Lewald/ Office hours tba
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
To improve the fundamental thinking, reasoning, and language abilities that students need for academic success
To engage students in the active process of thinking
To practice thinking clearly about complex, controversial issues
To learn to relate critical thinking abilities to daily life
To improve vocabulary and reading ability
To practice critical analysis and communication with others
MATERIALS: pens, paper, notebook, THINKING CRITICALLY text by John Chaffee, (Seventh Edition). Folder. An Approved College Dictionary.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: All readings and assignments on the Syllabus are required. All students must take the final exam.
GRADES: University Scale—A=95 or above, B=85-94, C=75-84, D=65-74, F=below 65.
A C or above is required to pass this class.
ATTENDANCE: Since students who attend class have a higher success rate, attendance is required of all DSP classes. Grades will be dropped one half letter with each class missed. After two weeks of missed classes, the student may be dismissed with an F.
Absences begin with the first day of classes.
Please Note: No student is allowed to drop a DSP class. If a student stops attending class, he or she will receive a grade of F unless the student officially withdraws from all classes at the University by the official date. In fact, if any student is absent classes amounting to two weeks (six MWF classes, four TR classes) – that student may be dismissed from class with a grade of F.
Tardiness: In keeping with university policy, tardiness may be counted as an absence. When students are consistently late to class, they disrupt the class. University policy also states that no student is allowed to disrupt the class; therefore, coming in late may result in dismissal.
Class Preparation: Students are expected to be prepared for class as they attend each day. Students will bring textbooks, pens and paper to class every day and follow the syllabus. A student who is unprepared for class is disrupting the class and may be letting down others in a peer response group; therefore, consistent lack of preparation for class may result in dismissal from the class.
Make-up work: Whether any student is excused and make-up work may be allowed is at the discretion of the teacher. After missing a class, the student must contact the teacher regarding permission to make up work.
University Sponsored Events: If an athlete or other student is participating in a university sponsored event, he or she may be excused from class providing the proper letter is submitted. That student should not be penalized for missing class and may contact the instructor regarding work missed.
Incomplete: Incomplete grades are rarely given – see university handbook These only involve students who have nearly completed the work of the entire course – papers must be signed involving rare, emergency circumstance such as an accident, etc.
Disabilities: Students with disabilities must submit documentation through the TTU Disabilities Office, located in the University Center, Room 112 –within first two weeks.
SCHOOL IS A JOB. You would not expect to receive pay for days of work missed at your job unless you made up the time. A poor attendance record at work can result in being fired; poor attendance at school can result in failing the course. Academic program policy requires two hours of ADP-directed work in the ADP learning center for each class meeting missed or waived.
PLAGIARISM or Cheating: Plagiarism is stealing another person’s thoughts, ideas or words. Evidence of plagiarism in assignments or cheating on tests may result in a failing grade for the assignment. Evidence of plagiarism on the final exam may result in F for the semester.
FINAL EXAM: All students are required to be present on final exam day. Failure to appear for the test will automatically result in failure of the course.
CLASSROOM DECORUM: All students in college are expected to behave as responsible adults. When the instructor is lecturing before the class, each student should pay attention. Questions are encouraged. During peer group response, a less formal setting may occur, but all students will treat each other with respect. Please turn off cell phones before entering class. A student whose behavior is considered disruptive may be expelled from the classroom. --- Any threatening or unlawful behavior will be reported to the office of Safety and Security.
I understand and intend to abide by the policies of this class as stated above. I understand that non-attendance, poor attendance, or withdrawal may seriously affect my lottery/ scholarship aid. My teacher has requested that a copy of this statement be placed in my class folder.
Name ( print) _______________________
Signature_____________________ Date__________
Class/Section _______________________________