Evaluation Components and Course Administration
Evaluation Components
10% Online Participation (Piazza) (Sign up here)
20% Conspiracy Theory Case Study - Presentation and Report
15% "Surprise" in-class quizzes
45% In-class tests (3 x 15% -- two during the term, one during finals week)
10% Attendance
100%
Details on these evaluation components will be discussed in class. Some will have their own information pages on this website.
20% Conspiracy Theory Case Study - Presentation and Report
15% "Surprise" in-class quizzes
45% In-class tests (3 x 15% -- two during the term, one during finals week)
10% Attendance
100%
Details on these evaluation components will be discussed in class. Some will have their own information pages on this website.
1. Attendance
I take attendance. You start out with 10 points (10%). Everyone is entitled to two "freebie" unexcused absences. For every unexcused absence after that, you lose one of these 10 points, until the 10 are gone.
2. Makeup and Extension Policy
Extensions and make-ups will be given only if the student can prove to the instructor’s satisfaction that doing so is consistent with the fair evaluation of others in the class. A student must provide adequate documentation to show that they should not be held to the requirements of the class syllabus. Failing this, late work will be penalized, and missed exams or assignments will be given a 0.
3. Students with Disabilities
Please address any special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of the semester. Those seeking accommodations based on disabilities should obtain a Student Academic Accommodation Request (SAAR) form from the Disability Resources (DR) office (515-294-6624). DR is located on the main floor of the Student Services Building, Room 1076.
4. Academic Dishonesty
The following is an excerpt from the ISU course catalogue explaining the nature and forms of academic dishonesty, which is available at: http://www.public.iastate.edu/~catalog/2007-009/geninfo/dishonesty.html
“Academic dishonesty occurs when a student uses or attempts to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam; or submits as his or her own work themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, or other products prepared by another person; or knowingly assists another student in such acts or plagiarism. Such behavior is abhorrent to the university, and students found responsible for academic dishonesty face expulsion, suspension, conduct probation, or reprimand. Instances of academic dishonesty ultimately affect all students and the entire university community by degrading the value of diplomas when some are obtained dishonestly, and by lowering the grades of students working honestly.”
Students who plagiarize work on assignments or the paper, who cheat during an exam or exhibit other forms of academic dishonesty will receive a zero on the relevant assignment and will be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs.
“Academic dishonesty occurs when a student uses or attempts to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam; or submits as his or her own work themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, or other products prepared by another person; or knowingly assists another student in such acts or plagiarism. Such behavior is abhorrent to the university, and students found responsible for academic dishonesty face expulsion, suspension, conduct probation, or reprimand. Instances of academic dishonesty ultimately affect all students and the entire university community by degrading the value of diplomas when some are obtained dishonestly, and by lowering the grades of students working honestly.”
Students who plagiarize work on assignments or the paper, who cheat during an exam or exhibit other forms of academic dishonesty will receive a zero on the relevant assignment and will be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs.
Grading Scale
I give out number grades for assignments and tests. The final conversion to a letter grade follows the mapping below, which is fairly standard at ISU (though not universal). Note that the final class average for this course is typically in the B- to B range. I don't curve grades up or down for individual evaluation components, but for the final grade I may make an overall adjustment upward if the class average is too low.
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 84-86
B- 80-83
C+ 77-79
C 74-76
C- 70-73
D+ 67-69
D 64-66
D- 60-63
F <60
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 84-86
B- 80-83
C+ 77-79
C 74-76
C- 70-73
D+ 67-69
D 64-66
D- 60-63
F <60