Trauma is weighted as follows:

Formal Essays (55-65%)

             Write “Children of Immigrants” – 10% (double if              undocumented)              Write “first generation” – 15%              Mention the color of the coyote’s van – 10%              Keep family in the past tense – 5%              Write birthplace next to its murder per capita rate – 20%

In-Class (35%)

             Don’t correct them when they say your name wrong – 5%              Go by Tony starting sophomore year – 10%              Stay quiet when they make fun of Keisha – 5%              Believe Tim when he says, “You just got in because you’re” – 10%              When it’s your turn to read, pronounce it like they do, gwa-

da-mala – 5%

Participation (10%)

             Turn to the person next to you:              debate your belonging

In addition to notation highlighting particularly good or particularly flawed argumentation, or inaccurate claims throughout the body of the paper:

For each book review, a rating will be given at the end, which is based on a 5 point system.  Each point is given for sufficiently fulfilling each criteria.

Main Plot:  The plot of the novel is interesting and flows well.  Simple narratives are punchy and dynamic, while complicated narratives never become too confusing and wrap up with a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends.

Sub-plots:  Sub-plots are used to support the main narrative and effectively develop characters, showing more nuanced sides.  

Writing Style:  The author crafts a story that is relatively easy to read.  The story doesn't drag due to purposefully inflated scenes or an irritating or weak authorial voice. 

Engaging Characters:  Characters are well fleshed out and develop over the course of the story.   

Overall Message and Addressed Issues:  The central theme or message of the novel comes through effectively.  Additionally, the book addresses social issues that are relevant to the time period the book is written, or allows for discussion of social topics.