Literature, Media, and Culture Syllabus

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have a question, please check here to see if you can find the answer first. If not, and if your question isn't personal in nature, then post your question to the "Questions for JC" discussion forum so that everybody can benefit from the answer.

Q: This is an online class, so I'm assuming I don't really matter much, do I? Does anybody even notice or care if I'm plugged in?
A: YES, YOU MATTER.  For our online class experience to be a positive one, we need every person to engage and be part of our online community. Just because we aren't seeing one another in person doesn't mean we won't get to know one another. You are an important part of our online discussions working. It's only if we all do our part (posting on time, responding to one another, respecting one another, etc.) that a great online experience will emerge. So, I encourage you to see yourself as not just some random individual in cyberspace, but as an important and vital individual in a community of learners.

Q: English isn't my first language, and my grammar isn't perfect. Do I have any hope of passing this class?
A: YES, OF COURSE you do. You may have to work harder than the native speakers in the class, but many of my non-native speakers do quite well in my classes. I expect your writing to be at a college level regardless of whether or not English is your first language. That means that your writing should be clear and strong with only occasional (small!) errors in grammar, syntax, and word choice. Take the time to work through those online lessons, as they are very helpful. Also, work extensively with a campus tutor (also free!). Even if you work very hard, you still may not have the skills to get the grade you want. If that happens to be the case, understand that it's your skills that need more practice and that your grades are no reflection of you as a person, your effort, or your willingness to learn. Please don't resort to using generative AI to write for you.

Q: How much time will this class take me?
A: You'll be watching, reading, writing, and researching on your own rather than sitting in a classroom 3 hours a week as you would with an "ordinary" class. Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours per week watching Firefly episodes (the first few weeks) and discussing online, at least 2+ hours per week reading, and 2+ hours writing. That totals about 6 hours per week. Of course, some weeks will require more time, and others less.

Q: Will there be a lot of reading?
A: It depends on what you consider a lot. You can look at the Course Calendar of Due Dates and decide for yourself. Some weeks there is more reading than others, and some of the readings are more challenging than others, but the readings are all interesting and related to Firefly, and they are good fodder for discussions, so hopefully you'll find them of value.

Q: Where do I find the assigned readings?
A: The readings are assigned out of our required course books. There are other readings assigned that are not in the required course books. Those have been made into PDF files for you and are in this folder here.

Q: I am having a horrible week and the assignment due date is coming up. Can I request an extension on the due date?
A: Yes! In advance of the due date, you may contact me, explain the situation, and politely request an extension. If you're responsible like this, then I will usually grant an extension. I do understand that you have a life and priorities outside of school, so provided you are responsible and let me know what's going on and request an extension, I'll do what I can to work with you.

Q: I missed the due date, so can I turn my assignment in late?
A: No. I strongly believe in applying my policies evenhandedly to all of my students, so by allowing one person to turn in a paper late, I have given that person an unfair advantage that others in the class didn't have. There are extra credit opportunities available throughout the term to help buffer your grade.

Q: Can't you just take the paper late and then just take a few points off or lower my grade a bit or something? Can't I get some credit at least?
A: There's extra credit available throughout the term to help buffer your grade.

Q: But I had something terrible happen that prevented me from turning in my paper on time. Can you be swayed by my excuse?
A: If, and only if, you have had something catastrophic happen to you, and you let me know promptly, will I allow you to turn it in. Be aware, however, that what I consider to be catastrophic are huge life-altering events beyond your control like a death in the family, your being hospitalized, or your airplane crashing into a river. In over 20 years of teaching, I have only had a precious few students be so unfortunate as to have something catastrophic occur; it's rare. If you are one of those unfortunate few, then please let me know and we'll work something out.

Q: I didn't get my required discussion posts done this week. Can I make them up?
A: No. The posts are part of a conversation, they aren't hoops you're jumping through, so once the week's discussion is over there would be no way to make up the posts.

Q: Do you offer extra credit?
A: Yes. There are multiple extra credit opportunities throughout the term that I encourage you to take advantage of.

