ACADEMIC POLICIES

 

Grades and Grading

I record grades on a 100 point scale. For mid-semester estimates and the final grade I convert the scale to letter grades: 92% or greater is an A; 90% -91% is an A-; 88%-89% is a B+; 82%-87% is a B; 80%- 81% is a B-; 78%-79% is a C+; 72%-77% is a C; 70%-71% is a C-; 68%-69% is a D+; 62%-67% is a D; 60%-61% is a D-; below 60% is an F. Generally, grades D through B+ are distributed based on comparative performance in the class (they range from below average to above average). The grades of F and A are based on more absolute standards because they mean “failure” and “superior.” It is possible, but probably unlikely, that no members of the class will receive an F or an A.
I am always willing re-grade a paper or an essay exam. However, you must carefully reread your work and my comments and then tell me in writing why I should reconsider the grade. I will not lower a grade upon re-grading.

Makeup Exams and Deadlines


Make-ups of the midterm exam will be given only if the guidelines in the college Bulletin are followed. There must be a verifiable reason why the exam was not taken at the scheduled time. Having other exams scheduled for the same day is not reason enough. Makeup exams will be given during the reading period at the end of the semester and will be substantially different from the scheduled exam.
The course calendar provides the due date for the paper. Papers are late if I do not receive them by the beginning of class in the classroom where we meet. (I consider papers to be late if they are placed in my mailbox or under my door in the Political Science Department while class is meeting.) Grades on written work turned in late will be lowered and in some cases of extreme lateness will not be accepted. I do not grant extensions.


Plagiarism

Plagiarism means representing someone else's work, written words and/or thoughts, as your own. It may involve as little as a portion of a sentence and it may not be intentional. If you use some else’s work, you must give them credit. If the words are not your own, place them in quotations. If the words and/or the ideas are not your own you need to indicate their source in a parenthetical reference (author, date, page with the full reference in a bibliography) or in a complete footnote. I will provide a handout early in the semester that provides a more extensive description of plagiarism with examples.
I know that very few students plagiarize, but if I suspect plagiarism I will investigate. Plagiarism is theft of someone else’s words and ideas. If I find a case of plagiarism it will result in a failing grade and perhaps further action.