Assignments/Exams/Papers/Projects
Homework: The homework will be primarily reading and researching each play, followed by written assignments. This is an upper level seminar class; it is essential that you do all of the readings, research what you do not know, and come prepared to discuss the plays in class. Without your active and engaged participation, there is no class. Everything is due when it is due.
Homework not originally turned in on time may not be turned in unless there are extenuating circumstances and an arrangement for the completion of the work has been made with the professor. All late work will be graded down one third of a grade.
I expect you to read each play a minimum of three times: Once through for story, a second time for understanding (take notes and look up what you need to know), and a third time for deeper understanding for class discussion and writing papers. This is not a recommendation; it is necessary for effective class discussions and homework. Really.
All homework assignments must be word-processed with 12 point font, double spaced and have one inch margins and page numbers. Put your name, the name of the class, my name, the date, and the title of the assignment in the upper left corner of your paper. Papers must have a bibliography if appropriate and references must be cited in MLA format. Spell-check and proof-read!
Final Paper: Described on separate sheet.
COURSE POLICIES
Your participation in class is indispensable to your learning process and the success of the class. You will do a great deal of reading, researching, and writing. It will be essential for you to stay current with the reading. The knowledge in this class is cumulative and the homework is designed to support what is being taught. You must read all of the plays and do the homework questions before they are discussed in class.
Attendance Policy: This class meets twice per week. For purposes of grading, each absence in excess of four (two weeks) will lower your total grade 1/3 point (A to A-, etc.) Three “lates”—later than 15 minutes—will equal one absence. A serious family matter, serious illness, injury, or a chronic condition is necessary to be excused beyond this policy. This is a very generous policy; don't abuse it.
Participation: I will keep track of substantive participation. Participating at every class (28) will equal 100 percent participation (grade: A). Participating in three-quarters of the classes (21) will equal 75 percent participation (grade: C), and so forth. (Participation means substantive participation in discussions, asking substantive questions, sharing research, volunteering to read aloud, etc.)
Grading Policy: Homework, exams, and papers will be graded A-F. Spelling, grammar, usage, and punctuation all count towards your grade on papers. Stylistically, all papers for this class are to be considered formal. Proofread your work. Grade percentages are:
Homework: 50 percent of Final Grade
Class participation: 20 percent
Final paper: 30 percent
After the grades for the homework, participation, and papers are averaged, attendance is taken into consideration. Incompletes are given rarely and only as the result of serious and unusual circumstances. The professor reserves the right to take into consideration any special conditions beyond this grading policy that may apply to a fair and balanced evaluation of a student.
Communication Policy: I will be communicating with you from time to time via email. You need to check your Suffolk University email address regularly, ie: every day. I will not be sending email to any other account.
Continuity of Learning Policy: In the event that the university cancels classes (such as for severe weather) or the professor's absence, students are expected to continue with homework as originally scheduled. These assignments are due at the next class meeting unless other instructions are posted at the course website or communicated via email. The professor will contact you via email, so be sure to check. If you do not receive an email from me, please contact me. Depending upon the circumstances, the professor may ask you to hold class via Zoom or meet on a make-up day.
THETR 461:
Course Policies
