Course and University Policies

Generative Artificial Intelligence policy (AI): I expect all work produced by you to not be under the influence of programs like ChatGPT or others like it. You all have opinions, ideas, and perspectives about this class material that I value and I am more interested in your reflection rather than an AI-produced response. Using someone (or something) else’s responses is a form a plagiarism.

Attendance Requirements: This course is completely online and asynchronous. There are no required lectures, though please reach out to schedule a one-on-one meeting over Zoom if needed. Graduate students: If you’d like to schedule discussion groups to talk about your book-length readings, I am happy to set up a hour-long meeting. Undergraduates, for your Unessay project, I ask that you either schedule a short Zoom meeting to present your final project or you record a short video celebrating/showing off your creation.

Assignment Expectations: All assignments must be turned in at the time listed on the course schedule. Extensions will only be granted under certain circumstances. Contact me for any questions, concerns, or with any emergencies--I’m here to help you.

Late Work and Missed Work: Life happens. I understand if you need an extension on your work, but please try not to make this a regular occurrence. I ask that you contact me if you need extra time. If your work becomes overly tardy, it may affect your grade and standing in the course (based on the discretion of the instructor).

Diversity Statement: I consider this (digital) classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect, and I welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, national origins, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, ability--and other visible and nonvisible differences. All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every other member of the class.

Veteran Information: Veterans and active duty military personnel with special circumstances are welcome and encouraged to communicate these to me. Resources for veterans are available at http://www.mnsu.edu/veterans/resources/

Preferred Name/Pronoun: I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records.

University Policies

Academic Honesty Policy: As members of this University community, you assume the responsibility to fulfill their academic obligations in a fair and honest manner. This responsibility includes avoiding inappropriate activities such as plagiarism, cheating, or collusion. Students found responsible for one or more of these activities may face both academic sanctions (such as lowering a grade, failing of a course, etc.) and disciplinary sanctions (such as probation, suspension, or expulsion). The full policy, including definitions of plagiarism, cheating, and collusion, is available at https://www.mnsu.edu/policies/approved/academichonesty.pdf.

Grade Appeals Policy: You have the right to ask me for an explanation of any grade received. Grade appeals are reviewed in instances where students perceive that a final course grade is unfair, arbitrary, or capricious. Students must begin the procedures of this policy within two weeks* of university notification of a final course grade. Students needing assistance at any step in appealing a grade may contact the Academic Affairs Coordinator of the Student Senate (280 Centennial Student Union; phone 389-2611). Students should retain copies of all materials associated with this process for their records. Students should also have records of their coursework from the class as part of the appeal process. The full policy is available at: http://www.mnsu.edu/policies/approved/gradeappeals.pdf. If you have read to this point, congratulations you’ve arrived at an extra credit opportunity. In your first Google Forms response, tell me what topic of the Civil War most interests you and why. If you do, I will give you three extra credit points.

Missed Classes/Work for University Sponsored or Sanctioned Activities and Make up work Policy: Students represent the university through participation in university sponsored or sanctioned activities, such as the arts, theater, music, dance, forensics, and intercollegiate athletics. When the activity schedule occasionally conflicts with academic obligations, student-participants will follow a standard protocol to provide me with prior, written notification of their absences from classes. Faculty members will determine, in consultation with student-participants, how missed classes and assignments are made-up in a manner that fulfills academic obligations and accommodates participatory obligations. Except for absences resulting from sponsored or sanctioned activities, student-participants have the same responsibility with regard to class attendance and assignments as do all other students.The full policy is available at: http://www.mnsu.edu/atoz/policies/missedclassesandmakeupwork.pdf.