GRADES: 

This course will consist of a combination of lectures from your text and outside material I will present. Throughout the lectures and at the end of each lecture you will have the opportunity to discuss the topics covered in the lecture and/or other relevant issues. Your grade will be based on three examinations (100 pts. each) and a comprehensive final examination (100pts.). I will use your two highest scores on the first three exams and your final exam score to establish your final grade; everyone must take the final examination. You will also be given the opportunity to earn 10 extra credit points; this will consist of a brief (5-6 page) paper describing a relevant theory or issue discussed in the class. The paper will be due the last day of class (April 30) - NO EXCEPTIONS! Before writing the paper, check with me to make sure your selected topic is appropriate. The grading scale for each exam is: 

A = 100 - 90%
B = 89 - 80%
C= 79 - 70%
D = 69 - 60%
F = 59% and Below

 MISSED EXAMINATIONS: There are no make-up tests. Remember, you can drop the lowest of your first three test scores of the semester. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you choose to not take one of the exams early in the semester, you decrease your degrees of freedom later in the semester if an actual emergency arises and you have to miss an exam.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR: 

Courteous behavior in class is expected. Section II, 5ubsection C of the 5tudent Rights and Responsibilities Governing Student Behavior states that " it is the responsibility of the student to conform to conduct conducive to learning by being prepared, prompt, attentive, and courteous in the classroom and by conforming to policies set by the teacher to maintain on academic decorum." In other words, be nice. If you are going to come to class, be here because you are here to learn and participate. If you do no want to be here, or if you simply find it too difficult to behave in a manner that resembles adult behavior, please stay home. Also, because the subject matter of this course deals with material that can be emotionally charged at times, I want to create an atmosphere that is open, respectful, and conducive to discussion; in a class this size, this is sometimes tricky. This means that I expect you to conduct yourself in a way that facilitates appropriate discussion. Because much of my supporting lecture material (on which you will be tested) comes from outside sources, you need to be here every day - or have some very good friends that will be here.