Attendance and Participation
Philosophy is an activity; that is, it is something one does.  The "doing" of philosophy can take several forms, but mainly it entails discussion and dialogue between two or more individuals.  This dialogue or discussion can be in the form of writing whereby one reads what the other has written and then responds in kind.  Alternatively, the discussion and dialogue can take place in an active conversation among people.  In this class, we will "do" philosophy in both forms; we will write for the other to read, and we will engage in active conversation or discussion and so create a class dialogue.

Since philosophy is such an activity where much importance is placed on discussion, it is necessary that the student become part of the class dialogue.  A student cannot be an active participant in class if the student does not attend class regularly, that is, does not attend every class meeting possible.  Moreover, if a student does not actively participate in the class dialogue, then that student misses much of what may be important to understanding philosophy or the philosophical views expressed in the readings and the class dialogue.  That is to say, keeping up with the readings is not enough.

Therefore, while a student may need to miss class because of illness or other emergencies, still the student is expected to attend class when able, on time, and on a regular basis.  Thus, each student will earn one point for each class one attends.  At the end of the semester, the total number of classes attended divided by the total number of class meetings will yield your Attendance/Participation grade with possible further adjustments for the level of active class participation.  Likewise, see the Rules for Classroom Behavior regarding being late for class. [Total number of class meetings for MWF classes - 43 days; MW only classes - 29 days; TR only classes - 30 days.]

N.B.:  Should you miss the equivalent of 3 weeks of class (9 class meetings for 3-day/week classes; 6 class meetings for 2-day/week classes) this may result in an automatic "F" for the class/course. 

At the end of the day, if a student wants to attend class, he or she will.  If a student chooses not to attend class, which is the business of the student, then consequences will be what they may.

Rules for Classroom Behavior

1.  Always have your text with you; likewise, come prepared to take notes.  If you do not have your text, do not bother coming to class, as you are not prepared.

2.  DO NOT BE LATE FOR CLASS:  If you arrive more than10 minutes after the beginning of class, DO NOT ENTER THE CLASSROOM.  If you should enter the class after class has begun, I will deduct 3 points from your final Attendance and Participation grade EACH TIME YOU ARE LATE and YOU ENTER THE CLASSROOM.  Also, do not leave the class during the middle of instruction if at all possible - this, too, is disruptive to the class as it is disrespectful to all.

3.  If you are late for class, and you are careful to observe the rule above, it is your obligation to find out what you missed that day in class.  You can do this easily by waiting to speak to me after the class has ended.  Likewise, I will not allow make-ups for missed quizzes (should the course include such assignments).

4.  TURN OFF CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT.

5.  Unless you have a special need, and I have given my approval, there will be No Laptops allowed in class.

6.  Do not send papers or assignments to the instructor via email unless previously approved by the instructor.  Likewise, do not come to class merely to drop-off an assignment - the instructor will not accept the assignment.  If you cannot stay for the class, then do not bother attending.  The college and the instructor consider this action to be disruptive behavior and subject to the provisions outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.  (See statement on Academic Etiquette -

http://www.collin.edu/studentresources/deanofstudents/files/1213_student_handbook.pdf

7.  If you change your name for any reason during the semester, please inform your instructor of this change.

8.  Perhaps most importantly, if you wish to carry on conversations with your friends/acquaintances in class during class time, I will ask you to leave the class - no questions asked.

9. N.B.  Always use your Cougarmail Email account to communicate with your Professors.  I will not respond to private email accounts.

10. Should you wish to discuss any of the rules above with me and the reasons for such rules, you are welcome to do so.  I am more than willing to discuss these policies.

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