CSUN: Academic Classroom, Lab and Campus Policies

Attendance and Participation

Due to the workshop nature of the class, your presence at every class meeting is essential to the good health of your grade. Excessive lateness will also affect your final grade. Please note that attendance is not enough. You will also be evaluated on class performance in discussions and workshops. It naturally follows that your classroom participation hinges on the fact that you have all reading and writing assignments completed by the due date. The following illustrates what usually occurs with numerous absences:

1-3 hours:  no penalty		 7-9  hours:  don't expect a C
4-6 hours:  one letter grade	 10  or more:  fail

Electronic Devices

All electronic devices must be turned off before class starts. If your device interrupts the class, you will be asked to step outside to take care of your business and not invited to return for that class period.

LRC

The Learning Resource Center is one of the most valuable resources available to you. Peer tutors are available from early in the semester to assist with all stages of the reading / writing process. While I don't mandate visiting the LRC in general, you will be required to visit a tutor if you miss a paper workshop. Your visit with the tutor is not meant as punishment, rather the aid of a tutor will better ensure your academic success. Working with a tutor is not the sign of a weak student; working with a tutor is the behavior of a successful student. Please follow all LRC procedures, guidelines and use policies.

Grading Policy

You cannot pass the course unless you complete all the course requirements: readings, in-class writing, the journal, and all papers and web projects. In addition to class requirements, English 097 and 098 students must pass the portfolio evaluation. All work must be submitted on time for evaluation. Late work will be penalized and may be refused. Late portfolios will not be accepted for consideration. Our staff in the English Department is very busy assisting both teachers and students with important administrative concerns. You may not drop off papers or drafts in the English Department without explicit permission from me. The department has a special file cabinet where students and faculty may leave forms in a time crunch.

Papers: Refer to class syllabus for specific paper requirements.
In class timed writings.
Online Journal: Summaries and Responses of all assigned readings.
Participation/group presentations: may include leading class discussion and presentation of final web project where applicable.
Mid-term and final will consist of timed, in class writing.

CSUN grades are based on a plus/minus scale. CSUN English 097 and 098 are CREDIT/ NO CREDIT courses. CSUN students, please note the following University changes in policy:

First time freshman are required to complete all developmental writing and math within the first year of enrollment. The University's "Basic Subjects" policy further requires that as soon as any needed developmental courses are completed, students must enroll in the General Education Basic Subjects (Section A) classes in writing, critical reasoning, oral communication and math. Enrollment must be continuous until Section A is completed.

Plagiarism

"Plagiarism is the act of using another person's ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source. The word comes from the Latin word plagiarius ("kidnapper")..." from the MLA Handbook, p.21. This is a serious academic offense. Do not kidnap or hold for ransom anyone else's words or ideas without giving credit where credit is due.

Online Journal (including summary and responses)

Electronic mail lists have been set up for all classes (a link is provided on each course web page). This online journal serves a variety of purposes, both as a writing journal and a reading log. This will be your place to respond to reading, writing and class discussions.

You will also keep a "pulp" or paper journal, where you can jot down ideas as they occur. This pulp journal is also used for brainstorming, for a reading log for your novel, some homework assignments, and other class excercises. I will collect journals periodically during the semester.

Each class has one general, e-list for class discussion, and all classes share a list named "Gripes." This is an anonymous list used for ongoing evaluation of the teacher, the class, the texts, problems and suggestions. Your feedback is valuable to me for at least two reasons. It will help me to know where you are having current problems. Your suggestions will also guide how I develop future classes.

Disabilities

If you have a learning, attention, physical, or psychological disability that may require classroom or test accomodations, please let me know as soon as possible to ensure accomodations are implemented in a timely manner.