Technology Requirements
The use of technology is an important aspect of this course. Please review the Temple University Technology Usage Policy.
- A laptop is required for this course, see the Fox Laptop Policy for minimum specifications.
- Fox Laptop Support is available. You are responsible for attending all classes with a fully functional Fox Laptop.
- Limited resources are available for students who do not have the technology they need for class. Students with educational technology needs, including no computer or camera or insufficient Wifi-access, should submit a request outlining their needs using the Student Emergency Aid Fund The University will endeavor to meet needs, such as with a long-term loan of a laptop or Mifi device, a refurbished computer, or subsidized internet access.
- Note that some software is available for free download on the ITS Academic Support Other specialty software may be available for remote access through ITS.
Important information
Preparation
Complete all of the assigned readings and watch all assigned videos prior to each weeks class. Students are strongly encouraged to create their own study guide from the readings and the videos which they will use during both in-class discussions and in preparation for exams.
Participation
This course applies an activity-based learning model which relies heavily on your active participation in the classroom. You are expected to complete the assigned readings, watch the assigned videos and come prepared to engage the class in meaningful conversation and activities. You are encouraged to use your knowledge and experiences to build, test, and modify your own concepts through dialogues with the instructor and fellow students. Much of your learning will occur as you prepare for and participation in discussions about the course material. The course material has been carefully chosen to bring the real world into class discussion while also illustrating fundamental concepts.
Classroom Experience
Class will be a mixture of class discussions and class activities. Do not expect to be taught the material in the assigned readings & videos. Our expectation is that you have completed the assigned readings, watched the assigned videos and are prepared to discuss the readings/videos intelligently. Engaging in class discussion is a key to your success; you will gain a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the core concepts. Not completing the assigned readings and/or watching the assigned videos will make it difficult for you to follow along with the class discussion; you will not get as much out of class and you will certainly find the exams more challenging. In-class activities provide the core of our activity based learning model. These activities are designed to be completed in 50 minutes or less and help a student develop a more genuine understanding of the class materials. Activity forms are accessed through our Canvas course site. Each student must submit a completed form while in the classroom to receive credit for completing the activity. In-class Activities are graded based on displaying due diligence. Students will not be able to submit uncompleted or incomplete activities (you will not be able to submit the form). Student’s that are absent from class, do not submit their activity while in class or clearly had not done their due diligence will receive zero credit for the activity.
Code of Conduct
Students are expected to be respectful of one another and the instructor in online discussions. The goal is to foster a safe learning environment where students feel comfortable in discussing concepts and in applying them in class. If for any reason your behavior is viewed as disruptive to the class, you will be asked to leave and you will be marked absent from that class. Please read the university policy concerning disruptive behavior:
The disruptive student is one who persistently makes inordinate demands for time and attention from faculty and staff, habitually interferes with the learning environment by disruptive verbal or behavioral expressions, verbally threatens or abuses college personnel, willfully damages college property, misuses drugs or alcohol on college premises, or physically threatens or assaults others. The result is the disruption of academic, administrative, social, or recreational activities on campus.
It is also important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University’s nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse.
Treat your classmates and instructor with respect in all communication, class activities, and meetings. You are encouraged to comment, question, or critique an idea but you are not to attack an individual. Please consider that sarcasm, humor and slang can be misconstrued in online interactions and generate unintended disruptions. Profanity should be avoided as should the use of all capital letters when composing responses in discussion threads, which can be construed as “shouting” online. Remember to be careful with your own and others’ privacy. In general, have your behavior mirror how you would like to be treated by others.
Disability
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a documented disability, including special accommodations for access to technology resources and electronic instructional materials required for the course, should contact me privately to discuss the specific situation by the end of the second week of classes or as soon as practical. If you have not done so already, please contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) at 215-204-1280 in 100 Ritter Annex to learn more about the resources available to you. I will work with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities.
Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. Please review the university policy on Student and Faculty and Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy #03.70.02).