Class participation is vital. Significant portions of course material will be presented through in-class interactive assignments and discussions; therefore, attendance will directly affect the course grade. According to the Class Attendance Policy  in the Emmanuel's College Catalog, "A student who misses more than one-fourth of the classes during the semester in a given course, regardless of the cause of the absences, will receive no credit for the course." If late to class, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor. Absences affect not only your ability to maximize your class experience and success, but also your Participation & Conduct portion of this course grade.

This instructor believes general behavior in the classroom environment is an important aspect of education, particularly in our Christ-centered community, because one person's behavior can impact the entire class. Students' attitudes, participation in class discussion, and overall performance are reflected in this subjective portion of the course grade. Exercising positive civic leadership allows us all to understand more about critical thinking and problem-solving, to consider and respect differing opinions, to cooperate and collaborate with others even when it is challenging and perhaps unpleasant, to appreciate various personalities and perspectives, and to articulate feelings and thoughts into meaningful and respectful dialogue in an appropriate, professional manner. In extreme cases, students will be dismissed from the classroom and may not return until providing written proof of a counseling session with the Vice President of Student Life or the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Automatic Zeroes

Because of the nature of the communication industry and the importance of time management skills in any field, this instructor does not accept any assignment or in-class exercise after the deadline/due date, which results in a grade of zero for the assignment or exercise. Each deadline for each assignment and exercise is clearly outlined in the course schedule of this syllabus, and the instructor usually reminds students frequently about upcoming deadlines. However, it is the responsibility of the student to keep up with deadlines and plan accordingly. If the student foresees a problem with meeting a deadline, for example an absence on that particular deadline date, then that student should plan to submit that assignment before the deadline and should talk to instructor to arrange that. Early submissions are always welcome.

Assignments which intentionally or unintentionally omit sources will receive a grade of zero. The instructor may or may not give one warning, but do not expect two. This refers to written, visual, and audio sources. "In plain language, plagiarism is taking someone else’s work and passing it off as one’s own without proper acknowledgment or documentation" (www.ala.org, July 3, 2003).

Dress Code

Honor Code