Participation Policy
The nature of this seminar necessitates that you come to class prepared for every seminar session and to fully engage in discussions and other seminar activities. Attendance and participation are of the utmost importance, especially since it allows each of us to show curiosity about others’ perspectives on an issue, to demonstrate respect for other opinions and ideas through acknowledging their view and asking for clarification when you aren’t sure. During seminar meetings, participation also means focusing on what is going on (being present), stepping up when you have a contribution, listening actively and responding to others’ ideas, and stepping back when it is time for others to talk. Lack of preparation, especially without any heads-up, can constitute an absence.
Evaluation and Assessment
ATTUNEMENTS (40%)
Elemental Words (5%+5%)
Elemental Politics (5%+5%)
Elements & Inter-Disciplines (5%+5%)
Elemental Gathering (10%)
AIR/FIRE COLLABORATIONS (30%)
ELEMENTAL OVERTURE (20%)
PARTICIPATION & PREPAREDNESS (10%)
Your final grade for the course will be determined by the following percentage scale, averaged from scores earned in the weighted categories in the chart above:
A: 94-100 A-: 90-93 B+: 87-89 B: 84-86 B-: 80-83 C+: 77-79 C: 74-76 C-: 70-73 D: 60-69 F: 0-59
Academic Integrity Statement
UMass Amherst is strongly committed to academic integrity, which is defined as completing all academic work without cheating, lying, stealing, or receiving unauthorized assistance from any other person, or using any source of information not appropriately authorized or attributed. As a community, we hold each other accountable and support each other’s knowledge and understanding of academic integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in all programs of the University and includes but is not limited to: Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, lying, and facilitating dishonesty, via analogue and digital means. Sanctions may be imposed on any student who has committed or participated in an academic integrity infraction. Any person who has reason to believe that a student has committed an academic integrity infraction should bring such information to the attention of the appropriate course instructor as soon as possible. All students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have read and acknowledged the Commitment to Academic Integrity and are knowingly responsible for completing all work with integrity and in accordance with the policy:
(https://www.umass.edu/senate/book/academic-regulations-academic-integrity-policy)
Accommodation Statement
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all students. If you have a documented physical, psychological, or learning disability on file with Disability Services (DS), you may be eligible for reasonable academic accommodations to help you succeed in this course. If you have a documented disability that requires an accommodation, please notify me within the first two weeks of the semester so that we may make appropriate arrangements. For further information, please visit Disability Services (https://www.umass.edu/disability/)
Title IX Statement
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibits gender-based discrimination in educational settings that receive federal funds, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students, free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and retaliation. This includes interactions in person or online through digital platforms and social media. Title IX also protects against discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, or related conditions, including recovery. There are resources here on campus to support you. A summary of the available Title IX resources (confidential and non-confidential) can be found at the following link: https://www.umass.edu/titleix/resources. You do not need to make a formal report to access them. If you need immediate support, you are not alone. Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year at the SASA Hotline 413-545-0800.