"The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice
"The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice
must have strong wings." -Kate Chopin
This syllabus is a contract between you, the student, and me, the instructor.
When you are in doubt about something related to the course, the syllabus is
your first source of information about what is expected of you.
1. Lateness:
(a) No homework or essays will be accepted late! Homework & essays due by beginning of class on due date! Homework not accepted late. Do Now & in-class quizzes/activities cannot be made up! As in 'never', as in 'no way', as in 'don't care' about excused documentations - this is why I drop lowest homework grade and lowest do-now grade! {Very rare exceptions will be made for hospitalization or traumatic event.}
(b) The standing rule on late arrivals is that no student is to be barred from entering the classroom late, no matter how late that may be. This should be true for all your classes but most definitely within the Dept of Humanities! Similarly, a student should not fail the course strictly based on attendance; however, I will pass around the roll to be signed everyday and missing the beginning of class could cause you to miss an easy quiz! In class work cannot be made up and since no work can be turned in late, it is in your best interest to be on time and prepared!
(c)
Religious Holidays: Gordon State College acknowledges that the academic calendar can
sometimes conflict with major holidays from among our diverse religious
traditions. If a student must miss class due to the observance of a religious
holiday, that absence may be excused. To be excused, the student must inform
his/her instructors before the absence and make alternate arrangements for any
work due at the time of the absence. An excused absence for the observance of a
religious holiday does not excuse student from responsibility for required
course work.
2. Cell Phone Use:
Turn off your cell phones. {Set to
vibrate for extreme emergencies.} It is disrespectful to both the instructor and
the rest of the class!
a.
3. IF YOU NEED HELP
I strongly recommend that you seek my help
during office hours or call me or email me. Please also take advantage of
general help/advice from friends/peers/tutors, including the SSC which is above
the bookstore! It is acceptable for a friend/tutor to read your paper and tell
you your punctuation is weak or, even more specifically, that you are not using
subject verb agreement correctly. However, as soon as they correct your paper
for you, then both of you are guilty of collusion. (Peer reviews are the
exception to this rule.) Alternatively, go to the Writing Center.
a. Remember
collusion is giving or receiving
inappropriate help with your work, especially if someone writes (or dictates)
all or part of an assignment for you, or if you give or accept inappropriate
help on a writing assignment.
AGAIN, DO NOT CUT AND PASTE SOMETHING FROM THE INTERNET OR ANYONE ELSE’S WRITING
AND CALL IT YOUR OWN!
4. Plagiarism:
Plagiarism must be avoided at all costs! This
occurs when you use someone else’s words
or ideas from a copyrighted source. Whenever something is fixed in print
within some medium (for example, a book, journal, electronic medium, song,
movie, newspaper, or even a term paper written by a fellow student) the work is
automatically copyrighted.
a. Using copyrighted material as your own is at
best unethical, and at worst illegal.
b. You must turn in a brand new essay that is your own work and not an essay you wrote for a previous class or for a previous school!
c. This is both stealing someone else’s work, word
for word, paying for someone else’s work, or copying someone else’s work and
taking someone else’s ideas without giving them proper credit through
proper citations and references!
d. This will earn you an automatic loss of
50% even if it is only one sentence or two words, but if it appears on purpose,
you will earn an automatic zero
and face possible expulsion!
Remember it is very easy to cheat in today's Internet world and yes you may get
'away' with it but it is just as easy to get caught with Google and Turnitin!
e.
You must turn in your own work and work that you’ve done for this semester,
not work you did during another semester for another instructor. Reusing your
own work in different semesters will not be tolerated and will result in -20
points, and possible expulsion from my class!
f. While paraphrasing, summarizing, and proper
quotation usage will be discussed later, it is interesting to note that
according to
www.plagiarism.org
:
A study by The Center for Academic Integrity found that almost 80% of college
students admit to cheating at least once. According to a survey by the
Psychological Record 36% of undergraduates have admitted to plagiarizing written
material. The State of Americans: This Generation and the Next (Free Press, July
1996) states that 58.3% of high school students let someone else copy their work
in 1969, and 97.5% did so in 1989. According to the Gallup Organization (October
6-9, 2000), the top two problems facing the country today are: 1) Education and
2) Decline in Ethics (both were ranked over crime, poverty, drugs, taxes, guns,
environment, and racism, to name a few).
