Because understanding grades can be a difficult, complex, and painful process, I have borrowed from a colleague in the Syracuse University Women's Studies Department a description that explains the characteristics I associate with "honors" work. It is important to keep in mind that you are not your grades, and that grades reflect both effort and achievement, not effort alone. Periodically throughout the semester, compare your performance with this profile and strive to meet its goals. This course is not graded on a curve and thus all students can excel to their highest potential:

"Honors" Work

Attendance: Students who produce "honors" work have perfect attendance. Their commitment to the class resembles that of the professor;

Preparation: Students who produce "honors" work are prepared for every class. Of course they always complete the assigned reading, and their attention to detail is such that they occasionally catch the professor in a mistake;

Curiosity: Students who produce "honors" work show interest in the class and in the subject. They go to the library on their own volition! They look up and dig out what they don't know;

Participation: Students who produce "honors" work contribute to class with passion and insight. They know that excellent participation requires a balance between listening and talking. They ask interesting questions and make thoughtful comments.

Retention: Students who produce "honors" work connect past learning with the present. Throughout the semester, they relate what they learn in class with the knowledge, insight, wisdom and passion that they bring with them to the class.

Attitude: Students who produce "honors" work have a determined and enthusiastic attitude. They have both the self-discipline and the determination necessary for success. They show initiative. They take responsibility for their education by claiming--not receiving--knowledge.

Talent: Make no mistake: talent is earned and rehearsed. Students who produce "honors" work have developed special skills and qualities. It may be confidence, insight, enthusiasm. It may be unusual creativity, organizational skills, commitment--or a combination thereof. These talents are evident to the professor and to the other students in the class as well.

Execution: Projects that earn an "honors" grade are fully completed, with every detail taken into consideration; questions asked of the artist about their intentions, successes and failures; professional presentation in the classroom environment; and a willingness to take the project to whatever next level is necessary.

I encourage you to use this class as an opportunity to develop and hone the qualities mentioned above--even if you fear that you do not bring any of them pre-packaged to this course. Education is not just about learning some information, but about developing and enriching all parts of yourself: intellectural, spiritual, emotional, poetic, creative, dynamic, and engaged. I encourage you to discuss the development of these skills with me and to ask for as much advice and feedback as you need.