Student Contract

CRTW 201

Dr. Fike

In order for this course to run smoothly, everyone must follow some key policies. This document is my attempt to make sure that you understand them clearly. You are required to submit a piece of paper acknowledging that you have read and understood the items on this contract.

1. Elements and standards: I understand that CRTW 201 is a course in the elements and standards of critical thinking and that I must use them in my papers and in our daily activities.

2. Discussion: I understand that CRTW is a discussion class and that I must participate actively in discussion every day. Discussion will be in small groups and as a whole class.

3. Grading:  I acknowledge that this class has a Grade Estimation Sheet, and I agree to keep track of my own grade. If I do not receive at least 70% for the course, I will have to repeat CRTW. The professor grades as generously as he can justify; he does not round up; therefore, 69.9% is a D+.

4. Reading: I understand that I am required to read, annotate, and bring to class the day's assigned materials indicated on the course calendar. I realize that all of the books required for this course are on reserve at the Dacus Library and that there is no excuse for not having a text with me. If I cannot buy a book, I will at least make a photocopy at the library and bring it to class.

5. Preparation: I understand that, if I come unprepared, I will be sent out of the room to get my materials, to read them, or both. It is not my neighbor's job to share a text with me. However, I acknowledge that I may return to class when I have finished the reading and have my book(s) or a photocopy of the day's readings and that I may join the discussion in progress. Coming unprepared, however, means that I will receive an absence for the day, even if I eventually return to class.

6. Papers: I understand that all written work must be submitted in hardcopy and to turnitin.com in order for me to pass the course. Skipping one of the four papers will result in an F for the course. Not submitting a paper to turnitin.com is the same as skipping the assignment. I acknowledge that sending a paper to turnitin.com is a required part of the submission process.

7. Punctuality: I understand that this course has requires punctuality and has a policy on tardiness. In particular, I agree to try to be in my seat at least a few minutes early and to get my materials out. If I come in late (after the door is closed), I will have already been marked absent, and that mark counts as a FULL absence unless I say the following to the professor after class: "Dr. Fike, I came in late today. Please change my absence mark to a tardy mark." I acknowledge, however, that 3 tardies equal a full absence and that arriving 10 or more minutes late or leaving 10 or more minutes early equals a full absence.

8. Attendance: I understand that this course requires regular attendance and that it has an absence policy. We will follow Winthrop's 25% policy: if I miss 1/4 of the class meetings (7 out of 28), I will automatically receive an F for the course. After 3 absences, each additional absence will reduce my attendance grade by 2 points. There is no such thing as an excused absence in this class (even for illnes, hospitalization, deaths in the family, or military service). I acknowledge that my professor is not required to warn me if I approach or violate the 25% policy. Dr. Fike will start taking attendance at the third class meeting. If I add the course after the first week, absences are retroactive to the third class day.

9. Official absences: If I am a Winthrop athlete (or someone who will be absent for other university-related reasons like Model UN), I understand that I do not receive extra free absences or privileges of any sort by virtue of my membership on an athletic team (or participation in any other activity). I agree to submit my work early if I will be absent on a due date.

10. Extensions: I understand that a written assignment can receive an extension if, and only if, I have official on-paper documentation of my absence (e.g., a doctor's note, a funeral program) and that undocumented claims will not result in extensions. If I have documentation, I understand that my assignment is due not later than one week after my return to class. A paper will lose 1 point for each day that it is late. If I do not have documentation that justifies an extension, a paper not submitted one week after the due date will be considered a missed assignment, and I will receive an F for the course.

11. Exam time: I understand that the professor will not allow me to change my final exam time to accommodate my holiday or summer vacation travel.

12. Peer editing: I understand that contributing my draft is the price of admission on peer editing days. If I do not have a paper on those days, I will not be allowed to participate, will have to leave, and will receive an absence.

13. Quizzes: I understand that there are reading quizzes in this class. They will include the texts in Ways of Reading and will include some items from Learning to Think Things Through and Writing Analytically. These quizzes will be open-book and may not be made up under any circumstances. The professor will keep my quizzes, and I may see them if I stop by his office. He will count the best 5 quizzes out of 8 in my final grade.

14. Electronic devices: I understand that no electronic devices may be used in this class unless I have official accommodations. The only exception is that students from Nantong University may use their electronic dictionaries. I agree to turn off and put away all of my electronic devices; this includes the hour signal on my watch. In particular, I agree not to say, "Dr. Fike, I don't have a hardcopy, but I have it on my phone."

15. Extra credit: I understand that extra credit is available if I go to the Writing Center (1 point for each visit up to 10 visits).

16. Eating and drinking: I agree not to eat anything in this classroom before, during, or after class. I may drink water but not anything else.

17. Paper Four: I understand that Paper 4 requires attendance at a global cultural event. I acknowledge that it is a good idea to attend such an event before the course's final unit. However, since not all global cultural events are appropriate for the assignment, I agree to ask my professor if my selected event is appropriate. See http://www2.winthrop.edu/culturalevents/calendar.htm.

18. Syllabus: I agree to read the syllabus and to take responsibility for following its policies, even if those policies are not specifically stated in this contract.