Syllabus

CLASS HOURS: TTh, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm, SH190, Class Number 17009
INSTRUCTOR: Scott Kleinman
OFFICE: Sierra Tower 803
TELEPHONE: (818) 677-0901
E-MAIL: scott.kleinman@csun.edu
OFFICE HOURS: To be determined

READING MATERIALS

Course material will be studied from handouts provided online and in class throughout the semester.

COURSEWORK

Your final grade will be based on the following work:

The final exam will take place on Tuesday, December 19 from 10:15-12:15.

HOMEWORK

Homework assignments vary in nature from short answer questions and translations to short analytic essays. Some assignments for this class are very hard to grade, so my primary criterion is neatness. Please type your homework assignments wherever possible. Essay assignments should be well proofread and should rigorously follow academic written conventions.

PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION

Enrolling in this class requires a commitment to a collaborative learning environment in which you agree both to have a part in the work of the class and not to disrupt the work of the class. In order to fulfil these requirements completely, you must bring all appropriate materials to each class, contribute to group work and class discussion, and complete all homework assignments. You must also remember to turn off your cell phones and remain in the classroom for the duration of the class period.

GRADING PROCEDURES

Grades are not assigned on a strict mathematical basis; that is, your grade is not based solely on the number of questions you get wrong. Instead, I make a judgement about how well you know and understand the material based on how many mistakes you make and the nature of those mistakes. One thing I look for in particular is whether you have memorised and can use grammatical terminology. Note that if you misspell a technical term we study I will assume that you have failed on both these counts.

There is no automatic credit for participation or attendance. However, I will take these factors into account in the case of borderline grades. I regret that I am unable to handle extra credit assignments. Note: To receive a grade other than a U, you must have completed more than half the coursework (no exceptions). See also my Policy on Incompletes.

OFFICE CONSULTATIONS AND HOURS

Office hours ensure that there is a time when you can always find me, but I encourage you to come and see me at any time. Either make an appointment or just drop by to see if I am in.

ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC HONESTY

Regular attendance is essential for success in this course. Frequent absences will be noted and may be reflected in your final grade. It is also extremely important that all aspects of your work are come by honorably. Efforts to gain an advantage not given to all students are dishonest and regarded as an extremely serious matter by the academic community. Consequences range from probation to expulsion.

ADD/DROP POLICY

Students should make sure that they follow the university's add/drop deadlines, outlined in the Schedule of Classes. According to university policy, drops are only allowed after the date therein when "a) there is a serious and compelling reason--specifically the student’s emotional or physical health or financial condition is clearly in jeopardy, and b) there is no viable alternative--including repeating the class". Students will need to provide documentation on official letterhead--a letter, on official stationery, from a doctor or an employer--to support their reasons. No adds will be allowed unless a student can provide documented proof--e.g., a clerical error--for the reason for the tardiness. Please make sure to meet the deadline!