Unless otherwise noted, the following are the general policies by which student work will be evaluated for those categories that appear on the syllabus.
GRADING
All subjective written and performative assignments are graded based on a ten-point scale:
A = 96%
A- = 92%
B+ = 88%
B = 85%
B- = 82%
C+ = 78%
C = 75%
C- = 72%
D+ = 65%
D = 60%
F = 50%
In order to earn a grade of 90% or above, student work must provide evidence of advanced creative thinking or scholarly reflection / engagement beyond simple recitation or description. Only subjective or performative work of particular merit can earn an A+ (98-100%).
EXCEPTION: Work submitted without proper citation of consulted / quoted sources (via footnotes, end notes, or parenthetical references) will not earn a grade above 89, regardless of its overall merit. (Exempt assignments are noted in the individual course syllabi.)
Work that simply recites or repeats the data or arguments of other sources but contains no evidence of advanced creative thinking or scholarly reflection /engagement will earn a grade no higher than an 89%.
Work that is inferior to that which is expected at the college level will earn a grade no higher than 75%.
Inferior work includes (but is not limited to) work that fails to provide proper citation of materials used, or that fails to reflect any integration of course materials, readings, or discussions.
Assignments suspicious of having been completed with assistance from artificial intelligence programming (AI) without specific authorization may receive an automatic zero (0%), and may be reported as a violation of the VWU Honor Code.
EXTRA CREDIT
The assignment of extra credit is my decision, and is usually connected with attempts to encourage your participation in (or attendance at) extra- and co-curricular events. Unless otherwise stated, extra credit will be considered only if your final grade is close to a grading threshold (see above), and will be applied only at my discretion at the end of the semester.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
Evaluation of in-class participation will be based on three components:
⇒ Class attendance (number of classes attended divided by the total number of scheduled classes held);
⇒ Participation in class discussions;
⇒ Evidence of completion of and reflection on assigned reading.
It is University policy that students attend all scheduled class meetings. Mere class attendance is considered average, and will result in a “Class Participation” grade of 80%. Less than regular and consistent attendance will result in a lower grade. Students observed texting, sleeping, conversing, or using their computers for non-class related purposes will be considered absent for that day.
CAUTION: Questions asked or statements made that suggest you have not completed the class readings or have missed class discussions will have an adverse impact on your class participation evaluation.
NOTE: Federal guidelines link some forms of financial aid to class attendance. Students who receive such forms of financial assistance and who stop attending class before a certain date may be required to return those funds.
An “Academic Alert” may be submitted for any student who is absent for two or more consecutive class meetings.
ATTENDANCE & EXCUSED ABSENCE
It is the policy of Virginia Wesleyan University that all students attend all classes; do not seek my permission to be absent. However, we presume that you are an adult; if you decide that another activity is more important than any particular class, accept that there may be consequences to your decision. Students who miss class are responsible for all work and assignments. Patterns of attendance will be addressed in the class participation grade, but may also be reflected in the evaluation of materials related to materials assigned for (or discussed on) the missed classes.
Arriving late to class, sleeping in class, or using your telephone in class will result in the deduction of 1/2 attendance credit for that day’s class.
CLASS CANCELLATION
Information about campus-wide campus closures are broadcast via the University Web site, via email, and through various social media. However, on occasion, even if the University is open I may be unable to reach campus. Please check you email at least 30 minutes before the start of class for emergency updates from both the University and from me.
DEADLINES
Unless arrangements are made with me in advance, assignments submitted after the due date but before the material is discussed in class (or graded and returned) will receive full credit. Assignments submitted after the material has been discussed (or graded and returned) may receive half credit (50%). Assignments submitted after the last scheduled class meeting will earn no credit (0%).
INCOMPLETES
VWU policy: “An Incomplete is given at the discretion of the instructor when circumstances beyond the control of the student prevent the completion of course requirements.”
HELPFUL ADVICE
Read / view all assigned material before the class meeting for which it has been assigned. Unless specifically requested, I rarely go over the assignments page-by-page; all class discussions are based on the presumption that all of the assignments have been completed before class. And you never know if / when I might call on you in class.
GENERAL POLICIES
Unless otherwise indicated:
⇒ Cellular telephones must be turned off or set to “vibrate” mode during class;
⇒ Personal computers may NOT be used in class without my permission;
⇒ Announcements, changes, and general information not communicated in class will be transmitted via electronic mail (“email”). You are responsible for checking for such information in a timely manner;
⇒ Exams are scheduled by the Office of the Registrar BEFORE the beginning of each semester. No request for an alternate date to take an in-class exam will be accepted without proof of extraordinary circumstances constituting an EMERGENCY.
⇒ Unauthorized collaboration (including the use of “artificial intelligence” [AI]) is considered academic dishonesty, and is strictly forbidden. Be familiar with the VWU Honor Code; any evidence of academic dishonesty will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible;
⇒ Materials suggesting acts of academic dishonesty will be returned to you only if / when any suspicions are addressed to my satisfaction;
⇒ Any unclaimed printed assignments will be destroyed at the end of the following semester.
POLICY on SPECIAL NEEDS &/or ACCOMMODATIONS
Virginia Wesleyan University is committed to giving all students the opportunity for academic success. If you are a student who is requesting accommodations based on the academic impact of a disability, please speak to me about your accommodations letter and your specific needs. If you do not have an accommodations letter for this course, you will need to visit or call for an appointment with Crit Muniz, Executive Director of Academic Support Services, at (757) 233-8898, or by email: (disabilityservices@vwu.edu). Academic Support Services is located in the Learning Center on the 2nd floor of Clarke Hall.
I am always happy to meet with any student who expresses a desire to discuss a matter privately – whether or not it is course-related. Please feel free to contact me before or after class, or by email if you wish to chat. (Conversations are confidential; however, depending on the circumstances I may encourage you to speak with another member of the Virginia Wesleyan University community who may be better trained to address specific issues / needs.)
HONORING PERSPECTIVES
One goal of the educational process is to learn about diverse perspectives and identities. It is my intent to create a learning environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and honors your individual identities. If something is said in class that makes you uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to speak to me.
Also, please let me know – in person or via email – if your preferred name or pronouns differ from those indicated by your official University records.
[“Talking About Pronouns” (Human Rights Campaign pdf.)]
WARNING: All of my classes are designed to challenge the way you think about religion, yourself, or the world. If you are concerned that such a challenge is beyond your capacity to endure, please do not take my class!
