Attendance and Lateness*
You have three unexcused, no-questions-asked absences throughout the semester.* Missing more than three classes will impact your participation grade, and more than five could result in failing the course. If you need to miss class for religious or academic/school sponsored extracurricular reasons, please inform me ahead of time. If prior notification is given, these absences will not count against the permitted number. In addition, absence due to illness will not count against the permitted number if a written doctor note is provided.
Grades
Course grades are based on a 100-point scale. Final grades fall on the following ranges: A = 94-100, A- = 90-93, B+ = 87-89, B = 84-86, B- = 80-83, and so on. Assignment grades are standard letter to point: A+ = 98.5, A = 95, A- = 91.5, and so on. There is no curve. There are no individual extra-credit or re-take options.
Failing grades are given to students who fail to meet the expectations and requirements of an assignment, who have submitted plagiarized work (see below), who fail to complete much or all of the assigned work for the course, or who have missed more than five classes.
Classroom and Online Etiquette
Any successful learning experience requires mutual respect on behalf of the student and the instructor. The instructor as well as fellow students should not be subjected to any student's behavior that is in any way disruptive, rude, or challenging to the instructor's authority in the classroom. The instructor has primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance of academic integrity. The instructor can order the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct violating the general rules and regulations of the institution (see UT Dallas Title IX Initiatives).
Online participation requires the same atmosphere of respect. Name calling, harassing, flaming, trolling, etc. is antithetical to the course goals and will not be tolerated.
Content Warning: Our classroom provides an open space for the critical and civil exchange of ideas. Some readings and other content in this course will include topics that some students may find offensive and/or traumatizing. I aim to forewarn students about potentially disturbing content, and I ask all students to help create an atmosphere of mutual respect and sensitivity.
Lecture and Technology Policy
I get that we are all addicted to our phones, but please plan to not use them during class. You can't participate and learn while on your phone (multitasking simply doesn't work). The same rules apply for laptops & tablets: use them to take notes or complete class assignments.
Due Dates and Late Work
All online assignments are due prior to class on the date listed unless otherwise noted. All major paper assignments will be submitted through eLearning. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm submission of their work. Students cannot make up missed reading quizzes or other in-class work associated with participation.
Inclement Weather*
In the event of inclement weather, all coursework is still due online by the posted times. Students are responsible for checking their email for instructions regarding activities that may be scheduled during the regular class meeting time.
Please send me a message on MS teams rather than email me. Email is slow - I’m much faster on Teams.
Office Hours
I don't have an office on campus, but I'm certainly available as needed before and after class on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you'd like to catch up, just send me an email and we'll schedule a time.
Student Services and Support
Students with disabilities who believe they may need formal accommodations in this class are encouraged to register with the Office of Access Ability within the first week of class. The office is located in SSB 3.200 and can be contacted at972-883-2098 or student access@utdallas.edu.
Academic Honesty
A failing grade will automatically be assigned to any student who violates the academic integrity policy of the University of Texas, Dallas. All work submitted must represent your own, individual effort. Use of sources or others' ideas must be acknowledged with proper citations. Please familiarize yourself with the UT Dallas’ policy on Academic Honesty.
Comet Creed
This creed was voted on by the UT Dallas student body in 2014. It is a standard that Comets choose to live by and encourage others to do the same:
“As a Comet, I pledge honesty, integrity, and service in all that I do.”
Disclaimer
The descriptions and timelines contained in this syllabus are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor. Please see the course workspace for any updates.