5. All essays except A to Z (1101 assignment) must be submitted to turnitin.com. You can only send one file to Turnitin so put WORKS CITED at bottom of page NOT as separate file!
Here is how to first log in to Turnitin.com:
By taking this course, you agree that all required papers or other work may be
subject to submission of textual similarity review and to be judged for
plagiarism through Turnitin.com. I reserve the right to ask students to upload
their work onto
http://www.turnitin.com
. In such instances, a student’s work will be entered into the database in
accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Regents.
a. Printable:
Turnitin.com Directions for Use (doc)
b. Create a Student Account
c. Click on “Create Account” in the upper
right hand corner of the page.
d. Select “student” and click on “next”
e. Fill in the course ID number (_______)
and the password (_______).
1101 C1 MW930am = ID 22025290 & Pass Key 1101C1
1101 E1 MW1230pm = ID 22025335 & Pass Key
1101E1
1101 I1 TTH930am = ID 22025365 & Pass Key
1101I1
1101 L TTH 2pm = ID 22025384 & Pass Key
1101L
2122 D MW 11am = ID 22025419 & Pass Key
2122D
f. Click “next.”
(Please note: the turnitin.com course ID differs from the Gordon section
#.)
g. The screen should read “you have
successfully joined the class” and ask you for your email address.
Use your GORDON email only,
please.
h. Then select a password and make sure you can
remember it (maybe choose the same one as your Gordon email password).
i. Click “next”
j. Select a secret question and answer
it; make sure you can remember it.
Click “next”
k. Fill out your name.
l. Click next.
m. Carefully read the agreement and, if appropriate, click “I
agree”
n. Submitting a Paper for Evaluation
1. After logging in (using your
new, personal log-in and password—not the initial one the professor gave you),
click on the appropriate class.
2. In the left-hand column marked
“assignment list” click on the assignment for which you wish to submit a paper.
A description of the assignment will appear.
3. Once you have determined the
correct assignment, click on the small blue arrow under the word “submit.”
4. Title your submission
appropriately; then hit “Browse” and upload the document. (Note:
you can also submit a document through the “cut and paste” method.) When
you have located the appropriate document, hit “submit.”
5. It will now take you to a
failsafe page asking “Is this the paper you wish to submit?”
If it is, click on “submit.”
NOTE: Turnitin’s technology might
well compress your paper and change its font or line spacing and make similar
small changes in its appearance at this point.
Such changes are normal and are expected by your professor.
Your professor can view the paper exactly as you sent it.
6. You should then receive a
digital receipt with a number written in red.
Make note of that number.
You have now successfully uploaded a paper to turnitin.com.
If you wish to view the paper, you can do so through your portfolio.
Please note: no changes can
be made to the paper after it has been submitted.
o. Some Hints about Dealing with Turnitin.com
1. Open an account today –students who chose to wait until the last
minute to learn about
Turnitin.com usually regret that decision.
2. Remember, if all else fails, I can always take the paper via email up until the deadline but there will be points lost for me doing this verses you uploading it!
3. For some reason, it works better to go to the "secret" sign-in spot near the
middle of the screen on the right side-- this is for when you return to this
site to sign in AFTER you set up your account!
6. Your grades:
After the A to Z essay, grades will be posted on Teacherease. Use this
electronic rollbook to check your grades! I will give you passcode to sign in
a few weeks into the semester. Afterwards, please check regularly as it is possible for me to make a
mistake!
7.
All
assignments written outside of our classroom must be typed in
12 pt Times New
Roman and DOUBLE SPACED must conform to MLA formatting guidelines. Any assignments that are
longer than one page must be stapled.
