Every piece of graded work in the course, what it is worth, and when it is due.
Assessment#
Five pieces, summing to 100 per cent. The weekly specimen cards run all semester; the classification design is submitted in two parts, the second of which is the last thing due and the only one that leaves the 山海经 (Shānhǎijīng, the Classic of Mountains and Seas) behind.
Reclassification essay
Take one creature whose records disagree, argue for a single reading, and state what that reading costs the system you proposed at the midterm.
Due 10 May 2027 · Weight: 15%
Bestiary entry
What the congress tables. One new entry for a creature outside the course's twenty-five, admissible under the week 12 rule, with its gaps declared.
Due 24 May 2027 · Weight: 25%
Classification design
The capstone, in two parts. Part 1 at week 7 is the system the rest of the semester tries to break. Part 2 at the end is the transfer test — run it on material this course never gave you, and declare what does not survive.
Due 28 May 2027 · Weight: 30%
Peer review
At the week 12 congress, review two other bestiary entries against the admissibility rule and against the systems their authors proposed.
Due 28 May 2027 · Weight: 10%
Specimen cards
One card a week, on one creature from that week's list, applying that week's rule. Twelve cards, written as the semester runs and submitted together.
Due 24 May 2027 · Weight: 20%