Technology in the Classroom:
While this course embraces technology, technology also brings with it pitfalls and temptations. You are welcome to bring your laptop to class and use it appropriately for taking notes and checking course-related information. However, I strongly urge you to turn off your email, Facebook, instant messaging programs, etcetera during class time. It is easy for your laptop to become a distraction to you and to those around you — please don’t let that happen. Inappropriate uses will be noted and will affect your participation grade. By the same token, please leave your mobile phone off and keep it put away during class. If you have an emergency and must leave your phone on to take a call or text, please let me know before that class begins.

When you communicate with others in the course, be it online or in person, be respectful of their opinion and of them, even if you disagree with their ideas. Misunderstandings happen even more easily online than they do in person.

Absences:
This seminar meets weekly and moves quickly.  It also functions as a discussion so your attendance is vital. If you must miss class due to illness or emergency, I expect you to email me so we can arrange to meet and discuss the material you missed.  Unexcused absences will bring down your participation grade a full letter.

Honor Code:
Loyola Marymount University is a community dedicated to academic excellence, student-centered education, and the Jesuit and Marymount traditions. As such, the University expects all members of its community to act with honesty and integrity at all times, especially in their academic work. Academic honesty respects the intellectual and creative work of others, flows from dedication to and pride in performing one’s own best work, and is essential if true learning is to take place.

Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, the following: all acts of cheating on assignments or examinations, or facilitating other students’ cheating; plagiarism; fabrication of data, including the use of false citations; improper use of nonprint media; unauthorized access to computer accounts or files or other privileged information; and improper use of internet sites and resources.

Academic dishonesty will receive failing grades.

Disability Accommodation:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. Please contact the The Disability Support Services (DSS) Office at (310) 338-4216 in Daum Hall, second floor to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.