Policies

Laney College does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, and immigration status.

Let’s talk about Bias!

While trying to create a stronger syllabus and class, I would like to visit the subject of Bias. The definition of bias is a disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea or thing. In this class we need to have open and honest communication, so we have to deal with our own biases.

Biases can be something we learn or something that is naturally included in our upbringing. People develop biases against individuals, groups, or beliefs. Dealing with bias can help us become better equipped to interact with others and have healthier class discussions.

To take a closer look at bias complete this test (this test is presented in the Orientation Module and is worth 10 points extra credit).

Take the Implicit Association Test (IAT). For our class take the Race IAT.

Communication Policy and some details about the Discussion area

This course is usually conducted on campus, but the remainder of Spring 2020 will be conducted online in our learning management system called Canvas. The online learning environment (Canvas) is a safe place.

Creating a Safe Place

  • exchange thoughts and ideas without judgement and criticism. It is designed to be a non-competitive place for us to dialog about music research, facts versus fiction, and other topics related to electronic music. Its also a place for discussion of topics that affect our lives and communities.
  • the syllabus includes a section on Netiquette. Please read about and practice netiquette as we treat each other with dignity, kindness and respect.
  • please take the time to address each other by name rather than “Hey you” or “What’s up”
  • agreeing, disagreeing, debating while respecting each others ideas is encouraged
  • Let’s get to know each other through more understanding and less stereotypes, while we celebrate diversity.

Sometimes thoughtful responses mean that you consider having someone else read your response and give it another perspective before you push send. Your level of understanding and contribution is important to the success of this class and I will be helping you whenever I can.

Online Etiquette

Often referred to as "netiquette," here is a gentle reminder of the interaction practices and rules we'll follow in all our interactions in this course.

If you ever feel that someone is not following these rules, please send an email to me using the Canvas Inbox and describe your concerns.

View a text-only version of The Core Rules of Netiquette in a new window.

A note about homework:

A generated email will let you know when there is new content waiting for you on our MUS147 Canvas page in the form of assignments, discussions, lecture notes exams, quizzes and more. Make sure that I am aware of your email address so that you will receive all class notifications.

The amount of home work in this class is equivalent to roughly 3-5 hours per week. I encourage you as students to set aside regular blocks of time to complete additional work (e.g., homework), such as team projects, individual research projects, and practice activities (e.g., completing problem sets). Every minute that you contribute to this class will make a difference.

Attendance Policy

Instructors must drop students that do not attend class by Census Day. Logging in to the course site does not constitute attendance. 
Instructors may also drop students if the number of absences during a semester exceeds the number of times the class meets in two weeks. In the online environment, attendance is measured by engagement with course activities. For our course, students who do not complete any course activities over a three week period (completion of weekly quizzes, weekly forum discussions or submission of writing assignments) risk being dropped from the course.
It is always the responsibility of students to drop courses. Not logging in to the course site does not communicate that you are no longer wishing to stay in the course nor guarantees that the instructor will initiate a drop. Communicate with me via the Canvas email inbox if you have questions or concerns.

Campus Code of Conduct

Students are responsible for complying with all laws and college regulations and for maintaining appropriate course requirements as established by the instructors. To learn more about standards of student conduct, go to Administrative Procedure 5500, Student Standards of Conduct, Discipline Procedures and Due Process.

Late or missed assignments

Dear Students, submitting work on-time is important in order to receive timely feedback, keep pace with the course and group progress, and it also demonstrates professionalism. I realize that in rare cases, outside challenges make completing every assignment on-time difficult. Points will be deducted from any assignment submitted late (10% per day). I will also announce a “catch-up day” which is one pre-announced opportunity to submit a late assignment without a late penalty.

Plagiarism: What is it?

Plagiarism may consist of using the ideas, sentences, paragraphs, or the whole text of another without appropriate acknowledgement, but it also includes employing or allowing another person to write or substantially alter work that a student submits as his/her own. All art and design work, and all written work, must be the original work of the student. Any quotations, paraphrases, or direct appropriation of imagery or ideas from source material must be properly cited according to university, departmental, and/or instructor policy.

Plagiarism: The bad news..

Be careful! I am here to help you, but there is only so much that I can do when students take someone else's work or ideas and pass them off as their own. Any student who plagiarizes will receive a grade of “F” for that assignment, with no opportunity to do the assignment again. Laney policy requires that plagiarism offenses will be reported to the department director and the Education Office. Plagiarism is a violation of the Laney's Academic Honesty Policy and may be grounds for suspension or dismissal from the college. This policy constitutes an official warning to each student.