It is useful at the outset to present in writing some of the academic procedures which will be followed in this course.  In this way, a number of possible misunderstandings will hopefully be avoided.

It is understandable that some students may be experiencing substantial pressures. Should such a situation potentially affect your academic performance, you are strongly urged to discuss these matters as early as possible with your professor. By working together in this way, we may be able to help you deal more effectively with some of these pressures or difficulties.  At the very least, knowing that you have people to talk to may in itself be helpful.

Class Participation
Students are expected to keep up with the reading and to participate in class discussions.  Even if no specific reading assignment is given, it is the student's responsibility to note how the class is progressing with regard to the syllabus, and to do the reading necessary for that aspect of the course outline.  If class participation becomes particularly slack, unannounced quizzes may be given.

Oral Presentations
Oral presentations are particularly important in those classes where they are assigned since they constitute part of the general classroom experience.  If a student is unable to make a presentation on the day assigned, it is imperative that he or she notify the instructor beforehand so that adequate substitute arrangements can be made.  Missing (or being late for) an oral presentation without notifying the instructor and without an adequate reason will have a very definite negative effect upon the student's course grade.

Written Assignments
Written assignments are due on the date announced in class.  Term papers and special projects (with the exclusion of methodology homework which will not be accepted late) will be accepted with penalty up to one week after the due date. After that date, they will not be accepted, and the student will be assigned a grade of zero (unless, in very exceptional cases, arrangements have been made beforehand).

Incompletes
It is generally not the policy in these courses to give a grade of "Incomplete," except under the most unusual circumstances.  In those circumstances in which an "Incomplete" is given, it is University policy to require the student to make up whatever work is necessary by midsemester of the following term.  It is solely the student's responsibility to see that such work is made up on time.  Failure to do so will result in the automatic assignment of a grade of "F" by the University.

Makeup Examinations
Makeup examinations will be given only for medical reasons documented by a doctor's note, because of a death in your immediate family, or because of a similarly extremely serious circumstance. Such makeups for exams given during the term may be taken during the scheduled final exam time slot in the form of supplementary questions. Makeups for finals involve official University procedures, and will not be given until the beginning of the following term.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism will not be condoned in these classes. Plagiarism consists of presenting anyone's work (that of a published author, that of a fellow student, etc.) as one's own. Any time one uses the exact words of an author, fellow student, or any other individual or group, these must be included as quotes.

Sometimes, students may wish to borrow ideas from published works or other sources. This is acceptable as long as the use of these ideas does not constitute a major portion of your work, and as long as these borrowings are properly footnoted.  In other words, it is perfectly permissible to make limited use of ideas from magazine articles, encyclopedia entries, book reviews, or other sources, as long as you properly footnote such use.  Paraphrasing--even without directly quoting--if not accompanied by proper footnoting also constitutes plagiarism.

Plagiarism will be severely punished. Should plagiarism be discovered in a term paper, project report, or similar submission, this will result in the automatic assignment of a failing course grade. Under such circumstances, withdrawal from the course will not be permitted. In addition, appropriate Department and University disciplinary action may also be taken.

Withdrawal
Withdrawal from courses can only be accomplished by procedures established by the Registrar.  A grade of "W" cannot be given by the instructor; it can only be assigned by the Registrar's Office.

Special Needs
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me to discuss this as soon as possible.

Rev.: 8/00
HTML: 8/00