My Grading Rubric

• demonstrate thorough understanding of the material.
• complete every assignment neatly, factually and on time and within limits assigned.
• tell not only "what" but "why," relating the importance of their newly learned material to their previous knowledge.
• attend every class on time, read their material before the class and review again after the class.
• do not make excuses.
• get the job done - on time, under budget and with a minimum of drama.

• understand the material, but may miss part of a question, not understand it, or answer less than perfectly.
• answers are relatively thorough, but may be too short or too long and rambling.
• list what they learned without sharing the process.
• make very few mistakes, have few absences or lateness and make few excuses.

• are just scraping by.
• do the minimum needed to get out.
• work lacks the craftsmanship and attention to detail of A and B students.
• opinions tend to be vague or based on partial understanding.
• make some careless mistakes, don't show up (even when they say they will), are consistently late for class, have late homework and make excuses.

• will need to take required classes over again to graduate because they put neither the time nor effort needed into completing the requirements of the class.

General Guidelines

• All my classes require the use of email, the Internet and ordinary computer programs (word processing, spread sheet, text editor) as well as programs and techniques which will be taught during the semester.
• Homework assignments are limited to one page, two-sided, typed any size above 8 and below 14 points with pictures, diagrams and other visual material as needed. Assignments will be returned and should be included in your notes for reference.
• You need a 6 inch ruler, colored pencils, pens, crayons, or other marking implements. You may bring but usually do not need a calculator unless indicated on the syllabus. If time does not permit completion of work within class time, you may get help from tutors and the instructor when available or by email.
• Please bring your text book, lab book and notes to lab, then put away your other stuff and bag in the cabinet adjoining your seat. This clears the floor for the prof. to move around and reduces damage to your possessions. All laboratory materials are to be treated carefully and put away by each student following the lab. No laboratory materials may be taken out of the classroom under any circumstances. Removing academic property is an automatic "F" for the semester.
• Reviews will be given in the classroom. Tutor centers and libraries have additional books and materials of relevance to this and all classes. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
• Tests are multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and/or short essay questions. Please bring some colored pens or pencils and a #2 pencil on the quiz days shown above. No makeup examinations will be given except in cases of extreme hardship with the approval of the department chair, instructor and student. Cheating on any test will result in an immediate "F" semester grade.
• The best grades will be given to students who are on time, prepared for class, participate in a positive manner and do assignments neatly, carefully and punctually. "A" students type or neatly label all assignments.
• Syllabus pages will not be changed, but updates may be posted.
• Suggested links are included on the nifty links pages on this website. Additional links found by students may be incorporated in the nifty links pages.
• The Internet will be used as a research tool in addition to books and other resources. Check the links elsewhere in this website or email me for help finding search engines, websites and other sources.
• Using e-mail as directed is required for this class. Changes to the calendar, assignments and other information will be distributed by email and students are urged to use email to question the professor on points of difficulty.