Course Description and Goals

Please note that the cut off for an A is 95% according to The College of the Liberal Arts Grading Policies.  Also, note that C-, D+, and D- do not exist on this scale, which is set by the College.  Final percentages will be converted to letters based on the scale at right.  Grades will be posted to ANGEL as assignments are completed.  You can calculate your grades at any point in the course by referring to this chart.  If you need assistance, I would be happy to help you.

 

I spend a significant amount of time evaluating your work, with an eye toward helping you improve for future tasks.  I ask that you spend time contemplating my feedback prior to coming to speak with me about a grade.  Thus, you must wait 24 hours before discussing any grade with me.  Please make an appointment and bring any material pertinent (the speech manuscript, your paper, my comments, etc.), along with the goal of learning how you can improve for your next assignment.  I am happy to expand upon comments and help you to set goals for future assignments.

 

The assignments for your course are graded according to college-level standards. The ability to express ideas clearly and intelligently through speaking and writing is highly valued in civic, professional, and personal spheres and students should expect to put in a good deal of time and effort into their work for this class. Attention to presentation, research, grammar and writing is vital; sloppy work will be negatively received.  Please note that a grade of “C” will be assigned to average college work.  Grades in the “B” range signify work that stands above the average, and grades in the “A” range are reserved only for those students who do exceptional work.

The grade of "C" means average work. This grade is earned if your work simply meets the requirements of the assignment, but shows little or no other attempt to engage the material. The quality of the speech or paper is also an important consideration. Descriptions must be focused and precise; explanations must be thoughtful, supported, and well argued. If these criteria are not met, the student should expect to receive a "C."

 

 

The grade of "B" is earned when your work not only meets the requirements of the assignment, but also attempts to go beyond the assignment basics in terms of research and preparation. Assignments worthy of a "B" must show proof of critical thinking and engagement, and the results must appear in a clear and well-executed assignment.

 

The grade of "A" is reserved for exceptional work, and nothing less will earn this grade. Assignments worthy of an "A" must be relatively error free, well presented or written, rich in explanation and relation to the topic, focused, and must show critical thinking skills and an active interest in pursuing the assignment (sources such as journal articles are a plus, although not a guarantee of an "A").

 

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Course Policies

 

The course policies below are designed to help you fulfill your responsibilities as a University Citizen while you are in this class.  Please read them (yes, all of them).  If you have questions or concerns, please make an appointment to speak with me.

 

Penn State Principles: Responsibilities of a University Citizen #3: I will demonstrate social and personal responsibility.

 

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Attendance

 

The Penn State Student Handbook explains that "class attendance is important for the benefit of the student."  Accordingly, the University's policy is that students should attend every class for which they are scheduled and should be held responsible for all work covered in the courses taken.  This policy is particularly important in CAS 100.  Students enrolled in this course learn through several modes:  assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual performances, and observation and discussion of others students' performances.  Therefore, attendance at all class sessions is expected of all students.

 

Because emergencies sometimes arise that make attendance in class impossible, a maximum of three absences is permitted without penalty.  Continued absences will affect a student's grade independently of other course work.  Excessive absence may result in automatic failure of the course, regardless of grades received on class assignments. 

 

University policy states that “Instructors should provide, within reason, opportunity to make up work for students who miss class for regularly scheduled, University-approved curricular and extracurricular activities (such as field trips, debate trips, choir trips, and athletic contests).  However, if such scheduled trips are considered by the instructor to be hurting the student’s scholastic performance, the instructor should present such evidence for necessary action to the head of the department in which the course is offered and to the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled.”  This policy will be followed in CAS 100C.  If you anticipate having to miss some classes due to participation in University-approved activities, you should notify your instructor immediately and advise him/her about the dates and reasons for expected absences, and provide supporting documentation.

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Late Assignments

 

Assignments are due in class on the dates specified in the syllabus.  Late written work (e.g. exams, papers, outlines) will be accepted only if prior approval has been given by the instructor.  All late work will be penalized at the rate of one-third a letter grade per day (e.g from an A to an A-, then a B+).  Late work for which no prior arrangements have been made will not be accepted. 

 

Similarly, students are to give their speeches on the days to which they have been assigned.  If they do not, and if they have made no arrangements to switch speaking days with another student, they will be allowed to give their speeches only if time permits, and only if they have received the instructor’s prior permission to do so, either via email, a telephone conversation, or a face-to-face meeting.  In this case, the student will be penalized one full letter grade on the speech.  If the “late” speech cannot be given in class due to lack of time, it will be presented to the instructor privately, with the same grade penalty.  A student who must switch speaking days with another student is responsible for making such arrangements her/himself, and for notifying the instructor of the change prior to his/her assigned speaking day.

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Civility

 

Penn State Principles: Responsibilities of a University Citizen #1: I will respect the dignity of all individuals within the Penn State Community.

1. Challenge others’ positions, while acknowledging that it’s okay to agree to disagree

2. Listen carefully, respectfully and with empathy, trying to hear and understand others’ ideas and opinions, even when they use language that we find problematic or offensive

3. Set our own individual boundaries about what and how much we want to share

4. Share thoughts and feelings out of our own experience, rather than trying to speak for others

5. Take responsibility for choosing to be silent on any issue, understanding that our silence may be interpreted as consent 

6. (Additional ground rules contributed by class members.)

