A          = 93-100%

A-               = 90-92%

B+       = 87-89%

B          = 83-86%

B-        = 80-82%

C+       = 77-79%

C         = 73-76%

C-        = 70-72%

D+       = 67-69%

D         = 63-66%

D-        = 60-62%

F          = 59% or lower

 

What the Grades Mean:

 

I will provide more detailed descriptions of grading criteria with each major assignment, but as a general overview I have included a brief description of each grade:

 

 

“A”	Excels at the assignment’s expectations and shows mastery of course concepts.  “A” work may contain a few trivial problematic issues but ultimately demonstrates above-average work.
“B”	Goes beyond the expectations for the assignment.  “B” work develops above-average work but falls short of an “A” in one or more crucial areas.
“C”	Competently meets the requirements for the assignment.  A “C” is reserved for work that is perfectly adequate but does not go above and beyond the requirements for the assignment.
“D”	Shows some attempt to meet requirements but fails.  “D” work may head in the direction of competence, but needs significant work before the student has shown his/her understanding of the core concepts.
“F”	Fails to meet any of the assignment’s requirements.  The expectations for the assignment simply are not present or addressed. Any assignment submitted with plagiarized content automatically receives an F for the assignment and a report to the Dean of Arts & Humanities. Two instances of plagiarism = F for the course and a formal report to the Dean of Arts & Humanities.

 

Examples of unacceptable classroom behavior: On a college campus, everyone deserves the opportunity to study and learn in a safe environment and to be treated with courtesy and respect. Therefore, any conduct that prevents the instructor from teaching, and/or prevents students from learning is prohibited. If you do not behave in a way that is appropriate for maintaining a learning environment, I will ask you to leave the class. Some examples of unacceptable behaviors include: arriving late or leaving early without speaking to the instructor (talk to me after class, not during), talking while others are trying to listen to the instructor or their group members, talking during student presentations, sleeping in class, doing homework for other classes in class, having electronic devices “go off,” inappropriate comments or gestures, and any form of harassment that affects other students’ ability to learn or the instructor’s ability to teach. The Arts & Humanities Division recognizes the judgment of individual instructors in these matters.

 

Cell phone use, texting, and other electronic devices: Please turn off your phone before you come into the classroom. There is no excuse for texting in the classroom. I will warn you once and ask you to leave class for the day the second time. This will be counted as an absence. Using electronic devices in class is permitted if they are used to facilitate learning in ENGL 101. Headphones are never allowed and should be removed before you come into the classroom.

 

Plagiarism: I use the Turn-It In program to assess “plagiarized” content in student essays. If you have “any” questions about “responsible citation,” ask me early and ask me often. I am always willing to discuss these questions if you ask them in a timely manner. Plagiarism, or academic dishonesty, is the act of using another writer’s words or ideas as your own. According to the BC Arts & Humanities website, plagiarism:

 

…may take many forms, including, but not limited to, using a paper written by someone else, using printed sources word-for-word without proper documentation, and paraphrasing or summarizing the ideas of others without acknowledging the source.  Plagiarism can also occur when non-written ideas are taken without documentation--using someone else’s design or performance idea, for example.  In short, plagiarism is passing off someone else’s ideas, words, or images as your own; it amounts to intellectual theft--whether or not it was your intention to steal.  Bellevue College instructors have access to commercial plagiarism detection software, so please be advised that any work you submit may be tested for plagiarism. (http://bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/policy.html)

 

If you are proved guilty of academic dishonesty (plagiarism), you will fail the assignment. If you are caught plagiarizing again in the same quarter, you will fail the class.

 

Attendance policy: You do not need to provide excuses or documentation for missing a class because there are no excused absences. I will pass around an attendance sheet at the beginning of every face-to-face class. If you are not here when the sheet goes around, you will be counted as absent, even if you show up 5 minutes late. The reason for this strict requirement is because we have limited face-to-face time each week and we cannot afford to spend time helping tardy or absent students catch up with the course activities. The BC Arts & Humanities Division’s policy regarding absences stipulates that any student missing more than twenty percent of total class time for a course may receive an “F” grade for the course. This class meets 2 days a week for a total of 21 face-to-face meetings, so any student missing 4 or more face-to-face class meetings will automatically receive a failing grade.

