The instructional method for this class is face to face. This means that you are expected to attend class in person this semester. Having said that, you must wear a mask when in Park Hall, and when in Rm. 265, you are expected to sit only in specifically designated seats, keeping a respectful distance between yourself and other people.

Although I will lecture from time to time, most of the class will be devoted to discussion of the assigned reading, and I do expect participation even though we are more spread out from each other. Good participation involves completing the daily class assignment on ELC before class and then attending class ready to respond to questions in an informed manner, engage with others’ ideas respectfully, and contribute to group work, etc.

In case of a complete classroom technology fail, I’d like us all to have a backup plan. If at all possible, please bring a laptop — or some other technology — to class preloaded with  Zoom. For example, I have Zoom on my phone in case something happens with my laptop. If you need assistance in getting good internet access or technology, please let me know and I’ll direct you to the proper resources on campus.

I am flexible about changing the class format as the semester unfolds, and you should feel free to share your suggestions as to how to make this semester a success. 

Participation Grade

Since class discussion is an important component of the class, I will count participation towards your grade and expect you to attend class in person and on zoom if you are healthy. Due to covid-19, please do not come to class if you are sick or are not feeling well, and please stay in good communication with me if you are unable to attend class for a period of time due to sickness and/or quarantine, so that we can arrange a schedule for completing missed work. If it’s possible for you to participate in class via zoom while in quarantine please let me know.  Absences due to sickness, quarantine, etc. are excused absences. When technology allows, our classroom sessions will be recorded and uploaded to ELC but given the nature of Park Hall’s technology, I cannot guarantee that this will always be successful.

If you are attending class via Zoom, I will expect you to: 1. Be dressed as though you are sitting in a Park Hall classroom. 2. Have your camera on. If you feel uncomfortable with showing your home, you can upload a static background. 3. Never drive while on Zoom. 4. Act as though you are in Park Hall (i.e. no doing dishes, making the bed, or surfing the internet.)

I will determine your participation grade along the following lines:

A= Always prepared for class; regular, active participation; rare unexcused absences

B= Always prepared for class; frequent participation; rare unexcused absences

C=Usually prepared for class; occasional participation; occasional unexcused absences

D=Often unprepared for class; infrequent participation; many unexcused absences

F=Usually unprepared for class; consistent lack of participation; many unexcused absences