NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION (CSS 3312. 01, MWF 9:05 – 9:55 AM) (FALL 2011) Ignorance of course policies and expectations outlined in the syllabus does not exonerate you from them. INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Rosalind Baty, MA OFFICE: 143 Castellaw OFFICE HOURS: Mondays & Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by appointment OFFICE PHONE: 710-4257 EMAIL: Rosalind_Baty@Baylor.edu REQUIRED TEXTS Guerrero, L. K., & Hecht, M. L. (Eds.). (2008). The nonverbal communication reader (3rd ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc. Richmond, V. P., McCroskey, J. C., & Hickson, III, M.L. (2012). Nonverbal behavior in interpersonal relations (6th or 7th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon. COURSE OBJECTIVE To introduce students to the dynamics of nonverbal behavior through exploration of scholarly research, application of practical theory, and analysis of sociocultural variables to foster a deeper appreciation and greater understanding of nonverbal messages across social contexts. EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES By the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. Demonstrate mastery of nonverbal concepts, theory, and terminology through scholarly writing, personal reflection, and creative synthesis. 2. Understand the role nonverbal communication plays in intrapersonal communication particularly in the formation of self-concept. 3. Improve their ability to effectively encode and decode nonverbal messages to enhance the quality of daily interactions. 4. Understand the influence of culture and context in formation of perceptions and impression management. COURSE EVALUATION AND GRADING RUBRIC Assignments 3 nonverbal reflections blogs worth 100 points each 300 Course Engagement/Learning Assessments Class Participation Exercises - 4 worth 25 points each Dialectical Journal – unannounced checks, varying points 300 100 200 Total Possible Points 600 CLASS STRUCTURE This is an upper-level course. Have fun exploring the impact nonverbal communication has on our daily lives. The energy of this course is driven by intriguing questions more so than definitive answers. After all, human behavior is contextual and extremely subjective. Some class meetings will be devoted to reviewing key concepts from assigned reading in traditional lecture format (however, this does not mean that I should be the only one talking or that learning should be passive). Other times, class will involve discussion of nonverbal categories in a seminar style exchange (otherwise known as table topics). Assigned article reading, references from popular culture, hypothetical scenarios, and prompts from research will be used as the basis of these discussions. For each class devoted to table topic discussions, students are expected to come with 2 insights and 2 critiques of assigned reading and be prepared to share them with the rest of the class. Regardless of the format, students are expected to come to class prepared to engage in meaningful academic discussion. Use of notes in the dialectical journal will aid students in contributing insightful comments during class discussions (see dialectical journal section). FINAL GRADES All grades are final and rounded to the nearest tenth. Additional work, course incompletes, and/or extra credit will not be offered to students to boost their grades. Your grade in this course will reflect your efforts throughout the semester. If you are concerned about your class performance, you are strongly encouraged to meet with me well in advance of the end of the semester. I am here to help you succeed, but the ultimate responsibility is yours. (100%-89.5%) = A (89.4%-86.5%) = B+ (86.4%-79.5%) =B (79.4%-76.5%) = C+ (76.4%-69.5%) = C (69.4%-59.5%) = D (59.4%-0%) = F PREPARING FOR SUCCESS My goal is to help you be successful in the course. While success is a relative term, many students define success as getting a high grade in the courses they take. I challenge you to take this concept a step further by engaging the learning process and preparing for success by immersing yourself in the course material and critically reflecting on various subject matter that will aid you in enhancing your interpersonal relationships. Your study habits, commitment to excellence, and class decorum have much to do with experiencing successful course outcomes. Help me help you by proactively preparing for success. Such preparation includes but is not limited to: (1) reading the syllabus and being clear on/adhering to due dates and course expectations; (2) checking Blackboard frequently; (3) reading assigned textbook chapters and other supplemental reading prior to class; (4) taking dialectical notes during personal study time and during class; (5) thoroughly reading assignment expectations and asking for clarification when needed; (6) seeking help outside of class; and (7) actively listening and