes, and compose quote responses. Timely completion of all assignments accounts for 500 pts. The reading portfolio for this course is worth a maximum of 475 pts. A total of 900-975 points equals an "A" in the course (800-899 equals a "B" and 700-799 equals a "C").
Timely completion means (a) meeting deadlines and length requirements for assignments and (b) following guidelines for assignments. Why? Most students want a course grade to reflect their effort in a course; this approach to grading rewards effort without sacrificing academic rigor.
At the same time, in this system, if you earn all 500 points for reading notes, discussion postings, and quote responses, you only need a "B" reading portfolio (425 points) to make an "A" in the course. So diligent work across the semester is definitely rewarded.
