This section includes policies for all aspects of the classroom experience. Any student continuing past the third week of classes will be assumed to have read and understood these policies in their entirety. Please keep in mind that the policies written on the website are to be understood as policies written on my syllabi. I am simply putting them on the website as a carbon footprint saving device.
Classroom Environment
  • I encourage the expression of thoughtful, well-considered views. This includes sharing personal experiences and opinions; however, students must strive for rigor, connecting these experiences to the ideas studied in the class.
  • We will listen carefully and fairly to each other and treat others with respect. This means, for example, not expressing judgment of people--even if you disagree with their views, and not asking people to speak on behalf of their identity groups.
  • As a member of this class, you are part of a community. As such, you have made a commitment to yourself, to me, and to the other students. If you come unprepared, are late to class discussion, or initiate side conversations, you disrupt our work together. Please show respect for yourself and others by coming to class prepared and on time. If you break these basic rules, I will ask you to leave the classroom, or, in extreme cases, ask you to drop the class.

General Expectations
You are expected to:
  • Attend class
  • Read and annotate assigned materials prior to class, along with page citations for textual evidence
  • Find out from a classmate what you need to prepare for the next class if you were absent
  • Take notes during class
  • Participate in discussion
  • Put your cell phone and other electronics away unless otherwise instructed
  • Stay away from personal social media, etc. when you have been given permission to use your laptop
  • Turn in assignments on time (penalty is a lowering of 1/3 of the overall grade for the assignment for each calendar day; I will not accept any work that's over five days late)
  • Be prepared for tests
You may expect me to:
  • Attend class, having read materials
  • Facilitate discussion
  • Prepare materials for upcoming discussions
  • Explain requirements for written work, including exams
  • Return all assignments in a timely fashion (between 1-2 weeks)
  • Given oral and written feedback on your work
  • Prepare fair tests to assess depth of comprehension of texts
  • Be available for questions and/or discussion during office hours

You can click here to download a .pdf version of the policies