discussing relevant course material during class to engage the learning process. I am happy to work with students on an individual basis or refer students for tutorial services if needed. COURSE POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS 1. ATTENDANCE , MAKE UP WORK, AND PROMPTNESS Regular class attendance is necessary for success. Because of the nature of the course and the high value of discussion, excessive absences are likely to affect your ability to achieve a high grade in this course. If there is a pattern of successive absences and/or missing work, I will report students to the Paul Foster Success Center. Specifically, excessive is defined as four absences. ABSENCES To earn course credit in the College of Arts and Sciences, a student must attend at least 75% of all scheduled class meetings. Any student who does not meet this minimal standard will automatically receive a grade of “F” in the course. Any University-related activity necessitating an absence from class shall count as an absence when determining whether a student has attended the required 75% of class meetings. In addition to the College of Arts and Sciences Attendance Policy, faculty and students will be guided by the University Attendance Policy in the Undergraduate Catalogue. Furthermore, departments and individual faculty members may establish more stringent requirements regarding attendance, punctuality, and participation. All attendance requirements and penalties for excessive absences will be set forth in the syllabus for each course. Whether an absence is excused or unexcused, it is still considered an absence. Your attendance record will be posted and available to you on Blackboard. Absences will be recorded as unexcused (U) or excused (E) to determine student eligibility for makeup work. Late enrollment in the course (meaning after the first day of classes) does count toward absences. Such absences appear on Blackboard as dashes. MAKE UP WORK Students will be permitted to make up class work and assignments missed due to absences caused by (1) authorized participation in official university functions, (2) personal illness, or (3) an illness or death in the immediate family. Such absences are considered excused and must be accompanied by the appropriate documentation (see excused absence documentation). Also, the instructor has the prerogative of determining whether a student may make up work missed due to absences for other reasons. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of the reason for an absence (providing proof) and to do so in a timely fashion. Such cases are left to the instructor’s discretion to determine the credibility of the plea and whether the circumstances call for special consideration. If you know ahead of time that you will be absent from class, you are strongly encouraged to turn your work in early. All assignments and due dates are posted on Blackboard for such purposes. EXCUSED ABSENCE DOCUMENTATION a. Authorized participation in official university functions must be substantiated with written communication from a coach or faculty/staff advisor via Baylor email or letter on official university letterhead. b. Personal illness (physical or otherwise) must be substantiated with written communication from the Chaplain’s/Pastoral Care office and/or physician who administered the health services with the dates that you are to be excused from class. *NOTE: If you are ill and you miss class because you are trying to get an appointment but find that the health center is booked, your absence will NOT be excused. While this is unfortunate, you still do not have the required documentation. c. An illness or death in the immediate family must be substantiated with written communication from the Chaplain’s/Pastoral Care office with the corresponding dates that the student needs to be excused. In the event of an absence due to a death in the family, the aforementioned written documentation must be accompanied by a program from the services. EXCUSED ABSENCE PROTOCOL In the event of an excused absence(s), it is the student’s responsibility to set up a meeting immediately upon their return during office hours or by appointment to make up assignments missed or to have them excused. Students who do not schedule an appointment to take care of assignments within 48 hours of returning to class will forfeit the opportunity to make up the work regardless of the circumstance. Depending on the nature of the assignment, I will determine whether it is appropriate to allow the student to make-up the assignment or excuse the assignment so that it does not count toward the earned point total. If it is determined that an assignment is to be made-up, then the requirements for the assignment may differ from the original assignment. NO MAKE-UP WORK OR EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE GIVEN FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES. In other words, all work missed due to unexcused reasons will be marked as a “0”. For example, oversleeping is not an excused absence. PROMPTNESS It is my belief that attendance and promptness are key components in determining success and are crucial to personal development. If you come in late, please enter the classroom in a way that does not disrupt the learning process or comprise the integrity of our academic community. Please be mindful that tardiness compromises your ability to earn full credit on assignments and hear assignment-specific instructions and other course announcements. ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES Class begins and attendance is taken at the official class time (not necessarily according to your watch). If you walk in after your name has been called for attendance, you are considered late. It is your responsibility to make sure you are counted as present by speaking with me after class. Your attendance record for that day will be recorded on blackboard with an “L”. Please do not assume that I saw you come in. Failure to speak with me regarding your tardy will result in your attendance being logged with a U for unexcused absence. After a class has transpired, retrospective correction of your attendance record will not occur. 2. CLASS PARTICIPATION AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY Class participation is a distinguishing characteristic of a course of this nature. There are 4 formal exercises designed to measure the degree to which students are engaged and reflecting on unit objectives. Prior notice will not be given on days that class participation assignments are given. If you miss class the day an assignment is given, you will receive a 0 unless your absence is a result of an excused reason (see “Excused Absence Protocol” section) participation for this course is defined, as being able to respond to the course material by having read assigned reading and coming to class prepared with questions and personal insights. To maintain the integrity of the learning process and optimal classroom dynamics, all cell phones, pagers, two-ways, MP3 players, etc. must be turned off prior to class. While use of laptops is permitted for note taking, if a student is found to be surfing the web, looking at web casts, instant messaging or working on assignments for other classes, that student will no longer be permitted to use their laptop in class. Reading the Lariat, studying for other courses, etc. is not participating in class but rather an overt display of apathy. It is important that students come prepared to work and ready to partake in meaningful academic dialogue free from distraction. Students who are using technology for reasons that are not academic (i.e. texting), sleeping, working on assignments for other classes, etc. will be asked to leave class for the day. 3. BLACKBOARD This class will require frequent use of Blackboard. I strongly suggest that students check Blackboard at least the day before each class to ensure they keep abreast of announcements, assignment logistics, grades, attendance records and other pertinent class information. All assignments, due dates, and expectations are posted on Blackboard. Students are responsible for keeping up with changes in assignment logistics and due dates throughout the semester. In addition, students are required to download and bring copies of assignments to class as extra copies of assignments will not be provided in class when an assignment is due. Every Friday, an overview of the upcoming week will be posted on Blackboard. This is to ensure that students are well informed about course logistics and to reinforce reading assignments as printed on the syllabus. While I do not require mandatory attendance of University-sponsored Blackboard training sessions, I strongly encourage you to attend one if you are not comfortable with using it. Every semester, Baylor’s Electronic Library will conduct Blackboard orientation seminars for students at Noon, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00 pm on the Garden Level of Moody Memorial Library in Room G32. These 45-minute seminars will cover Blackboard basics as well as address specific tasks that often prove difficult for students. Seminar attendance is first-come, first-served, so students do not have to sign up in advance. Each student who completes Blackboard orientation will receive a certificate of completion. These seminars are intended to reduce the amount of class time needed for basic Blackboard orientation, thereby allowing more time for valuable instructional activities. If you have any questions regarding specific class dates, please contact John Lowe, Online Teaching and Learning Services, at John_Lowe@baylor.edu or by phone at extension 7362. 