CSC 300 Agreement regarding Ground Rules for the Class.

I understand that this course requires the analysis, integration and discussion of ideas and results provided through the hard work of others involved in many fields.  I understand that an important part of my work in this class is to utilize the work of others.  I agree to do so with honesty, integrity and keen attention to the proper sources of that work.  I agree to fairly credit those who have contributed to my own work in a clear and acceptable manner so that others who review my work are able to understand the basis upon which my contribution stands.  I further understand that this course encourages the cooperation of all students in gathering research, discussing ideas and making detailed analyses for individual assignments.  In that cooperation, other students' contributions must be noted.  The end result of student assignments such as exams, the termpaper, or the formal presentation must be written up and presented under my own authorship; and any and all contributions from other sources will be clearly noted.  

NOTE: If I omit a SINGLE attribution to another source of information, it will result in serious consequences: failure in the assignment (or class), or a formal charge of violation of academic honesty policies.  

I understand that basic writing skills are assumed in this class.  My spelling, punctuation, grammar, and paragraph structure and transitions must be correct and easy to read.  My writing style must be simple and straightforward and must make critical analysis and analytic arguments that utilize basic logic and rational reasoning.  I understand that I will fail the class if my writing fails to meet these standards.  

NOTE: I am permitted (and in some cases encouraged) to obtain outside help for your general writing and analytic writing skills.  Further, I am permitted, upon advance notice to the Professor, to hire a professional editor to help to edit my original work so that it meets syntactic standards.  I will cite the editor with full contact information so that the Professor may contact them to verify that they merely edited and did not write my assignment.

I understand that individual preparation and participation in general class discussion are required for a passing grade in the class.  I understand that I must pass with a "C" grade both the Final Termpaper and the Formal Presentation assignments in order to pass the class.  I have read and understand the handout "How to Fail CSC 300," attached below.

How To Fail CSC 300


I will fail CSC 300 for any of the following reasons - any single one is sufficient:

1. I do not cooperate with your lab team, fail to do my part of the lab team work. 
2. I do not show up for your assigned presentation time expecting to get an automatic rain check.
3. I begin research and writing for my final termpaper the weekend before it is due. 
4. I fail to write my termpaper with good syntax and grammar, fail to make solid logical arguments.  (Suggestion: Read Strunk and White's "Elements of Style")  (Second suggestion: Print out the sample papers from the website.  Go to Turner's office and read one or two sample papers with good grades,  review the sample on the course website.)
5. I fail to proofread my paper for spelling and logic errors.   Just as a piece of code must meet strict syntactical rules to compile, I understand that my writing must be clear in order to be readable for the Professor who must read it.  If my paper is hard to read or understand, all my wonderful ideas and intended semantics will be wasted.)  
6. I write a final termpaper shorter than 6000 words, or count the bibliography (or title page or appendices) to get to 6000. (Alternately, I use "filler" -  very long verbatim quotes, pictures with long headings, things like that.)  
7. I don't practice my presentation a few days before I am scheduled to give it.  I don't utilize the presentation standards grading sheet to evaluate my preparation.
8. I don't send my presentation slides or prep material to Turner for review at least 2 days before I am scheduled to give the presentation.
9. I give my presentation by reading notecards or my powerpoint slides verbatim.
10. I don't take notes during class discussions to highlight the major discussion points and differing logical positions.
11. I don't prepare for class: I just quickly look at the readings (or ignore them) and answer questions in class with obvious or simple points to appear to participate and appear prepared.
12. I do all my research for my paper and presentation using internet search in a few days.
13. I cite Wikipedia as an authoritative reference in my paper or presentation.
14. I don't use Turner's termpaper grading specifications to do my own critical self evaluation on my termpaper before its due. 
15. I submit written work that refers to facts or results of some other author without reasonable attribution of credit.  This, alone, will result in a failing grade on any assignment, and may result in other serious consequences.

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