expectations and grading

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be aware of the nature of online courses

This is an online course, which means all instruction takes place through online, or computer-mediated communication.

This is also a TEXT-BASED environment. Almost all of our interactions will involve reading, writing, and responding to texts. Clearly, reading is one of the most important aspects of this class--after all, we are not meeting in a physical classroom where lectures and discussions are vocalized. We will not waste your time by having you read unimportant articles or discussing unimportant issues. ....and we expect that you will participate fully in this educational opportunity.

The structure of online environments makes discussion simultaneously fast and slow.

If everyone talks, the discussion will scroll by too rapidly for you to see, read, or assimilate. At times, you'll feel like you can't keep up and that you're missing the conversation. When this happens, you can a) scroll back, b) forget the thread and move on, or c) ask a professor to halt the conversation for a moment so you can catch your breath.

At the same time, the discussion can seem slow. It takes more time to type than to talk, so the point is more slowly developed. Be patient, try to stay focused, and you'll get the hang of it.

be responsible for your own learning

In this class, you are expected to take responsibility for your learning. This includes completing reading assignments by the day they appear on the schedule, attending class, participating in discussions, and turning in assignments on time.

Being a responsible adult learner also means being prepared, alert, focused, and thoughtful as you participate in class.

During class we will honor and respect all positions and viewpoints, as long as these positions are supported with evidence or reasoning.

Make up assignments do not exist. If you do not complete your assignment, you will receive a zero for that assignment.

grading

all assignments will be evaluated by all of your professors. Collectively, they will determine the grade for each assignment