Attendance Policy
COVID-19:
We continue in a state of adaptation amid the challenges posed by Covid-19. Policies may change and require a high degree of student responsibility and planning. Any updates to attendance policies will be discussed in class and posted on iLearn.
At this time, the first two weeks of class will be conducted online. The following applies:
- Synchronous class meetings on Blackboard Collaborate.
- Cameras must be ON during online classes.
The class format for the rest of the semester will be announced and specific policy adjustments made at that time.
General Guidelines:
Students in this course are required to follow the AUS Attendance Policy as outlined in the AUS Undergraduate Catalog.
Attendance will be taken in each class. As stipulated in the AUS Handbook, missing more than 15% of class meetings (i.e. more than 5 for classes meeting MW) may lead to a withdrawal from this course. I do not distinguish between “excused” and “unexcused” absences (with the exception of university-sponsored events). Being ill is a good reason to be absent; taking a day-trip with a beloved relative may also be a good reason. I am not a judge of what is more or less valid. You are adults with your own lives and capable of making your own decisions. My advice is to “use” absences wisely and sparingly with your good judgment.
In the event that you do miss a class for any reason, you are responsible for the material covered in that class, including assignments, announcements, handouts, etc., and for any preparation required for the following class.
Late Submission and Missed Work Policy
All deadlines are provided in the syllabus and on iLearn.
Annotations (using Perusall) are due before the start of each class. Since these annotations are essential preparation for that class period, late annotations will not receive credit. The lowest annotation score will be dropped at the end of the semester.
Other assessments have assigned deadlines. Late submissions may face a 10% grade reduction for every day late. Please communicate with me before a given deadline if you are having trouble or anticipate missing a deadline so that we can discuss options.
There is no “extra credit” in this course.
Grading and Feedback
The grading distribution for this course is as follows:
| Assessment | Weight | Due Date (Week #) |
| Annotations | 15% | Weekly |
| Blog Posting | 10% | Scheduled |
| Mini-project 1 | 20% | Week 7 |
| Mini-project 2 | 20% | Week 10 |
| Portfolio | 20% | Week 14 |
| Final Exam | 10% | Finals Week |
| Engagement | 5% | |
| Total | 100% |
Annotation grades will be posted via Perusall and iLearn within 48 hours of the submission deadline. Additional information about how annotations are assessed is provided on iLearn. Blog posts will also be assessed within one week of posting.
Other assessments, including the mini-projects, take longer for me to provide quality feedback. You can expect these assignmnents returned to you with comments within 7-14 days from submission deadline.All assessments will be returned via iLearn with comments in an attached Word document.
Cumulative weighted averages for the course are available to students in live time on iLearn. The course uses the Department of English grading scale as published in the syllabus.
Plagiarism and Academic Integrity
Students are advised that violations of the Student Academic Integrity Code will be treated seriously and can lead to suspension or dismissal from the university. A notation of the academic integrity code violation can become part of the student’s permanent record.
Academic violations include but are not limited to:
- Plagiarism
- Inappropriate Collaboration
- Inappropriate Proxy
- Dishonesty in Examinations and Submitted Work
- Work Completed for One Course and Submitted to Another
- Deliberate Falsification of Data
- Interference with Other Students’ Work
- Copyright Violations
- Complicity in Academic Dishonesty
Students MUST read the Student Academic Integrity Code outlined in the AUS Undergraduate Catalog and abide by the standards for academic conduct, students’ rights and responsibilities and procedures for handling allegations of academic dishonesty.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students can expect all accommodation needs to be met. Please communicate with me as soon as possible if you require accommodations so that we can plan accordingly.
AUS information for students with disabilities can be found HERE. The Academic Support Center has numerous resources to support all students in their learning and university experience.
Technology & Software Requirements
For this course, we will be using the following web technologies and platforms:
- iLearn/Blackboard — for course information, assessment submissions, and online classes if needed
- Perusall — for taking annotations on course readings
- Google Drive — for class session slides (interactive) and additional materials and activities
You need to have the following technological capacities:
- Internet connection — for Perusall annotations, some readings, and online classes if needed