Academic integrity

The university’s official position: Eastern Oregon University places a high value upon the integrity of its student scholars. Any student found guilty of academic misconduct (including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, or theft of an examination or supplies) may be subject to having his or her grade reduced in the course in question, being placed on probation or suspended from the  university, or being expelled from the university—or a combination of these (see section II of the 2002-03 Student Handbook, p. 32ff, and p. 41 ff). The Library links to general resources on plagiarism (from WSU), on identifying and avoiding plagiarism, and on taking a ‘self-test’ (Pomona College). Use these if you’re not clear about expectations.

My interpretation: Plagiarism is taking credit for work, ideas, papers, that are not yours. Universities make lots of literature available for a nominal fee, the bargain being that if you use the ideas of others, you’ll credit them. So it isn’t just wholesale theft, but as the above says, deception, misrepresentation, etc. Be sure you’re familiar with what plagiarism is, and how to avoid it. If you’re caught plagiarizing, you’ll receive an ‘F’ on the assignment and possibly for the course. So if you’re having problems in class, please come see me before you turn to the Web . . .

Due dates and late assignments

Assignments are expected on the day they’re due. Late assignments will be assessed a penalty. Please use Canvas to submit. If you have extenuating circumstances for being late, I’m always willing to listen. But in fairness to others who’ve managed to get them in on time, it’ll have to be compelling.

Note: Class schedule and assignments may be revised during the course of the term as needed.

Expectations

I will justify my discussion and reading material, assignments, etc., by showing their relevance to the overall course objectives. I will provide a friendly environment for discussion of ideas, provide a safe atmosphere for free thought, and be generally accessible, approachable, clear and precise about course expectations. With respect to coverage of content, I tend to emphasize depth over breadth—I would rather cover less points thoroughly, at a reasonable and engaging pace, than pledge strict allegiance to a course schedule.

In turn I expect students will do their own work, use or develop critical thinking skills and be able to  express them on paper or in class discussion, ‘speak up’ when unclear or in disagreement on a concept, either exhibit college-level writing skills or seek help to improve them. I’ll look for progress  in developing abstract thinking skills and students’ abilities to focus on the “big picture”—key concepts delivered in class, their relevance to course material, the real world, etc.—and to be able to  identify these phenomena and formulate informed ideas about them in real-life settings. I’m looking for evidence of learning—that you’re able to read books and articles, identify their value, figure out how they’re relevant to the subject matter, and if you’re having a difficult time, let me know so I can help. You should be able to express this learning in some form I can evaluate—answers on a quiz, papers, discussion posts, etc. Discussion in ‘class’ will focus on making strong arguments supported with logic and evidence. You’re expected to show respect to everyone in the class, so don’t let ownership of ideas get in the way of healthy debate. If you have questions about what’s appropriate in class, follow the Golden Rule or ask.

Students with disabilities

Any student requiring assistance or accommodation from me in performing course-related work should make his/her needs known to me in a timely manner. If you have a documented disability or  suspect that you have a learning problem, you are entitled to reasonable and appropriate  accommodations. But you must work with the Disabilities Services Office (at disabsvc@eou.edu). The office is located in Loso Hall 234 (phone 962-3235).

Drop Policy

A student may drop from a course for any reason with no record on the student’s transcript before the end of the 4th week of the term. Thereafter, a student must withdraw from the course. A student may withdraw from the 5th week of the term through the 7th week with a grade of “W” indicated on the transcript.

No withdrawals will be issued after the 7th week of the term. Instructors will issue a letter grade (A-F, or I) for all students enrolled after the 7th week. A student making adequate academic progress during the term and needing to withdraw after the 7th week may request an incomplete from the instructor.