Course Engagement Grade (10%): Since this is a seminar course you will be expected to attend and be engaged in class discussions and activities during our course meeting time.  This is should be the easiest part of the course.  We are going to be discussing some exciting topics so make sure to come prepared to jump right in.

my23Blog Posts (10%): Posting to our blog site is an important aspect of our course.  These are informal writing assignments that are due at 8pm on Sunday evening before class. Posts will not be graded, but you will earn your points for making a reasonable effort. There are several goals for these posts: First, they will help you to get in the habit of putting your thoughts in writing. Perhaps most importantly, we will use your posts to guide and prepare for our discussion in the following class. In fact, our goal is to spend a significant amount of class time talking about your posts; in other words, they will often form the basis of our discussions. Most posts will be started with a comment or topic from me.  You are also encouraged to write ideas and questions beyond the assignment, and to comment on each others’ posts.  It will be up to you how dynamic an interaction you want the course blog to be.  You are allowed two free passes on the blog posts during the semester.  Late posts will not be accepted for credit. 

Campus Events Assignment (15%): The cultural and campus events requirement for this course is designed to introduce you to the many resources and events at the College of Charleston.  The specifics for this assignment can be found here.

Writing Assignments (40%): You will be given two specific writing assignments that will build on the material we have discussed in class. For each assignment you will have to turn in a complete final draft that I will comment on and make suggestions.  You will then have a chance to incorporate changes to your papers based on these comments before turning in the final paper. 

Final Assignment (25%):  Personal genetic testing will certainly play a role in your life after college. In fact, you will likely be the first generation that enters adult life having to interpret personal genetic information as a regular part of your health care. For your final assignment, you will be asked to help “pass on” the information you have gained during the semester by creating a scenario-based teaching module aimed at educating high school students about personal genomes. We will work with partners on this assignment, and in our final meeting, we will “run” these modules to gauge their effectiveness. More about this assignment later in the semester.

Late Assignments: Writing assignments and your final paper, including drafts will be penalized one half letter grade (5%) for every 24 hours they are late. Incomplete drafts (e.g. an outline) or very rough drafts (incomplete sentences, etc.) will not be accepted – they will be returned to you and treated as late.

Missing Class Time: Students must provide a valid and documented excuse from the Undergraduate Dean’s Office for missing Assignments or Exams.  Acceptable excuses include illness, personal tragedy or circumstances beyond the student’s control (This does not include over sleeping on exam day).  Anyone who misses an exam or fails to hand in the take home assignments without an acceptable excuse will receive a grade of zero.

Course Grade: There is no curve in this class; your grade depends only on your own performance in the class.  Grades will be assigned based on the total points you have accumulated.

Grading Scale: A (93.5-100), A- (90-93.49), B+ (88.5-89.9), B (83.5-88.49), B- (80-83.49), C+ (78.5-79.9), C (73.5-78.49), C- (70-73.49), D+ (68.5-69.9), D (63.5-68.49), D- (60-63.49), F  (<60)

                                            

Honor Code and Academic Integrity

Lying, cheating, attempted cheating, and plagiarism are violations of our Honor Code that, when identified, are investigated.  Each instance is examined to determine the degree of deception involved.  Incidents where I believe that a student’s actions are clearly related more to ignorance, miscommunication, or uncertainty, will be addressed by consultation with me.  We will craft a written resolution designed to help prevent future repetition of this error in the future.  This resolution, submitted by form and signed by both the student, and me is forwarded to the Dean of Students and remains on file. 

I will report cases of suspected academic dishonesty directly to the Dean of Students.  A student found responsible for academic dishonesty will receive a XF in the course, indicating failure of the course due to academic dishonesty.  This grade will appear on the student’s transcript for two years after which the student may petition for the X to be expunged.  The student may also be placed on disciplinary probation, suspended (temporary removal) or expelled (permanent removal) from the College by the Honor Board.

It is important for students to remember that unauthorized collaboration--working together without permission-- is a form of cheating.  Unless I specify that you can work together on an assignment and/or test, no collaboration is permitted.   Other forms of cheating include possessing or using an unauthorized study aid (such as a PDA), copying from another’s exam, fabricating data, and giving unauthorized assistance.

You can find a complete version of the Honor Code and all related processes in the Student Handbook

Disability Statement: This College abides by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act that stipulates no student shall be denied access to an education “solely by reason of a handicap.” Disabilities covered by law include, but are not limited to, learning disabilities and hearing, sight or mobility impairments. If you have a documented disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please see an administrator at the Center of Disability Services, (843) 953-1431 and me so that such accommodation may be arranged.