CSC 300 Statement regarding Honesty and Ground Rules for the Class.
Fall 2009.
Turner.
I understand that this course requires the analysis, integration and discussion of ideas and results provided by 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.
I further 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 each and every assignment in order to pass the class. Basic writing skills are assumed and all documents must meet basic writing, spelling and grammar standards in order to receive a passing grade. I have read and understand the handout "How to Fail CSC 300," attached below.
How To Fail CSC 300
Turner, Winter 2009
You may fail CSC 300 for any of the following reasons - any single one is sufficient:
1. Do not cooperate with your lab team, fail to do your part of the lab team work.
2. Do not show up for your assigned presentation time expecting to get an automatic rain check.
3. Begin research and writing for your termpaper the weekend
before it is due. (Suggestion: Start early, do casual readings
very early and keep notes as to the interesting parts.) (Second
suggestion: Begin to write early, turn in an early draft for review by
Turner, it has to be turned in more than a week before it is due to get
useful comments.)
4. Fail to write your 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. Fail to proofread your paper for spelling and logic errors.
These alone can result in a failing paper (and failure for the
course). As a piece of code must meet strict syntactical rules to
compile, your writing must be clear in order to be readable. If
your paper is hard to read or understand, all your intended semantics
are wasted.)
6. Write a shorter paper than 6000 words, or count the
bibliography (or title page or appendices) to get to 6000.
(Alternately, use very long verbatim quotes, pictures with long
headings to lengthen the paper.)
7. Don't practice your presentation a few days before you are scheduled to give it.
8. Don't send your presentation slides or prep material to Turner
for review at least 2 days before you're scheduled to give the
presentation.
9. Give your presentation by reading notecards or your powerpoint slides verbatim.
10. Don't take notes during class discussions to highlight the major discussion points and differing logical positions.
11. Don't prepare for class: just quickly look at the readings
(or ignore them) and answer questions in class with obvious or simple
points to appear to participate and be prepared.
12. Don't work out the practice midterm and final exams with
other students in the class well in advance of the scheduled exam.
13. Do all your research for your paper and presentation using internet search in one afternoon.
14. Cite Wikipedia as an authoritative reference in your paper or presentation.
15. Don't use Turner's grading guidelines to do your own self
evaluation on your termpaper or your practice talk before they're due.
16. Submit any written work that refers to facts or results of some other author without reasonable attribution of credit. This, alone, can result in a failing grade on any assignment.
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Signature and Date