STUDENT CONTRACT
DR. HALBERT'S FALL 2020 COURSES

The follow contract outline the major expectations of each student in Dr. Halbert's courses. Not every expectation is detailed here: for a complete list, please see the course syllabus.

1. COMMUNICATE WITH DR. HALBERT

All students are expected to communicate with Dr. Halbert whenever they need extra help, have concerns about the content or conduct of the course, face unexpected problems that interfere with course work, or have upcoming issues that may require an extension or a planned absence. If he doesn't know about a concern, he cannot help or address it.

2. ATTENDANCE

Students start the course with 12 points of extra credit that serve as "sick days." Each class attended is worth one point. Each class missed is -5 points, regardless of the reason. Each late arrival is -2 points. Students who miss five or more classes automatically fail the course. Five absences results in an F.

3. DRAFTS

When drafts are due, you must post a copy (both as copy and paste AND as a file attachment). Print a copy for review prior to class starting. Points are given only if the writer is in class for peer review.

4. MAJOR PAPERS

All major papers must be submitted in order to pass the course. Failure to submit all major papers will result in an F even if the course average would otherwise allow the student to pass. In order to be considered fully submitted, each final paper should be submitted to Dropbox, submitted to to the SafeAssign, and posted to the discussion boards.

5. MAJOR PAPER REWRITE OPTION

Students can rewrite their first graded final paper for entirely new grades. See the class web site for details.

6. OTHER COURSE WORK

6. This course has homework due on almost every night. Failure to post drafts, bring drafts to class, read and mark texts, or complete other assignments, both small and large, will rapidly snowball into significant point loss. Students who fail my courses generally do so because they do not keep up with the required work load. Gifted writers who do not keep up with the work can fail the course while average writers can get a high B and even occasionally an A in the course simply by keeping up.

7. PLAGIARISM

Using the words or ideas of others without proper documentation is unethical and completely unacceptable. I vigorously pursue academic dishonesty: the standard penalty is failure in the course if you are caught. In particularly egregious cases, I seek to have a mark of academic dishonesty placed on student transcripts so that the act of plagiarism will follow you wherever you attempt to transfer. Do not plagiarize in this class.

8. CELL PHONES, LAPTOPS, and OTHER ELECTRONICS

Students are expected to silence their cell phones and to refrain from sending or receiving text messages. Do not answer cell phones in class unless I have been warned ahead of time that an important call is expected. Use of MP3 players, recording devices, cameras, portable gaming systems, and laptops (for any purpose other than drafting or note taking) is prohibited. If a student needs to record a class session, they should ask permission first.

9. COURSE CONTENT

My courses are designed to deal with adult issues often centering around controversial cultural and historical conflicts. At times, the class readings, lectures, and discussions may question ideas or beliefs that individual students hold dear. In addition, the language used in the course may range from highly technical jargon to the vernacular, including profanity. Students who wish to avoid such a classroom environment should seek another section of the course.

10. EMAIL

During the regular semester, check your email every other day at minimum. During the last two weeks of class and the entire exam period until final grades are posted, check your email every day. I generally respond quickly, but allow up to 48 hours for a response. I also generally stop checking email after 5PM for the day to preserve my family's harmony.

11. RESPECT

My courses seek to foster a strong sense of intellectual debate. For this approach to work, students and faculty members must treat each other with respect by avoiding personal attacks and offensive labels. We can disagree with each other, but we will do so with respect. Students incapable of doing so will be asked to leave.

12. COVID 19 PANDEMIC ISSUES AND ONLINE INSTRUCTION

This course is online because of the COVID 19 Pandemic, but it meets synchronously, meaning you need to log in and be ready to go by the start of our posted class sessions. If you encounter problems because of issues related to studying from home using technology, be the problem one of technology, health, or managing working in your home environment, please contact Dr. Halbert immediately to work out a plan to pass the course. Waiting until the end of the semester, particularly after disappearing for a while, will be too late

Signature: I have read the above highlights from the syllabus and the syllabus and am aware of the classroom rules.

Name (printed): ___________________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________________

Class: English 101 (Education and Identity) | English 211 (American Literature I) | English 245 (Science Fiction)

TO SUBMIT THIS CONTRACT FOR CREDIT, DO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

a. Print a copy, fill in the above blanks, and take a picture of the page with the blanks. Post the picture into the "Contract" Dropbox in Blackboard.

b. Copy and paste the whole document into MS Word. Type your name in the "Name (printed) blank, and then type it again in the signature space and type the words "submitted electronically" after your name. Don't forget to date it. Submit the MS Word file to the Contract" Dropbox in Blackboard.