8. But I am MORE special than everyone else in this class Policy:
***Do not email me for special treatment (extra credit or to turn in work late) unless it is something I would do for the whole class or anybody in any of my classes.
**If you email me work, I cannot be held responsible if I cannot open
the attachment or if it does not reach me. Also, the subject line must have your
name and assignment name (ie
Silverman narrative).
9. Attendance:
All classes are mandatory and students are expected to be in class on time.
If you miss a quiz or a test or any “in-class” work, you will receive a zero:
no make up, including the midterm and the final which are in-class ONLY!
a.
However, I drop the lowest homework/quiz grade.
b. Students may withdraw at any time until the
Withdrawal Deadline and receive a W.
d. In the event
of a tragic loss, accident, or serious illness, it is the student’s
responsibility to provide documentation of the event and turn in any missed
assignments in a timely manner; however, I cannot give credit for classes not
attended or work not completed.
10. Do Now Policy:
When you (mostly 1101) come in to class,
you
will have a ‘DO NOW’ or "warm up"/bellringer
exercise on the board. Go ahead and begin it. Usually this will be five minutes,
maybe more. Coming in late & you will miss these easy points & receive
0.
11. Participation Policy:
As the semester unfolds, we will review and learn more and more
aspects of writing; thus, the grading expectations will continue to rise as I
expect more and more from you as a student. Showing signs of improvement (ie
listening and learning!) will get you a ‘boost’ in your year end grade!
12. Heading:
The proper heading must be at the top of every first page or minus 5 points: name, class section, date, and on essays add word count .
13. Saving, margins, & Ink:
Back up your work as you go along and save in multiple locations to
avoid doing it over again.
a. Whenever possible,
type your work on a computer or a typewriter in 12 inch font, 1 inch
margins, double spaced.
b. Please use the grammar and spell checks!
c. Homework questions or work in class can
be done in ink, blue or black.
d. Any work done in PENCIL will NOT be graded! As in I am too damn old to see pencil anymore so please stop torturing me!
e. Dropbox is a beautiful thing!
14. Be tolerant:
There will be a lot of opportunity for reading aloud, speaking one’s
mind, and reading your own written words. Let’s respect each other! “Politeness
is to human nature what warmth is to wax.” –Schopenhauer.
Bashing or mocking of any group of people or customs just because they are
different from your own or something you cannot understand will earn you an
automatic “F” for that assignment! I do not tolerate discrimination against
gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual preferences, or ideology!!
15.
Please
feel free to ask a question or make a comment as that is part of the learning
process. There is no question too silly as we are all, including myself, here to
improve and to learn!
16. Some pet peeves to avoid even though a few people will go ahead and use just to be both brave and foolish:
(a)
avoid you and your
in a formal paper,
(b) avoid contractions.
(c)
Also, use quotes correctly. Quotes must be part of one of your sentences.
Bad: “Healthcare costs will continue to rise” (Poohbah 21).
Good: As Poohbah explains, “Health care costs will continue to rise” (21).
(d)
Do not rely on spell checkers to catch spelling errors. Go ahead and use
them, but a spell check program will not detect many misspelled words. For
example, it will not catch “sight” when you mean “cite” or “site.”
Alternately, if you write “reword” when you mean “reward,” the spell check
program will not catch the error.
(e)
Please avoid the use of the
passive voice.
For example, instead of writing, “The woman was bitten by the fierce chipmunk,”
write instead, “The fierce chipmunk bit the woman.”
17. Important Resources
Title IX
Gordon State College is committed to providing an environment free of all forms
of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic
violence, dating violence and stalking. If you (or someone you know) has
experienced or experiences any of these incidents, know that you are not alone.
