Frequently Asked Questions:

Thank you for checking this page before sending an email. In the current digital era of constant connectivity, most are conditioned to assume that everyone is available, and willing, to respond to correspondence at any time. This is detrimental to everyday life. Although I do try to be available for inquiries that may be time sensitive, due to the high volume of emails I receive everyday, I encourage you to consider whether your question is a matter of immediacy or can be answered in class or during office hours. If you email me such a inquiry I may refer you to this page as an indicator to address the issue in class or to attend an office hour. 

"What are your office hours"

Office hours are generally Monday-Thursday 11-12 or by appointment. The office is in Engineering East (Building 20), Room 133. 

Monday-Thursday 11-12, or by appointment.

"Can I make up a Daily Task?"

Daily Tasks require attendance as they contribute to both the attendance and contribution grade. Daily Tasks cannot be completed after the assigned day unless official documentation (proof of a consultation with a physician or clinic, for example) of an illness is provided. Missing Daily tasks cannot be completed at the end of term to raise overall grades.

"I forgot to to submit the daily task/essay and the portal is closed, can I email the work to you?"

I do not accept work through email. All assignments must be submitted through the Canvas portal. If I agree to accept work beyond after the close of the assignment I will reopen the portal in class or office hours, in most cases.

"The Canvas assignment portal is closed, can I email the assignment to you directly?"

Please do not send assignments to me directly. The chance of me forgetting that you have done so is high. If late submission has been approved, request the portal be open in the next class meeting. 

"I really wanted a higher grade in the class, can you raise my grade?"

Final course grades will not be raised upon request.

"I was hoping for a higher grade for the course, is there anything extra work I can complete to improve the final grade?"

No extra work/extra credit will be made available to raise final course grades.

"Can I have an extension on my essay?"

I generally grant extensions if requested for legitimate reasons. Please submit the request by email at least two days prior to the submission date. If an extension has been approved, I will provide you with a unique extension which you must include under the submission date on the first page of the essay. Should you not provide the code, the aporpriate late penalties will apply.

Should you need an extension due to medical reasons, please submit the appropriate documentation (note from the health center or personal physician) and an extension will be granted of course. 

"Can I come to your office hour and discuss my essay?"

Absolutely! Please come to my office and discuss any aspect of your work. I am more than happy to help you understand or improve any part of your writing and research.

"Can you read my essay and provide feedback before I submit the final version?"

I cannot read entire essays before submission. Unfortunately, there is not enough time in the term to make that avaialble for all students.  I will, of course, read specific aspects and discuss how to improve which you should be able to apply to the rest of the essay. 

What do the different highlighting colors mean?

Highlighting:

Purple = Register

Green = MLA

Blue = Paragraph/Argument

Yellow = Technical

What are the essay grading categories?

All assignment submissions will be graded according to the following rubric (increased application as the term progresses):

Each Essay has 100 points available. The following indicates the categories of assessment:

Paragraph and Argument structure: 20

Register and style (Word choice, phrasing, etc.): 20

In-text referencing, citations, and source use: 20

Works Cited: 20

Technical aspects (grammar, spelling, formatting): 20

Requirements not provided:

Thesis phrasing ("This essay will present the argument that"): -5

Core Critical Text Missing (One required per essay): -5

Word count: -5 (generally, 1 point per 100 words up tp 5 points total)