DUE: DECEMBER 12, 2011 

Contract due on SEPTEMBER 15, 2011

The semester project for this class must deal with teaching and/or learning at the college level.  You select the topic and devise the format for the completed work.  We'll talk about possible ideas in class at the beginning of the semester, but I want you to approach this project as an opportunity to focus on a topic that will be both useful and interesting to you.  Be creative!!  On or before September 1, share with me your idea(s) for your semester project -- via e-mail or in writing or in a conversation with me. I just want to see what you're thinking about as possibilities.

When signing your contract (by September 15), you and I will agree to a plan for your semester project.  Each project is tailored by each individual, and so the expectations for each project are unique.  Neither you nor I want to assume that I'll remember in December what you and I agreed in September.  The contract helps with our communication. I'm serious about your making a decision by September 15 -- there is a 10-point penalty for missing that deadline.  On the other hand, students sometimes begin to work on a project and then develop "an even better idea," so it's possible for you to alter the contract as late as mid-October.

Then -- you get to work.  Right away.  Do not wait until the last minute.  I call this a "semester project" because I expect you to spend time throughout much of the semester working on it.  At mid-semester, I will probably ask for a brief update so I’ll know what you have accomplished by then.

Toward the end of the semester, you will share with the class the highlights of what you learned from your semester project.

The semester project is due to me no later than December 12, which is during Finals Week. You may submit the project earlier if you are done.

Remember that I am most interested in what you have learned.  How you share that with me is up to you, and I'll expect you to decide how to do it when we sign the contract.  Some projects have an actual "final product."  Others do not result in a tangible product ... and you may want to share what you've learned by making an appointment to talk with me.  You can also submit a tangible product and make an appointment to discuss your work.

Actually, I recommend that each of you plan to talk with me about your project. Giving me the opportunity to ask questions usually helps me better understand what you have done ... and you have the opportunity to fill in any gaps I may have in my understanding of your project.