Writing for the Web: Fall 2011

General Course Policies

Attendance:

Success in this course is absolutely tethered to your presence and participation in our classroom sessions. This course will move quickly, and each successive class meeting will build upon the concepts of the previous. As such, missing a class (or—gasp—multiple classes) puts you at a serious disadvantage in terms of the larger semester arc. Stated simply: It is imperative that you attend class.

Computers:

This course meets in a classroom filled with sleek, enticing computers. While I understand the siren song of Facebook, I ask that you not surf the web/play games/email, etc during class time. I have no doubt that every one of you is a well-practiced multi-tasker; however, working on something other than the current class project is a distraction for both you and your neighbors. If I see that you are repeatedly wandering into the Eden-like garden of Facebook (or other non-class sites), I will ask you to leave the classroom. I should note that, like most of you, I enjoy a wide number of websites; however, our classes are short and the web can be distracting. I would like to focus our class sessions on writing for the web and save surfing the web for the other 22.5 hours in our Mondays and Wednesdays.

Contacting Me:

In the process of studying or completing assignments, you might run into any number of technical or conceptual problems. I’m here to help. Feel free to contact me (email is your best option), but keep in mind that I might take up to 48 hours to respond. If I haven't responded to you in 48 hours, please feel free to email me again. Things can get lost in transit.

Informal Assignments:

Throughout the semester, I will assign a number of informal assignments (for example, the coding check-ins listed on the syllabus). Unless otherwise stated, these assignments are due by noon on the Sunday before the class due-date listed. All informal assignments will be uploaded to Scholar, and if you have any concerns about technical issues with submitting assignments, please let me know. As in all things, it's much better to give me an early heads up; I can often offer you help if I'm given adequate notice. Past-due work yields a penalty, which brings us to the next section…

Late Work:

While deadlines are rarely fun, they exist for good reason. I expect all assignments to be submitted on or before the deadlines listed on our course calendar; however, if you are having problems meeting a deadline, please let me know as soon as possible. Regardless, late work will always suffer a penalty. Please note that all electronic work should be submitted through Scholar’s “Assignments” area—a process that we will discuss in class.

Grading:

Specific grading criteria for each assignment will be discussed in class, but in general: missing no classes, completing all assigned work, actively participating, and working hard on your understanding of the course’s core concepts can earn you a B in this course. Missing no classes, completing all assigned work, and displaying exceptional effort, commitment, improvement, and daily participation can earn you an A. Meeting the minimum requirements with merely acceptable effort and commitment can earn you a C. Missing assignments, not attending class, turning in sloppy/incomplete work, and/or putting forth minimal effort will earn you a lower grade.

Academic Dishonesty:

The Virginia Tech honor code states that “every student has the right to live in an academic environment that is free from the injustices caused by any form of intellectual dishonesty.” The VT honor code will be upheld in this class for all work submitted. Students are responsible for reading and abiding by all plagiarism policies discussed in the Student Handbook as well as those in the Honor System website.

Special Accommodations:

If you need adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. Students with disabilities should also contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office in 150 Henderson Hall.

Principles of Community:

The Virginia Tech Principles of Community will be upheld in this class at all times.