4. ASSIGNMENTS NONVERBAL REFLECTIONS BLOG I believe that one of the best ways to ensure mastery of course content and engage the needs of today’s diverse adult learners is to challenge them to reflect on the academic principles, social constructs, and personal experiences associated with nonverbal communication via creative outlets. Students will create a blog site through Word Press (www.wordpress.com) to chronicle their learning and thoughts in a creative manner. Assigned entries, responses to classmates’ blogs, and other developmental tasks will be required throughout the semester. A detailed rubric for each blog assignment is available on Blackboard under the ‘Blog Assignments’ link. LATE WORK I do not accept late work. Due dates for assignments are noted in color on the class schedule in the syllabus, posted in weekly announcements on Blackboard, and printed on assignment rubrics available on Blackboard. If you know that you are going to miss class, turn your work in early or arrange for your assignment to be turned in by a classmate. If you miss class on a day that a class participation assignment is given or dialectical notes are collected and/or checked and that absent is not excused, you will receive a zero. SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS REGARDING ASSIGNMENT GRADES Please allow at least 24 hours to pass after grades have been delivered before you discuss grade issues with me (during office hours or by appointment and not before or during class). 5. DIALECTICAL JOURNALS Notes are particularly useful in helping you personalize your thoughts and evaluate your understanding of the material so that class time is more than just lecture but rather a meaningful exchange between your peers and instructor about the meaning you’ve created and questions you’ve formulated about the course material. A dialectical journal is another name for a double-entry journal or a reader-response journal. A dialectical journal is a journal that records a dialogue, or conversation, between the ideas in the text (the words that you are reading) and the ideas of the reader (the person who is doing the reading). This is what you must do in your journal—keep a dialogue with yourself. Please see the ‘Learning Guide for NVC’ document under the ‘Course Documents’ link on Blackboard for specific instructions on format and other expectations. You must have your journal in class every day. They will be collected and graded at random, and those who do not have their journals will receive zeroes. Instead of reading quizzes, I will use your dialectical journals as a way to ensure you are keeping up with the reading but benefiting from it in a manner that reflects your personal learning journey. If you do not have a journal when it is requested, you will receive a zero. Dialectical Journals are worth 1/3 (200 of the 600 points) of your semester grade. You are expected to write in your journal at least once a week. Journal entries will be at least three sentences long. I will grade journals in a variety of ways; I may spot check for 20 points, or I may collect to read and grade thoroughly for significantly more points. The grading criteria for the journal will remain the same—only the points will be adjusted. 6. EXTRA CREDIT You may earn up to 30 points extra credit by taking advantage of two opportunities: A. Review, initial, and sign the acknowledgement form at the end of the syllabus for 10 points by Friday, October 2 at the beginning of class. B. Create an extra blog entry for 20 points by Monday, December 5 at midnight. Please see the extra credit link on Blackboard for details. 7. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS Written work must be consistent with expectations of the corporate workplace. Specifically, written work must be presented in a professional style and follow basic principles of effective written communication. Incorporation of scholarly sources and proper citations using APA 6th edition style rules is required. Style guidelines and online tutorials are available on Blackboard under the ‘Course Documents’ button and at http://apastyle.org/. At a minimum, regardless of the level of formality associated with an assignment, all assignments should be neat, well organized, clearly written, and free from grammatical and/or typographical errors. 8. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY University policy on academic honesty will be strictly enforced. Along with preparing for and attending classes, each student has the responsibility of promoting high academic standards. Academic dishonesty includes: (a) cheating, (b) fabrications and falsifications, (c) multiple submissions, (d) plagiarism, and (e) complicity in academic dishonesty. Acts of dishonesty may result in a possible failing grade for the course and referral to the Baylor University Honor Council. Baylor University policies require that students, staff, and faculty act in academic matters with utmost honesty and integrity. It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the Honor Code and other university policies and procedures affecting academic integrity. Students are also