Class Policies

Professor Christopher N. Matthews
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Hofstra University


 


I want you to succeed in my class. To do so, you need to stay current with the readings, come to class, and make sure you understand what I am talking about.  To help you avoid simple mistakes, the following provides my policy on the basic issues.
 

ATTENDANCE
This is college, you are adults.  It is your choice to perform or not.  However, if you are not in class, then I cannot do my job for you as a teacher.  Coming to class will allow you to see how I am thinking about the material and allow you to get the most out of it.  Missing class will only leave you short-handed when it comes time for exams, quizzes, papers, and my assessment of your grade.  You are responsible for the material both in the readings and the lectures.

I will take role and record your absences.  If you miss class for any reason, please produce a written excuse so that I can keep it with my records.  I do not have an established policy on the number of absences, but if the attendance is unusually or consistently low I will give Pop Quizzes to reward those who do come to class.
 

MISSED EXAMS
If for any reason you miss a scheduled exam I require written notification in advance or reams of documentation after the fact.  This must be provided within 24 hours from the time of the exam which, since I only come to campus every other day , means you will have to either call me or send me an email.  I will be very selective about giving make-ups.  Basically, just expect a zero for the grade unless you can show that you were sick or had a true emergency.  You have the schedule of quizzes and tests, so conflicts that could have been avoided will be disregarded.
 

LATE PAPERS
The biggest problem with late papers is that it is unfair to the other students who turned theirs in on time.  Why should you get more time than they do?  Late papers will lose a letter or 10% of the grade for everyday.  It is possible to fail by being late.  If you need extra time please clear it with me.  As with other issues, the excuses need support and worthiness.  You have the schedule, getting caught at the end of the semester with too much work is your problem.
 

This is the way it will be, I promise.  But I am human and I want to make sure you are getting the best chance to succeed in this course and your entire college career.  If you have trouble with the assignments, the course material, or any other issue that I can help with do not hesitate to talk with me after class, in my office, on the phone, by email, etc.

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