Purpose of Syllabus:

The syllabus is meant to give you information to help you do well in this class.
Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference. The schedule may be
modified as the course progresses. All changes will be announced in class. If you
have any questions about the class or need clarification on any part of the syllabus,
please ask me.
Structure:
Each class may have any or all of the following:
1. Lecture based on textbook, but supplemental material included
2. Discussion individual responses and group discussion of lecture
points
3. Activities application of lecture material in the classroom
4. Media presentation videos, websites, music, etc.
5. Guest speakers experts on relevant topics
There is always an effort to use a variety of teaching methods and approaches.
Student participation is highly valued.
Course Enrichment Activities and Co-Curricular Activities:
1. Group Discussion/Reports
2. Reevaluation of Under Achievers
3. Peer Tutoring
4. Library Work for Over Achievers
Course Policies and Procedures:
Attendance:
Since this class includes group work and interactive participation, attendance is
critical. Students are expected to attend all classes, but are given three excused
absences with no penalty.
Repeated lateness or leaving early can affect your grade.
Sleeping in class is a type of absence.
Doing work for other classes, using a laptop/cell phone to email or send textmessages, or any type of activity which distracts you from the class can result in a
loss of attendance credit.
You are responsible to keep track of your attendance and to find out from other
students what you missed when you are absent. .
Miscellaneous:
It includes quizzes, assignments, problem sets, boardwork, groupworks, seatwork,
oral recitations, etc. Weight distribution to each item is left to the instructors
discretion.
Quizzes are announced in advance, closed books, closed notes, with no crib
sheets. No make-up quizzes.
Assignments/Problem sets are graded only if they are written neatly. It is
assumed that students understand the assignments/problem sets they passed.
All papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date. No late
assignments/problem sets. Late assignments/problem sets do not carry
grade.
You can turn in your homework by email if you are going to be out on a day
that an assignment is due. You must send it or drop it off before the beginning

of the class which you are going to miss. Please dont ask me to make an
exception. It would not be fair to all the students who worked hard and planned
ahead to get their papers in on time.
Boardwork, seatworks, oral recitations are unannounced. It will be given
when a student is inattentive within the class.
Group discussion/Project is an opportunity for each student to participate in
a group which includes keeping an online assignment (written individually) and
putting together. If necessary, a report (written or oral presentation) will be done
as a group. Points will be evaluated by the respective group moderator.
Major Exams:
Exams are departmental and will follow the schedule set by the registrar or as
agreed upon by all. No special exams. Students who failed to take the exam on
the given schedule for any reason will mean a score of zero.
Grade Scheme:
95.60 100 --1.00
73.35 77.79
--2.25
91.15 95.59
--1.25
68.90 73.34
--2.50
86.70 91.14
--1.50
64.45 68.89
--2.75
82.25 86.69
--1.75
60.00 64.44
--3.00
77.80 82.24
--2.00
below 59.99
--5.00
Grade computation: Refer to the attached syllabus
a. Passing Grade 60
b. Condition for INC: ONE missed exam (FINALS) with a current status of
PASSING
NO REMOVAL EXAMS will be given.
Dropping Policies:
a. Withdraw status granted only during the allotted revision of load
period
b. Dropped status It is your responsibility to drop the course. Do not assume
that I will submit the drop for you if you decide to stop coming to class.
Students that do not officially drop the course will receive a letter grade
based on their total earned points.
c. A student without official dropping form and whose status is failing
gets a grade of 5.0
Class Participation
This class is structured around class interaction. Learning occurs when we interact
as teachers and learners together. Your points will be based on your participation in
interactive assignments/boardworks/oral recitation. Although there is no grade for
participation, extra credit points will be given during the semester. The total extra
credit points will not exceed 20. Please see me to discuss this if you have any
questions or concerns.
Plagiarism/Cheating:
Your work in this class should be a representation of your own ideas and
understanding. If you copy someone elses words, or even paraphrase someones
ideas without giving them credit, you are plagiarizing. Plagiarism or cheating on
exams can result in failing the class. If I think your paper is not representative of

your writing style on other assignments, I may ask you to discuss the concepts in
the paper to be sure you can explain the major points. I report incidents of
academic dishonesty to the Director of Student Affairs. See handout on plagiarism
for more details.
Classroom Social Norms:
1. Respect for others in the class is very important. The class should be a safe
place for expression of varying ideas and opinions. This expression should be
done in a non-threatening and accepting climate. To further this goal, please
do not use hostile or aggressive language.
2. The college prohibits food or drink (except water) in the classroom. Please
abide by this rule. (We will make modifications as agreed upon by all)
3. If you come in late, please get settled as quickly as possible. If you have to
leave early, please sit close to the door so you can leave with a minimum of
disruption.
4. Please turn off or set to silent mode all electronic devices including cell
phones. Text messaging during class can distract you from the learning
process, so please do not text message during class.
5. Talking to other students while a lecture is going on is disruptive to the class.
If anyone is persistently disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the class.
6. You may use a laptop to take notes, but please do not use it for other
purposes while in class. If your screen is distracting to other students, you
may be asked to move to the back of the room.