Q: What if I have learning accommodations? Do you honor those?
A: Yes, of course. If you have the paperwork that documents your disability, I will do everything I can to work with you and to make the required accommodations. This is done privately, and I do not disclose your disability or accommodations to any other students. You are not required to use your accommodations, but I recommend that you do. They are there for a reason, and we both want you to be as successful as possible.

Q: What if I think I have a disability or situation that requires special consideration or accommodations?
A: If you feel that you have a disability or situation that requires consideration, then you need to work directly with the Disability Services office to get your disability properly documented and the appropriate accommodations determined. Once that is done, then you give me the paperwork, and I will work closely with you to meet the needs of your accommodations. I can't make any accommodations, however, without the appropriate paperwork in place.

Q: I don't have reliable internet access where I am. Is that okay?
A: No. Part of the minimum requirements of the course is that you have access to a computer and the internet. The course is difficult to complete on a phone, so please use a computer for coursework.

Q: I am going on a trip and won't be doing my online coursework while I'm traveling (or I won't have internet access). Can I make up the work?
A: Sort of. You can turn in any assignments that are due in advance of your trip, but you can't make up any missed discussion posts after the week's forums have been closed. Many students travel while taking my class, though, and do just great with it. Most parts of the world have an internet connection or internet cafes where you can do your school work while traveling.

Q: Does trying hard on an assignment count for anything? Does how much I improved matter? Are grades in this class based on effort?
A: No. Grades in this class are not given based on effort. While it's true that lots of effort usually results in higher quality work, there is no way for me to accurately and fairly assess how much effort a particular student exerts. So, assignments are graded solely based on what's on the page -- not on how much the student tried. For each assignment, there are grading criteria provided on the rubric. I will use those grading criteria to assess each student's paper. I employ the same grading standards regardless of whether or not English is your first language, whether or not you tried hard, whether or not you've improved since your rough draft was written, or whether or not you are already a strong writer. (In other words, I try to grade each student fairly and equally based on a predetermined set of criteria that is published with the assignment sheet.)

Q:  What is your approach to grading?
A: I don't like giving grades any more than students like receiving them. Focusing on grades often gets in the way of students simply engaging with and learning the material. However, grades are a reality, and I do my utmost to treat students equally and fairly. I strive to give the student the highest grade that I can justify giving (the highest grade the work merits). I have no reason to want to cause students distress or to give low grades; low grades often make students unhappy and unhappy students make my life harder, and I like my life easy. Students tend to do very well in my courses. Of the students who finish the course, the vast majority earn passing marks. I want students to do well, and I work hard to do my part in making that happen. The student, however, is ultimately responsible for earning their grades.

Q: I don't agree with the grade I received. Can I file a complaint?
A: If I made an error, like accidentally leaving a line in the rubric blank, let me know and I will correct my mistake and apologize all over myself.

If you did not participate in the peer review (feedback) process and are now unhappy with your grade: You chose not to receive the feedback necessary to improve to increase your chances of a higher grade, but you also have not received any extra credit to help buffer your grade. Therefore, if you don't participate in the peer review process, you are essentially forfeiting your credibility if you have a grade complaint. You had the chance to improve and help your grade before the final draft was due, and there's not much I can do about it if you don't participate in the process and are now unhappy. I can give you more comments and more of a detailed explanation, though, so that you understand better where your grade came from.

If you participated in the feedback process and are still unhappy with your grade: Do nothing for 24 hours; then, go back and reread my comments and the grading rubric. Reread the feedback I provided on your draft and check to see if you thoroughly incorporated all of it and made substantial improvements. If you still want more comments so you understand your grade, please don't hesitate to ask.

If we can't come to a resolution, then you can contact Kelly Strampe, the Department Head, at kstrampe@ewc.wy.edu After meeting with the Department Head, if you continue to be unsatisfied with the resolution, schedule a meeting with the Executive Dean of Academics, and finally the Vice President of Student Services and Academics may be contacted if necessary. At any time in this process you can initiate the “Student Grievance Procedure,” which is outlined in the EWC Student Handbook as set forth by EWC Board of Trustees Policy 5.14.1.