This class will ask you to read, write and discuss issues that are not commonly talked about. Some of these issues may be related to your own experience or those in the class or in the community. Be conscious of your language and your use of slanderous terms, words or jokes in my classroom space or on campus. As an educator is it my responsibility to set the tone and culture of the class. The culture of all of my classes is to respect the rights and dignity of all human beings. I expect this of my students and colleagues.
Participation: You are required to post weekly on the readings. This counts as your participation for the week. You must complete the weekly forums on-time and early in the week so people have the ability to respond to you. The purpose of the online forum is to mirror the discussion and dialogue element in the course.
Turning in Assignments/Punctuality: Please turn in all assignments on time. I understand that life happens, but this is a short summer course. It is difficult to push back deadlines when the semester is so short. Be sure to review the assignments ahead of time and schedule time for homework so everything gets done on time.
Miscellaneous: I do not accept late assignments or extra credit in summer classes due to the short schedule.
Withdrawal and Incomplete Policy: Students who wish to withdraw must do so before the last “W” date and must inform the registrar’s office. No incompletes will be awarded without timely consultation with the instructor prior to any due dates and only with an appropriate reason and where there is only a minimal amount of work to finish.
Basic Skills and Language Issues: If English is not your first language, if you have a documented learning disability or if you have difficulties with basic skills of college level performance, you are encouraged to make use of our Learning Resource Center. You can receive one-on-one help from tutors and other professionals with studying, reading, writing and general language issues. Other difficulties (e.g. learning disability) can be addressed as well – however, you must see me so special arrangements can be made to improve your performance on the exams and assignments. See extra credit section as you can earn extra points for attending the Learning Resource Center.
Accommodations Policy: Students with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations are encouraged to contact the instructor. The Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) is available to facilitate the reasonable accommodations process. DSPS can be reached by telephone (voice - 510-748-2328) or at the DSPS office in Room D-117.
Policy Regarding Cheating and Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s ideas and/or words in part or total without proper academic attribution. Students caught plagiarizing or cheating on an exam in any way will receive a grade of zero (0) for that assignment.