All faculty members at Gordon State College are mandated reporters. Any student
reporting any type of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence,
domestic violence or stalking must be made aware that any report made to a
faculty member under the provisions of Title IX will be reported to the Title IX
Coordinator or a Title IX Deputy Coordinator. If you wish to speak with someone
confidentially, you must contact the Counseling and Accessibility Services
office, Room 212, Student Life Center. The licensed counselors in the Counseling
Office are able to provide confidential support. Gordon State College does not
discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy, parenting or related
conditions. Students seeking accommodations on the basis of pregnancy, parenting
or related conditions should contact Counseling and Accessibility Services
regarding the process of documenting pregnancy related issues and being approved
for accommodations, including pregnancy related absences as defined under Title
IX.
ADA and 504
If you have a documented disability as described by the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, you may
be eligible to receive accommodations to assist in programmatic and/or physical
accessibility. The Counseling and Accessibility Services office located in the
Student Center, Room 212 can assist you in formulating a reasonable
accommodation plan and in providing support in developing appropriate
accommodations to ensure equal access to all GSC programs and facilities. Course
requirements will not be waived, but accommodations may assist you in meeting
the requirements. For documentation requirements and for additional information,
contact Counseling and Accessibility Services at 678-359-5585.
House Bill 280
For information regarding House Bill 280, see the University System of Georgia
at the following link:
http://www.usg.edu/hb280
Religious Holidays
Gordon State College acknowledges that the academic calendar can sometimes
conflict with major holidays from among our diverse religious traditions. If a
student must miss class due to the observance of a religious holiday, that
absence may be excused. To be excused, the student must inform his/her
instructors before the absence and make alternate arrangements for any work due
at the time of the absence. An excused absence for the observance of a religious
holiday does not excuse student from responsibility for required course work.
Hightower Collaborative Learning Center & Library
The Hightower Collaborative Learning
Center & Library offers Gordon State
students specialized library research assistance. Students can meet with their
personal librarians for one-on-one help in each discipline, major, or course to
search and evaluate information sources effectively. Go to to schedule an
appointment by clicking the Personal Librarian tab or click on the
Presentation Practice Room tab to make a reservation. For immediate help,
call 678-359-5076 or stop by the Circulation/Check Out Desk.
Library Hours:
Sunday 2-10
Monday – Wednesday 8-10
Thursday 8-8
Friday 8-5
The Gordon State College Success Center is committed to helping students achieve
academic and personal success. Our mission is to support students at any level
and of any ability in their course work and in the development of personal
skills that will help them achieve their academic and life goals.
SSC Tutoring Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8-5
Friday 8 - 3
If you know a student in need of food and other needs, please have them check
out Harry’s House located in the SSC Room 212. Their mission is to distribute
food and toiletries to students to alleviate stress associated with short term
food shortages. For more information and an application:
https://www.gordonstate.edu/student-life/health-recreation/counseling/harrys-house/index.html
Harry’s House Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday
8:30-9:30AM & 3:30-4:30PM
Counseling & Accessibility Services
If you know a student in need of this, please have them contact these services.
It does not go on a transcript and it is completely private. It is located in
the SSC Room 212. Their phone number is 678-359-5585. After hour
emergencies is 678-359-5111.
Counseling Hours
Monday – Friday 8-5
Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in this class. Both are crimes
committed against yourself, the original authors, and your fellow classmates.
Plagiarism includes wholesale copying of texts written by others, as well as
paraphrasing or using information from other writers’ work without proper
citation; if you didn’t write it yourself, don’t use it without citing where you
found it. If you cannot come up with your own answer during a quiz or exam,
leave it blank. Acts of plagiarism or cheating during the semester may receive a
0 for the assignment and may result in failure of the course/referral to
authorities, at my discretion. Additionally, there is also a condition known as
collusion, which translates to receiving excessive help to the point that
a work can no longer be considered the sole product of a single author.
If I suspect a submitted work to be the result of collusion, I reserve
the right to refuse credit for that work if the claimed author is unable to
demonstrate sole authorship. Please refer to the Academic Dishonesty Policy
outlined in the Gordon State College Academic Catalog, which can be found on the
My Gordon link on the Gordon State website