 

I understand that students frequently have good personal and professional reasons for missing class. However, from the perspective of our English 101 learning community, the English Department, Bellevue College, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education, your absence means you have not participated in the required quantity of classroom instruction to demonstrate the course outcomes. It is unethical, unprofessional, and unfair for an instructor to pass a student who has not attended 80% of face-to-face class meetings.

 

Instructor workload: This course is administration heavy, grading-intensive, and fast-paced. I work with specific curriculum outcomes and weekly deadlines, and deal with the educational needs and management needs for 72 students. During weeks when major assignments need to be graded, I add an additional 30 hours of work onto my 45 hour/week schedule. Please understand how your choices and work habits impact me as an instructor as well as your peers. My primary role is to “guide” you to become stronger readers and writers.

 

Late or missed assignments: I do not give feedback on late assignments.

 

Student workload: You can expect to spend 2-3 hours outside of class for every credit hour for the course. So in addition to spending 5 hours a week “in-class”—2 hours face-to-face and 3 hours online—students should expect to spend an additional 10-15 hours a week on individual homework. Therefore, your weekly time investment should be around 15-20 hours a week. Your role is to “communicate,” “self-regulate,” “develop understanding of your reading and writing practices,” and “set and reach your personal and academic goals.”

 

Extra credit policy: Extra credit work will be assigned at the instructor’s discretion in order to benefit the class as a whole. Individual extra credit work WILL NOT be assigned.

 

Tutoring and study skills development: Please do not hesitate to call on me if there is anything about the course you wish to discuss or need assistance with. It is my job to be here for you but it is also always a pleasure to get to know you and work with you to form and meet your academic goals. I hope you will seek me out prior to seeking other assistance.

 

However, if you feel you would benefit from ongoing tutoring or other academic assistance for this or any class at Bellevue College, please contact the Academic Success Center located in Building D – 204. Phone: (425) 564-2200.

 

Bellevue College offers a variety of computer and learning labs to enhance learning and student success. Find current campus locations for all student labs by visiting:

 

http://depts.bellevuecollege.edu/helpdesk/students/

 

Disability Resource Center:

 

The Disability Resource Center serves students with a wide array of learning challenges and disabilities. If you are a student who has a disability or learning challenge for which you have documentation or have seen someone for treatment and if you feel you may need accommodations in order to be successful in college, please contact the DRC as soon as possible.

 

If you are a person who requires assistance in case of an emergency situation, such as a fire, earthquake, etc., please meet with me to develop a safety plan within the first week of the quarter.

 

The DRC office is located in B - 132 or you can call the reception desk at 425-564-2498.  Deaf students can reach the DRC by video phone at 425-440-2025 or by TTY at 425-564-4110.

 

Please visit the DRC website for application information into our program and other helpful links at:

www.bellevuecollege.edu/drc

Tips for Student Success:

 

1. Understand the syllabus.
2. Attend scheduled classes and manage your study time.
3. Come to class prepared to listen and to participate.
4. Always bring your books, paper, pen or pencil, course folder, and homework.
5. Understand you will have to share your writing with other students.
6. Figure out what help you need during the quarter and explore what Bellevue College has to offer. Ask your academic advisor or your instructors for help.
7. Talk with your instructor as soon as you have a problem.
8. Use your textbook and other resources MORE than is required for the course.
9. Hold on to all your work!
10.  Writing is a difficult skill that takes time to develop. With persistence and hard work, we all can become stronger readers and writers. Be gentle with yourself!
11. Be kind to your fellow students and your instructor. We are all in this together and having a positive attitude inspires all of us to do our best work.

 

Statement of Student Responsibility

 

I have read through the syllabus for Catherine Berkenfield’s course English 101—English Composition I. I understand that the syllabus represents a contract between me as a student, Catherine as an instructor, the English Department, the Arts & Humanities Division, and Bellevue College as an institution. The syllabus lays out the rights and responsibilities for me and my instructor, and I know that I can rely on the document if some problem arises in class. I know that I should speak with my instructor first and, if she cannot answer my questions, she will provide contact information for someone else in the English Department or the Arts & Humanities Division who can assist me.

 

            In particular, I understand that if I miss more than 4 face-to-face class meetings during winter quarter of 2013, I will automatically fail English 101. I also understand that missing any number of face-to-face class meetings will affect my final grade because class participation is an important component of learning.

 

Name (please print):                                                                                  

 

Signature:                                                                                                    

 

Date:                                                                                                             

 

I look forward to a great quarter and welcome your feedback at any time!!!