Grading Policy
This course will be graded on a 1000 point scale. This
means that, if all credit is earned in all aspects of the course, it will add up
to 1000 points. Thus, 10 points equates to one percent of your grade.
Attendance
Since attendance in this class is essential; there will be only three allowed
absences. If additional absences cannot be avoided, a letter from the Dean of
Undergraduate Studies must be presented. For every excessive unexcused absence,
40 points will be deducted from your grade. Remember that 10 points is 1
percent, therefore, each excessive absence will result in a 4 percent grade
deduction. However, there are several classes that simply cannot be missed
without a Dean's note. These days include: days in which a video is shown,
debates, science library meetings and presentation days. If one of these classes
is missed, a 4 percent (40 point) grade deduction will ensue regardless of
previous absence.
Participation and Class Behavior
Participation will account for 25 percent (300 points) of your grade. However,
arbitrary and irrelevant comments will not help you. Any contributions made must
be carefully thought out and use relevant examples, preferably from the texts.
Because disruptive behavior threatens the very nature of the class, it will not
be tolerated. Poor behavior includes, but is not limited to: calling out in
class, insulting a peer or instructor, arriving late and any kind of
unreasonable distraction. If any of these violations occur, you will be asked to
leave the class and that day will be recorded as an absence. If there is a quiz
on that day, you will have the option of writing a three page paper to be graded
instead of the quiz.
Quizzes
Quizzes will account for 30 percent (300 points) of your grade. Each day there
is a reading assignment due; there will undoubtedly be a reading quiz. These
quizzes, graded from 1 to 100, will be graded in class prior to any discussion.
The passing grade for these quizzes is 50. If a student fails the quiz, due to
the simplistic nature of the quiz, it will be clear that he/she has not done the
assigned reading and cannot contribute to the class in any capacity.
Accordingly, the student has the choice to stay or leave but, regardless, will
receive an absence for the day. Once again, the reading quizzes will be
immensely simplistic and require students only to skim the material to pass it.
However, remember that, while the quizzes can be passed easily, a low quiz
average will hurt your course grade.
The Debates
The Debates will account for 15 percent (150 points) of your grade. To receive
full credit, you must merely attend and contribute significant information.
The Final Project
The Final Project will account for 30 percent (300 points) of your grade. This
project will consist of a paper (25 percent) and a presentation (5 percent).
This is discussed in more detail in the "Assignment" section of the syllabus.
Academic Dishonesty
If any student is caught cheating, including any form of unfair advantage or
plagiarism, they will be prosecuted according to the bylaws of the University
which call for suspension. This is a serious offense and will leniency will not
be shown.
Eating In Class
Although no food is permitted in the science library or during the
debates, as long as the food is not messy or disruptive in nature, it is allowed
in class.