 

Some of the theories we will discuss are subject to debate and controversy and that’s okay.  Many of our most fundamental beliefs may be subject to challenge this term and that is useful. Furthermore, there may be times when some or all of us do not agree with either the material presented or an opinion of a classmate and that is okay too. What is not okay, however is a lack of civility in the classroom.  While we are destined to disagree as classmates, we should also respect both our classmates and their opinions. This course is an excellent opportunity for students to sharpen their communication abilities in terms of dealing with and debating sensitive issues in a manner that is respectful. None of us should feel as though we are muted in this classroom and such an environment can only occur if we understand from the beginning that a lack of civility will not be tolerated. I reserve the right to remove anyone from the classroom who does not respect the rights of his or her classmates—personal attacks or aggressive argumentation will not be permitted.  Be polite and respectful in your responses to others’ ideas.  Provide constructive feedback on your classmates’ presentations.  You will receive constructive feedback from others in the class.  You should take it graciously and non-defensively, and try to improve your speaking skills based on it.  No presentation is perfect; no critique is perfect.  We are all learning, including the instructor!  We can have a very productive term with some great conversations as long as we all remain civil and collaborative.

 

If you arrive late to class on a speaking day, please wait outside the classroom until a speaker has finished speaking, then enter. 

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Academic Integrity

 

Penn State Principles: Responsibilities of a University Citizen #2: I will practice academic integrity.

 

Penn State defines academic integrity as the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner. All students should act with personal integrity, respect other students’ dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts (Faculty Senate Policy 49-20). Dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated in this course. Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students. Students who are found to be dishonest will receive academic sanctions and may result in automatic failure of the course.

 

In this course we will be using a tool, Turnitin.com, to confirm that you have used sources accurately in your work. If you have any questions about how to cite your sources, please review the materials available at http://tlt.its.psu.edu/suggestions/cyberplag/cyberplagstudent.html or http://istudy.psu.edu/modules.html#Integrity. Students are responsible for ensuring that their work is consistent with Penn State's expectations about academic integrity. Additional information about the Turnitin.com plagiarism prevention tool is available at http://turnitin.com and at http://tlt.psu.edu/turnitin/Students.html.  We will review in class how to create a Turnitin account and how to upload material to the site.

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Access for People with Disabilities

 

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified people with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities and is committed to the policy that all people shall have equal access to programs, facilities, and admissions without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation in this course or have questions about physical access, please tell the instructor as soon as possible.  Please note that a disability is defined as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”  This includes a variety of invisible disabilities including chronic physical and/or mental illness.  For more information on the university’s disability services please see: http://www.equity.psu.edu/ods/.

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Student Responsibility for Learning

 

Penn State Principles: Responsibilities of a University Citizen #4: I will be responsible for my own academic progress and agree to comply with all University policies

Responsibility for your academic progress in your own hands. I believe that every student in my class has the ability to succeed in this course. My goal is to create a comfortable environment in which you can explore and improve your ability to think critically and to skillfully present your ideas to an audience. I do not “give” grades; students earn grades. While this may seem like semantic hair splitting, it is an important distinction. No one is entitled to get an “A” in a class unless they earn it.  My job is to push students to do their best and to then exceed that standard. I recognize that this is futile unless I also provide the support and assistance that each student needs to excel. Therefore, I am always willing to meet outside of class for additional support. I strive to provide the tools and support necessary for each student to succeed. However, you will not excel unless you too are willing to pay the price of excellence. Part of that price is a devotion to your coursework. I assume that attaining a university degree is your first priority. If this is not the case, it is less likely that you will achieve excellence. Bottom line—you do your part to excel and I will be there to help you reach that goal.  You have made the choice to be responsible for your academic success. What does taking responsibility for learning mean?

 

1. It means that you attend class regularly and arrive on time.

2. It means that you complete all assignments on time.

3. It means that you understand that each instructor has different requirements and expectations, that you read each syllabus carefully to discern each instructor’s requirements and expectations, and that you abide by the instructor’s requirements and expectations.

4. It means that you participate actively in class.

5. It means that you put forth considerable time and effort in your academic work and that you turn in work that reflects your time and effort.

6. It means that you take advantage of the College’s resources (such as the Learning Center, Writing Center, Library workshops, Technology workshops) to ensure that your skills are at the levels they need to be for college work.

7. It means that you continuously assess your progress in each class and immediately take steps to address any deficiencies or weaknesses.

8. It means that you accept the consequences when you do not meet your responsibilities as a student. 

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Contacting the Instructor

 

I welcome meetings with students.  If you need assistance, have questions, or need clarification, please feel free to send me an email, contact me during online office hours, come to my office during my office hours, or make an appointment to meet with me.  All contact information is available on the top of the syllabus.  You can also email me via ANGEL.

 

I do check my email fairly frequently, but expect that a response may take up to 48 hours.  Please do not expect an email sent the night before class to have been read prior to class.  I am most likely to read an email between noon and  8 p.m.  Please note that having sent me an email does not count as receiving prior approval for a late assignment or change in when you give a speech.  Only a note from me constitutes approval.

 

Please note that office hours are not for me to repeat what happened in a class session.  If you miss a class, you are responsible for obtaining the material you missed from your fellow students and reading the assignments and notes.  You may make an appointment with me for clarification only after you have caught up on that material.

 

You can catch me during online office hours as listed at the top of the syllabus.  My AIM ID is also listed there.  If you do not have an AIM account, they are easily acquired and free.  You can use the express version online from any computer without installing software.  Google “AOL Instant Messenger” to get started.  I also answer email more quickly during these hours, as I guarantee I am online at that time.

 

I am happy to work on drafts with you as you progress through the term, discuss my feedback with you, and generally offer additional assistance.  This is a learning process, and I enjoy working with you to get your product at the point it needs. 

 

I look forward to a great term, and I am excited to work with you!

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