Ancient classroom in Alexandria, including stone where (according to historical speculation) students had to stand and recite, answer questions, or face chastisement. (Photo: Schroeder)

Since we will all be members of a learning community this semester, enthusiastic class participation is essential.  Daily assignments should be completed before class on the day on which they are listed on the syllabus.

Class participation is an integral part of this course.   All students are expected to participate in a thoughtful, well-prepared manner that is grounded in the course assignments.  Students should come to class prepared to discuss the assignments every day.  I will provide study guides or in-class exercises to help you with the readings and class discussions.

All members of the class are expected to reflect critically on they ways in which they can contribute to constructive rather than destructive class dynamics.

I often call upon students and may not wait for students to volunteer themselves.

Take notes:  you will be expected to incorporate issues raised in class discussions in your papers.  See the beginning of the course schedule for tips on preparing for class.

The Attendance and Participation Grade will include:

• Possible in-class presentations, graded activities, or providing discussion questions for class.
• Regular participation in class, which means:
  • Informed, thoughtful, and respectful engagement in discussions, activities, and in-class writing assignments on a regular basis
  • Listening to the professor and the other students (including taking notes)
  • Bringing class readings and/or notes to class to enable discussion
  • Respectful behavior in class.  Disruptive or disrespectful behavior (including arriving late and leaving early) will lower Participation and Attendance grades.
• Daily attendance.

Daily attendance is essential for learning in this course.

• Every absence beyond two absences (a week of class) may lower the participation and attendance grade by up to one letter level (A to B, B+ to C+, etc.)  Students may make-up their missed participation if they have a documented illnesses, required sports games/meets or other university event, or a personal or family  emergency (such as a death of a close relative). It is the professor’s discretion as to which absences can or should be made up.      
• To make up an absence, students will provide a written analysis of the readings/websites/films for the missed day.  The response will be a minimum of one page long , typed, 12-point font, and will be submitted via email within 24 hours of the student’s return to class.  It will be evaluated for quality and will count toward missed participation and quiz that day, depending on the quality of the paper.
• At the beginning of the semester, athletes/debaters/etc. should provide me with the dates of class to be missed due to official university activities.
• Students who are too ill to come to class should go to health services and provide documentation with their make up assignment.
• Students with other emergencies should email me as soon as possible.
• Lying to avoid a penalty is a violation of the Honor Code
• Make friends: Students who miss class should get notes from a peer before coming to talk to the professor about missed material.
• The make-up policy outlined above is designed for students who have unavoidable commitments or emergencies, which will lead to more than a week of absences.  Students with multiple unexcused absences at the beginning of the semester should not expect accommodation late in the semester.