RS220 Christianity and Modernity
Course Policies
You are expected to treat the course professionally, as you would a job. This includes:
Attendance: For a class which meets twice weekly, College policy permits two absences during the semester. However, in practice, I expect full attendance. If you miss a class let me know the reason why; it may affect your overall grade if you miss classes.
Being on time: late arriving students disrupt others' learning; aim to arrive in the classroom five minutes before class starts. Arriving late does not guarantee you entry to the classroom.
You are expected to demonstrate your commitment to the course. Among other things, this entails:
Being prepared; have the reading done in advance and don't offer weak excuses; take notes and bring all relevant materials with you to class.
Being alert and willing to discuss ideas; I will ask questions during class. Please note that I will not tolerate any form of disruption of the learning of other students (such as talking during class). I do not permit eating in class (drinks are okay).
Being respectful; even if you disagree with someone, listen carefully to their ideas and think about why they hold them.
You are expected to follow normal academic practice. Among other things this entails:
Giving reasons for your views; remember, an opinion without adequate reasons or arguments is merely a prejudice; an opinion backed by informed, reasoned, argument is a judgment. Academic discussion requires judgment, not prejudice.
Always citing your sources. In this course this is particularly important for your research paper. It is particularly important to avoid plagiarism (the use of other people's words, ideas or work without due recognition). The SMC Academic Integrity Policy will be applied on this course.
Special needs
If you have a learning disability, or there is some other factor which you think will cause you difficulty in meeting the requirements of the course or studying to your full potential, please speak to me in confidence. You will have my full support in your learning.