At the heart of the graduate education experience, what distinguishes it from undergraduate education, is recognition by students that they shoulder a much greater responsibility for their own learning. The focal point of the learning experience has traditionally been the seminar, where students, having prepared in advance, offer, explore, assess, critique, and defend their ideas and those of the other students.

A central component of the course is therefore class discussion.

The course is organized around several topics. Participation in the continuing discussion activity is mandatory and will be evaluated on weekly basis. That is, you cannot skip a week or two and then try to “catch-up.” It is expected that students will be prepared for discussions and will have completed the readings.

Discussion questions for each week will be provided by the instructor.  Note these questions are merely a point of departure. Students should be prepared at a minimum to discuss and examine these questions, while recognizing that readings and other material are "fair game" for discussion.