|
Spring 2008 Course Information and Requirements
This coversheet has become necessary, by university, department, and my own demands, due to student problems or classroom necessities as realized by the university, college, and/or Department of English and Philosophy, and me. Please make certain that you understand, and, equally important, that you accept all that follows should you remain enrolled in this course. Most of you will find that this information represents “commonsense” and should seem unnecessary; but, just in case …. Special Needs: Should you require special needs for this class, you must register with Disability Services at the beginning of the course, and no later than the end of the first week of classes. Please inform me of anything you require not readily apparent or available (each room should have a separate, larger desk; but should more than one become necessary, or, should other needs exist, please let me know). Absences: In all my classes (mandated by the university for freshmen and sophomore courses; at the discretion of the professor in all upper-level), I allow no more than two-weeks of absences; meaning, for a MWF course you have 6 absences—more than that and you will probably fail the class; at the least, your grade cannot be higher than a “D.” I don’t need to see an excuse for any missed class or get a message telling me you won’t be present. However, whether legitimate or not, this class meets 41 times; should you not meet for 35 of those, you have not taken the course. (Obviously, any days that I am not here you will not have an absence.) That also means that should you have academic or sports related obligations, those days must count toward your absences, so don’t frivolously skip if you know beforehand that you must miss on known dates—choosing to engage in other activities remains your decision, but it does not take precedence over this class. If you have one of the above responsibilities, let me know no later than the first week of classes—should you have an “authorized” university event, you will be permitted to make up any tests on those days, so long as I know before you miss the class. Grades: My standard for grading does not rely upon percentages. If quizzes occur, an average for all those grades will constitute one grade at the end of the semester (quizzes generally test whether you’ve read the assigned material; you’re liable for one whenever we begin a new work on the syllabus, either on the first day or any day during our study of a work). No quizzes can be made up: should you miss, you have fewer grades to average. All tests, including midterm and final examination (which I usually curve), will be averaged, as well as the paper(s) for the course, so that your average quiz grade, test grades, and paper(s) give you a grade for the course. No penalty or reward accrues for missing or attending class, so long as you remain within the bounds of the 6-absence policy. As for papers, my website contains about 15 sample papers, complete with notes and suggestions as to how to make an argument (the most comprehensive of these is “The J Writer: God’s Favorite Metaphor”). As well, we’ll spend 2 classes on the paper and some suggested writing subjects during the semester. One assignment for this class includes either a 3 to 5 page argument paper due on the day of the midterm and then again, a 3 to 5 page paper on another work on our syllabus, at the final class—OR, if you choose, a single paper, 5 to 8 pages, due on the last day of the course on any work included on our syllabus. I prefer your argument, so no need exists for secondary sources (or, obviously, “borrowed” material from other sources). Please keep in mind the minimum required for the above; short papers will not be accepted. In addition, the due dates remain firm: no late papers will be accepted; and all papers must be printed according to standard guidelines (no emailed papers) and submitted on-time. If you do not know what constitutes an argument paper, you need to check my website, seek help from the Writing Center (Wilson, 3rd floor), or go back to your freshman writing instructor. Please understand that I will spend class time that I shouldn’t on “the paper”; but this isn’t freshman composition, so, if you must learn the standard argument paper, which you should already know, go back and learn as opposed to relying upon me. The Classroom: I expect you to show one another, me, and yourself respect in this class. Please use commonsense with regard to classroom deportment: no cell phones allowed (either leave them elsewhere or make certain you turn them off). Dress appropriately (no pajama pants or “low-riders”; take off hats, remove earplugs, etc.; should you have doubts, you need to ask). Leaving the class for bathroom breaks, etc. remains unacceptable; I don’t accept people walking in late, leaving during the class and then returning, or leaving early—should you do any of the previous, I’ll mark you absent for the class. Please do not talk, unless engaging in class discussion, pass notes, do work for other classes, sleep, rest your head on the desk, or engage in any other disruptive behavior; otherwise, you’ll be dropped from the class (and without discussion, conference, etc. with me: you know if you’re doing any of the above, so I don’t need to embarrass you in class or speak to you after). As well, please do not bring your children to the classroom (or guests, for that matter); please make arrangements with ASU daycare. For any questions on the above, or for help with class materials, ASK (I’m willing to work out problems, if possible, but only if told in advance). My office hours for the spring semester will be MWF, 11:00 a.m. to noon; and from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. When possible, let me know to expect you, just in case (I’m in the main English & Philosophy office, 313-D). Please do not ask me to return phone calls, and, if you will, use normal email as opposed to voice mail should you need to contact me. Anything I may mention in this class that you don’t know, LEARN. We have a good library; you have good minds, so don’t assume that what you don’t know is not necessary or could not be asked of you: even if you must play “catch-up” with knowledge, the basic, liberal requirements for an education remain necessary, and so you must do the necessary work to earn a degree at an accredited university. I’ll help if you make an effort. My website has a wealth of information you may find of value: from the homepage, go to the appropriate class under “Classes,” see “Sample Papers,” or use the many, varied links for whatever you find of interest. In spite of all the “rules” above, if I can help you with work, your topic for the paper, or other considerations, please ask.
|
|
This page maintained by Wayne Narey; suggestions and comments appreciated--please contact wnarey@astate.edu |