Grades & Course Requirements
Text Box: Grades will be based on class participation (20%), an in-class presentation (20%), a personal information inquiry/plan (20%), and a final paper (40%).   IN-CLASS PRESENTATIONS -- Each student will be expected to make an in-class presentation (approximately 15 minutes in length) that explains, as simply as possible, the significance of a specific current controversy, statutory regime, or other issue involving informational privacy. Each presentation should offer additional information or raise issues not covered in the assigned readings. Creativity is greatly appreciated and handouts are strongly encouraged. Topics will be discussed during the third class meeting.   PERSONAL INFORMATION INQUIRY/ONLINE IMAGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN -- Each student must research the personal information about him or her that is available online or through other sources and formulate a plan to best promote a professional online image. Students will submit a brief report that includes a summary of their findings explaining the process and the general results of the inquiry (specific details of the personal information obtained should not be submitted) and a plan to increase or improve their online images with an eye toward professional development. Creativity is encouraged. We will discuss the processes used and progress made in obtaining this information throughout the semester. The reports are due on or before the last class session, so students should not wait until late in the semester to make the inquiry. POSITION PAPERS -- Each student must complete an original, well-researched, position paper that expresses a novel idea or approach to some area of information law and policy. The ideal paper will clearly state a problem, offer a suggested solution and justify that solution citing applicable law, policies or theories. The paper must be submitted in publishable form--i.e., fully edited, with correct grammar and spelling, proper citations, and supporting materials (statutes, appendices, etc.) if appropriate. While there is no length requirement, most topics will likely require at least 10 to 15 pages (3,000 words) to adequately address. Remember, quality is more important than quantity.   Papers will be evaluated on the basis of clarity of analysis, persuasiveness of argument, depth of research, originality of thought, readability, and understanding of the course materials. Proper use of authority is required (footnotes are preferred to endnotes).   Students may present projects of equivalent depth and magnitude in other formats with prior approval of the instructor.   Position Papers are due on or before May 22, 2009.

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