Class Policies
Attendance
As with any job, you are expected to go to work;
missing too many times can cost you your job! And although you do not get
paid for attending class, your overall performance and participation,
reflected in the grade you receive, could ultimately determine the kind of
job you get! The university allows any student to miss three hours of class
without penalty; these days are set aside for unexpected emergencies and
illnesses. Absences that have accumulated past the three hours are subject to
point/grade reduction if offenses occur frequently. Students who have missed
excessively will either (1) not be given the benefit of the doubt when grades
are on the borderline or (2) the actual grade will be lowered because of the
number of absences (see next paragraph).
All persons are expected to attend class at all times whether we are in the
classroom or in the computer labs. If you miss more than three hours of class,
it can affect your overall performance on written assignments. If absences
(excused or unexcused) exceed four, the following point reduction will be
reflected in your semester point total: absence #5,
10 points from semester average; absence #6, 15 points; absence #7, 20 points;
absence #8, 25 points. Any more than that, you are in danger of failing the
course.
- Note: If there are extenuating circumstances regarding absences
which are beyond the control of the individual, consideration will be given,
but don't tell me about it on the last day of the semester.
- In Freshman classes, there will be some classes held in computer
labs. On those days, attendance will be taken via e-mail. Email me when you
arrive, and when you leave.
Writing Assignments
In most courses, there will be at least five grades, including the final exam.
Topics for papers will come from suggestions in textbook, information
found on the Internet, suggestions from your instructor and/or from the
literary works read and discussed in class or assigned as outside assignments;
you will also be using our library for assignments.
Grading
Two formats will be used in grading papers: letter grades or numerical grades:
- Numerical grading (primarily in freshman courses):
Each paper will be graded on the content and
presentation (organization, format, etc). Points will be deducted from each
content grade
for each grammatical error listed below. On the last page of your graded
paper, you will find a numerical grade for content from which a specific
number of points may be deducted determined by the number of errors made
(if any). On the first paper, two points will be deducted for each error; on
the second paper, three points; the number increases with each paper. Each
error for which points were deducted is circled on your paper. All of these
errors are discussed in your handbook (page numbers given); if you have any
questions, please ask. A quick and entertaining guide to grammar is
"Big Dog Grammar: A Bare Bones Guide to
English". Another excellent source for help with grammar and writing
is William Strunk's
The Elements of Style.
- Letter grades: This traditional grading (A, B, C, D, F) will be used in
upper level courses. Grades designated with a "+" or "-" will be few! Grades
will be lowered for mechanical and grammatical errors.
Class Meetings
Although all classes are scheduled to meet in a designated classroom,
sometimes we will
meet in other places (the computer lab, the library, etc.) for controlled
searches on the Internet and for research, particularly
in freshman courses. Classes held in the labs will be announced in class and/or
on the syllabus. When we meet in the labs, attendance will be taken by
e-mail.
Classes Site