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Attendance

FSU’s Composition Program maintains a strict attendance policy to which this course adheres: an excess of two weeks of absences during a regular session is grounds for failure. For this class, because we’re fitting an entire semester into six weeks, an excess of four absences is grounds for failure. You are required to be an active member of the ENC 2135 classroom community, and if you do not attend class regularly, you cannot fulfill that requirement. You should always inform your instructor, ahead of time when possible, about why you miss class. Save your absences for when you get sick or for family emergencies. Additionally, not showing up for a conference counts as two absences.

 

If you have an excellent reason for going over the allowed number of absences, you should call Undergraduate Studies (850 644 2451) and make an appointment to discuss your situation with them. If you can provide proper documentation of extreme circumstances (for example, a medical situation or some other crisis that resulted in you having to miss more than the allowed number of classes), Undergraduate Studies will consider the possibility of allowing you to drop the course and take it the following semester.

 

Important Note: FSU’s Composition Program Attendance Policy does not violate the University Attendance Policy that appears in the “University Policies” section later in this syllabus. The Composition Program Attendance Policy simply specifies the number of allowed absences, whereas the University Attendance Policy does not.

Civility

This class will tolerate neither disruptive language nor disruptive behavior. Disruptive language includes, but is not limited to, violent and/or belligerent and/or insulting remarks, including sexist, racist, homophobic or anti-ethnic slurs, bigotry, and disparaging commentary, either spoken or written (offensive slang is included in this category). While each of you have a right to your own opinions, inflammatory language founded in ignorance or hate is unacceptable and will be dealt with immediately. Disruptive behavior includes the use of cell phones or any other form of electronic communication during the class session (email, web-browsing). Disruptive behavior also includes whispering or talking when another member of the class is speaking or engaged in relevant conversation (remember that I am a member of this class as well). This classroom functions on the premise of respect, and you will be asked to leave the classroom if you violate any part of this statement on civility.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is grounds for suspension from the university as well as for failure in this course. It will not be tolerated. Any instance of plagiarism must be reported to the Director of College Composition and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Plagiarism is a counterproductive, non-writing behavior that is unacceptable in a course intended to aid the growth of individual writers. Plagiarism is included among the violations defined in the Academic Honor Code, section b), paragraph 2, as follows: “Regarding academic assignments, violations of the Academic Honor Code shall include representing another’s work or any part thereof, be it published or unpublished, as one’s own.” A plagiarism education assignment that further explains this issue will be administered in all ENC 2135 courses during the second week of class. Each student will be responsible for completing the assignment and asking questions regarding any parts they do not fully understand.

University Policies

University Attendance Policy

Excused absences include documented illness,

deaths in the family and other documented crises,

call to active military duty or jury duty, religious holy

days, and official University activities. These absences

will be accommodated in a way that does not

arbitrarily penalize students who have a valid excuse.

Consideration will also be given to students whose dependent children experience serious illness.

 

Academic Honor Policy

The Florida State University Academic Honor Policy outlines the University’s expectations for the integrity of students’ academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty members throughout the process. Students are responsible for reading the Academic Honor Policy and for living up to their pledge to “…be honest and truthful and…[to] strive for personal and institutional integrity at Florida State University.” 

 

Americans with Disabilities Act

Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should: (1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center; and (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class. This syllabus and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request. For more information about services available to FSU students with disabilities, contact the: Student Disability Resource Center 874 Traditions Way 108 Student Services Building Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167 (850) 644-9566 (voice) (850) 644-8504 (TDD) sdrc@admin.fsu.edu

 

Liberal Studies for the 21st Century

The Liberal Studies for the 21st Century Program at Florida State University builds an educational foundation that will enable FSU graduates to thrive both intellectually and materially and to support themselves, their families, and their communities through a broad and critical engagement with the world in which they live and work. Liberal Studies thus offers a transformative experience. This course has been approved as meeting the Liberal Studies requirements for English and thus is designed to help you become a clear, creative, and convincing communicator, as well as a critical reader.

 

Syllabus Change Policy

Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) statement, this syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice.

 

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