Expectations

Private vs. Public Writing

Academic writing is generally public writing; that is, you are expected to share your work with at least one other person. In most classes the other person is an instructor. In this course you may also be sharing your work with your fellow students. Keep this in mind as you choose your topics.

Assignments

All reading should be completed prior to the class date at which it will be discussed. Any writing assignment, including the term paper, should be turned in at the beginning of class on the date the assignment is due. All oral presentations should be made on their assigned dates.

Attendance

Attendance policies are outlined in your COS student handbook. Be aware:

There are no excused absences.
If you have to be absent, you should notify the instructor in advance.
If you do not call, your absence will be written down as a “no show.”
Negotiations for make-up work or late work will not be allowed for “no shows.”
If you must be absent, it is your responsibility to find out what lecture material you have missed.
After three (3) consecutive missed classes, you may be dropped from the course.

Dropping the Class

It is the student's responsibility to complete the necessary paperwork for dropping a course. If you drop the course before February 10, no grade should appear on your transcripts. If you drop between February 10 and March 21, you will receive a “W” on your transcripts. If you drop after March 21, you will receive an “F.” If you do not complete the paperwork and simply stop showing up for class, you will probably receive an "F."

Deadlines

I adhere closely to the published schedule of assignments. Consequently, no assignment should catch you by surprise, and there should be no reason why any assignment should not be turned in on time.

Late Work and Make-up Work

Generally, no late work will be accepted, and there will be no make-up work or extra credit work allowed for missed assignments. This policy will be negotiated only in the event of absences due to documented emergencies, and then only if the student has notified the instructor in a timely manner.