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This class depends on discussion and collaborative work on writing. There are roughly 28 class meetings; you can miss 2 classes for any reason. After you have used your “free” absences, you will need written documentation to excuse your absence in accordance with the rules of the university. (Since it is virtually impossible to make up attendance, an excused absence will result in a reduction of the total points. In other words, a participant uses the free absence and then is deathly ill; on receiving a written excuse, the total points will drop to reflect the excused absence.) Or, you can elect to lose the points. Each class attendance is worth 5 points for a total of 125 pts.
Preparation for class is also part of the process. You would never arrive at work unprepared; the same is true of class. You are expected to bring your texts to class so that we may consult them if necessary. In addition, you are required to bring printed copies of materials from the Web and the essays (or parts of essay) assignments from the electronic discussion. This is particularly necessary when we examine images or engage in peer critiques. Similarly, if an assignment involves looking at web sites, you should bring a printed example of a page or two from the site or, at the very least, notes. Probably the best strategy is to maintain a three-ring binder with all your materials in it. At each class, I will be checking for preparation and points will be subtracted from the attendance mark for lack of preparation.
This course makes extensive use of computers. Computers are a great boon to the student writer. But, as with any technology, you must take steps to minimize the problems that computers inevitably cause. Do not expect to get through the semester without having at least one computer crisis. Prepare for this well in advance. Back up your work constantly and have alternative plans for obtaining computer use, if your primary options fail you. We will never accept computer problems as excuses for missed assignments. You must also keep backup copies of submitted assignments—either in electronic form or hard copy.
Similarly, computers and email permit around-the-clock communication. If you have questions or need to apprise me of an emergency situation, contact me via email. Do not, however, expect an immediate response. Many of your questions can be answered by consulting the web site. The site contains a duplicate of the syllabus, including the schedule and writing assignments. The on-line syllabus also has links to the resources listed with URLs in the print version of the syllabus and may be a more convenient means to access some of the web-based materials.
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I regret that I will be unable to accept late electronic discussion contributions or other assignments except in cases of bona fide and documented instances in accordance with the regulations of the university. This means that participants must provide documentation that indicates illness or other kinds of trauma. Failure to manage time effectively will not be a sufficient reason for failure to complete assignments. In addition, the class depends on the completion of assignments as the basis for discussion. Neglecting an assignment, therefore, undermines both individual and group effectiveness and achievement. In short, this is a zero-tolerance course.
Grades, including +s and -s, will be assigned in the following manner. REMEMBER THEY REPRESENT AN EVALUATION, NOT A REWARD. To rephrase Smith-Barney, the investment folk, we do grades the old-fashioned way—earn them.
A—Outstanding work, complete mastery of the material presented, combined with some originality.
B—A solid command of the material with some gaps or mistakes in a basically sound essay or discussion.
C—Some knowledge of the material; mistakes and confusion are acceptable if mixed with some understanding. Not a reward for attendance or effort.
D—An incomplete and minimal knowledge of the material, major confusions and errors.
F—A failure to present the material in a reasonably accurate and comprehensible manner.
I—There are no “incompletes” given in this course except in cases of bona fide and documented instances in accordance with the regulations of the university.
P—For a “pass” a “C” average is required.
The nature of the course suggests that breaches of academic integrity will be difficult to accomplish. If, however, a class member engages in plagiarism or other forms of cheating, he or she will receive a zero for that assignment and an accompanied trip to the Dean’s Office to discuss further academic action.
If you receive a grade or criticism that seems unfair or if you desire further explanation, see me. If you come to argue for a better grade, come prepared to present your case in the most coherent and organized manner possible. Again, come prepared. |
