All students are expected to be active participants in their own and each other’s learning process. SIMPLY SHOWING UP IS NOT “ATTENDING” or “PARTICIPATING”.
• Please make sure that all observations, comments, and criticisms are constructive, respectful, and spoken in a neutral tone.
• Students may use laptops provided they are assisting in the educational process in the moment. Please silence all electronic devices for the consideration of others.
• Please do not use social media or email during class if it is not relevant to the topic/discussion at hand.
• Sleeping and side conversations in class are not permitted. Excessive occurrences will lead to consequences at the professor’s discretion.
• You are allowed 2 unexcused absences. Any additional unexcused absence will lower your final grade by one-half the letter.
• Arriving late to class is extremely disruptive both for your peers and for me. Be on time. Three late arrivals (past 15 minutes) will equal one absence.
• Persistent absence will result in failing the course.
Students unwilling to comply with these policies will be asked to leave the class and will be marked absent for that class period.
COMMUNICATING WITH ME:
There are 3 ways to be in touch with me:
1. Before or after class. If you would like to casually discuss homework, quizzes, essays,
absences etc. you can do so before or after class.
2. By appointment. You can set up an appointment to meet in my office via email. I am
happy to talk with you about the course – as well as your life goals and interests.
3. Via e-mail. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to e-mail me. I will ONLY
respond to e-mails that include a subject and a salutation. Please allow 24 hours for a response.
GRADING RUBRIC:
Papers will be graded using the following criteria (and judged whether excellent, good, fair, needs work or insufficient):
1. Formatting (page numbers, bibliography, quotes, citations)
2. Sources (diverse, academic)
3. Organization (good transitions, definitions, structured argument)
4. Adherence to assignment guidelines (follows instructions, answers questions, covers topic)
5. Clarity (thesis stated and supported with examples, evidence, background, context)
6. Understanding terms and grasp of concepts
7. Originality
8. Style (readable, lucid, flow, makes sense, creative, academic, command of English)
9. Grammar, spelling, typos, sentence structure
10. Effort, passion, interest
LATE WORK:
All work must be completed and submitted on time for full credit.