encouraged to consider these suggestions: Review each class syllabus for expectations your professor may have regarding course work and class attendance that go beyond those stated in university policies and guidelines and the Honor Code. Be familiar with the importance of academic integrity in class. Understand how citations show respect for other scholars. Talk with your professor if you are confused about citation practices or other research standards. Make sure you understand not only what counts as plagiarism and cheating, but also how to avoid engaging in these practices. Manage your time, take notes correctly, and use the internet appropriately. Make sure you understand your professor’s guidelines about working with other students on assignments, receiving assistance from other students on assignments, citing sources, using notes or exams from previous or other classes, and accessing information during an examination. If in doubt – ask your professor! Understand that penalties can result from dishonest conduct, ranging from failure of the assignment to immediate expulsion from the university. For more information see the Baylor University Honor Code on the Academic Integrity Web page or contact the Office of Academic Integrity at 710-8882 or Academic_Integrity@baylor.edu. In addition, I deem respect for both other students and the instructor a form of academic integrity. Therefore, disrespect in any form, subject to my analysis, will not be tolerated. The aforementioned consequences following items a - e apply in this situation as well. Further, looking at or in the direction of another student’s paper (determined from test proctor’s vantage point) during an exam or other graded individual effort is considered academic dishonesty; likewise, the aforementioned consequences apply. The outlined consequences are subject to the instructor’s discretion. 9. CLASS BEHAVIOR Much of postsecondary learning is being open to different opinions and ideals by engaging others in scholarly discussion. I expect students to treat each other (and me) with the same measure of respect, courtesy, and openness that they will be given. Open and honest exchange is greatly encouraged in this class but this does not give anyone license to deride, belittle, embarrass, or ridicule those with opinions that are different or less popular. 10. OFFICE HOURS Please take full advantage of office hours. During office hours I have an open-door policy. However, if hours are not conducive to your schedule please request an appointment via email or phone. Allow me 24 hours (on weekdays) to respond to confirm your request. Please do not request an appointment before or during class. 11. DISABILITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS Every reasonable attempt will be made to remove any physical barrier, which may hamper the ability of an individual to learn in the classroom. Anyone who has a physical disability or other circumstances that may affect the completion of assignments are welcome to discuss this limitation with me. Baylor University and its faculty are committed to helping you meet your individual needs and to supporting your efforts for a quality education. For assistance, contact the Office of Access and Learning Accommodation at 254-710-3605 and your instructor within the first two weeks of the semester. TENTATIVE WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE Please note that the schedule is labeled tentative. Class will be conducted based on its overall energy. It is my desire to use our time together effectively; therefore, when we complete a concept we will move on. You are 100% responsible for any changes made to this syllabus or to the schedule. This includes but is not limited to: changes to dates, assignments, chapters covered and/or exams. The changes will be posted on Blackboard, in addition to being announced in class. Please note that “R” refers to reading assignments in the 7th edition of the textbook. “G” refers to articles in The Nonverbal Communication Reader. It is important that you read the assigned articles and/or chapters before you come to class on the designated date. Keep in mind that you should be writing in your dialectical journal for each reading assignment and bringing it to class with you every day. - DATE WEEK OF 08/22 MONDAY, 08/22 - - SUBJECT/EVENT ASSIGNED READING WELCOME, COURSE OVERVIEW SYLLABUS WEDNESDAY, 08/24 PREPARING FOR SUCCESS: BLACKBOARD, LEARNING OBJECTIVES, EXPECTATIONS REVIEW BLACKBOARD FEATURES AND CONTENT FRIDAY, 08/26 NO CLASS - (USE THIS DAY TO CREATE YOUR WORDPRESS BLOG AND FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH ITS FEATURES. EMAIL ME YOUR URL AT ROSALIND_BATY@BAYLOR.EDU) - WEEK OF 08/29 MONDAY, 08/29 - NV INTRO: WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS STUFF? G.: PP. 3 – 20; PP. 27 - 43 WEDNESDAY, 08/31 CHAPTER 1: NONVERBAL OVERVIEW R: PP. 1 – 14 FRIDAY, 09/02 INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: NV’S ROLE IN SOCIAL IDENTITY AND G: PP. 321 - 334 IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT BLOG URLS DUE VIA EMAIL TO PROFESSOR BATY BY MIDNIGHT - WEEK OF 09/05 MONDAY, 09/05 LABOR DAY - NO CLASS - WEDNESDAY, 09/07 PHYSICAL APPEARANCE TABLE TOPICS HALPRIN CHAPTER (DOWNLOAD FROM COURSE DOCUMENTS LINK ON BLACKBOARD); G: PP. 59 - 68 - FRIDAY, 09/09 CHAPTER 2: PHYSICAL APPEARANCE R: PP. 15– 33 - WEEK OF 09/12 MONDAY, 09/12 CHAPTER 2: PHYSICAL APPEARANCE R: PP. 33– 48 - WEDNESDAY, 09/14 CHAPTER 3: GESTURE & MOVEMENT R: PP. 49 – 62; G: PP. 105-108 CHAPTER 3: GESTURE & MOVEMENT R: PP. 62– 72; G: PP. 139-143 - FRIDAY, 09/16 NO CLASS FIRST BLOG ENTRY DUE BY MIDNIGHT - WEEK OF 09/19 MONDAY, 09/19 RIGHT BRAIN/LEFT BRAIN DISCUSSION FACIAL BEHAVIOR TABLE TOPICS G: PP. 139-143; R: PP. 73 – 81 - WEDNESDAY, 09/21 CHAPTER 4: FACIAL BEHAVIOR R: PP. 82-90 - FRIDAY, 09/23 CHAPTER 5: EYE BEHAVIOR G: 119-129, 130-138; R: PP. 91-103 - WEEK OF 09/26 MONDAY, 09/26 CHAPTER 6: VOCALICS TABLE TOPICS G: PP. 151-159, 160-168, 169-174 - WEDNESDAY, 09/28 CHAPTER 6: VOCALICS R: PP. 104-115 - FRIDAY, 09/30 CHAPTER 6: VOCALICS R: PP. 115 – 125; G:175 181 - WEEK OF 10/03 MONDAY, 10/03 CHAPTER 7: SPACE/TERRITORIALITY TABLE TOPICS G: PP. 182-189, PP. 191202 - WEDNESDAY, 10/05 CHAPTER 7: SPACE/TERRITORIALITY R: PP. 126-138 - FRIDAY, 10/07 CHAPTER 7: SPACE/TERRITORIALITY R: PP. 138-146 - WEEK OF 10/10 MONDAY, 10/10 CHAPTER 8 : ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL SURROUNDINGS TABLE TOPICS G: PP.242-244, PP. 2897 – 288, PP. 289-297 - WEDNESDAY, 10/12 CHAPTER 8: ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL SURROUNDINGS R: PP. 147-173 - FRIDAY, 10/14 FALL BREAK – NO CLASS - WEEK OF 10/17 MONDAY, 10/17 TOUCH TABLE TOPICS G: PP. 209 – 216; PP. 217 – 225; PP. 232-241 - WEDNESDAY, 10/19 CHAPTER 8: TOUCH R:PP. 174-184 - FRIDAY, 10/21 CHAPTER 8: TOUCH R:PP. 184-192 - WEEK OF 10/24 MONDAY, 10/24 INTERCULTURAL COMM. TABLE TOPICS G: PP. 314 – 320; PP. 335 343 - WEDNESDAY, 10/26 CHAPTER 14: INTERCULTURAL COMM. R: PP. 284 – 291 - NO CLASS - FRIDAY, 10/28 WEEK OF 10/31 MONDAY, 10/31 - WEDNESDAY, 11/02 MOVIE – CRASH REVIEW EXPECTATIONS FOR SECOND BLOG ENTRY – BRING OVERVIEW TO CLASS FOR Q&A - MOVIE – CRASH - FRIDAY, 11/04 WEEK OF 11/07 MONDAY, 11/07 - WEDNESDAY, 11/09 CRASH DISCUSSION - FRIDAY, 11/11 FEMALE-MALE RELATIONS TABLE TOPICS G: PP. 344 – 345, 346-352; 353-359 - WEEK OF 11/14 MONDAY, 11/14 CHAPTER 11: FEMALE-MALE RELATIONS SECOND BLOG ENTRY DUE BY R: PP. 208 - 224 CHAPTER 14: INTERCULTURAL COMM. R: PP. 292 - 311 MOVIE – CRASH MIDNIGHT - WEDNESDAY, 11/16 CHAPTER 11: FEMALE-MALE RELATIONS - FRIDAY, 11/18 MOVIE: LOVE AND BASKETBALL REVIEW EXPECTATIONS FOR LAST BLOG ENTRY – BRING OVERVIEW TO CLASS FOR Q&A - WEEK OF 11/21 MONDAY, 11/21 MOVIE: LOVE AND BASKETBALL - WEDNESDAY, 11/23 THANKSGIVING - NO CLASS - FRIDAY, 11/25 THANKSGIVING - NO CLASS R: PP. 225-231 - WEEK OF 11/28 MONDAY, 11/28 MOVIE: LOVE AND BASKETBALL - WEDNESDAY, 11/30 LOVE AND BASKETBALL DISCUSSION - FRIDAY, 12/02 WEEK OF 12/05 MONDAY, 12/05 NO CLASS - LAST DAY OF CLASS – NO CLASS FINAL BLOG ENTRY DUE BY MIDNIGHT Acknowledgement Form I _____________________________________ acknowledge that I have read and understand the requirements and expectations set forth in the syllabus for 3312.01. By initialing each of the items below and signing and dating this form by Friday, September 2 at the beginning of class, I will receive 10 points extra credit that will be added to my overall point total for the course. ______ I understand that in addition to announcements made in class regarding changes to the course schedule and other course related information, Mrs. Baty will communicate via Blackboard and/or email to keep students informed about the class. Therefore, frequent reference to the syllabus, use of Blackboard, and my Baylor email account are necessary to stay abreast of course related information and assignments. ______ I understand that Mrs. Baty does not accept late work unless circumstances fall under the “excused absence” criteria. ______ I understand that if I come in late (after attendance has been taken), it is my responsibility to let Mrs. Baty know that I am present before I leave class as retroactive correction of attendance will not occur. ______ I understand that my grade will be determined based on how many points I have earned (including extra credit) out of 600 points. ______ I understand that my cell phone, MP3 player, and any other electronic devices are to be turned off and remain off during class and that failure to comply will result in my property being confiscated for the remainder of the period. Such devices do not include laptops if being used for the explicit purpose of note taking or in class assignments. ____________________________________________ Student’s Printed Name ____________________________________________ Student’s Signature ____________________________________________ Date