Grading

Grading Policy

The grades you earn on all assignments and quizzes will determine your final grade in this course (see grading scale below). Assignments and quizzes are weighted equally. Please note that all points given in this course (including extra credit and bonus points) are numeric points, not percentage points.

To calculate your grade, sum the points you have earned for assignments and quizzes, as well as any extra credit and/or bonus points you have earned. Then divide by the total points possible for the course and multiply that number by 100. This will give you a percentage grade, which will allow you to determine your letter grade using the grading scale below.

Please note that under NO circumstances will I change the grading scale, bump up a grade, or add points for a student at the end of the semester. Final grades will be based on the number of points you earn (including extra credit and bonus points), no exceptions. There is no end-of-the-semester negotiation period where students plea and barter for additional assignments or extra credit or for a better grade in the course.

I highly recommend that you keep track of your grades throughout the semester so you can assess your grade on an ongoing basis. This tracking will prevent any surprises at the end of the semester.

I also highly recommend that you talk with me early in the semester if you are struggling with the course or if something happens that may interfere with your ability to perform well in the course (e.g., severe illness, hospitalization, pregnancy / having a baby). If you come to me early, we can discuss ways to help you perform well in the course. If you wait until the end of the semester, it is likely that little or nothing can be done for you at that point.

Grading Scale

A: 94 – 100%

B+: 88 – 93%

B: 82 – 87%

C+: 76 – 81%

C: 70 – 75%

F: < 70%

Note that a grade of C or higher is required for all Psychology majors and minors.

Extra Credit Opportunities

You may earn up to 10 extra credit points for the semester (above and beyond the 3 bonus points you have from the beginning of the semester). Please note that these are raw points, not percentage points.

There are two ways in which you may earn extra credit for this course:

Option 1 - Extra Credit Hikes: One way to earn extra credit for the course is by participating in outdoor hikes throughout the semester and reflecting on those experiences. To earn full credit, you must not only actively participate in the hike, but must also provide a dated digital photographs of the hike (e.g., photo of the sign at the trailhead, other photos from your hike) and also write and submit a reflection paper on how that hike influenced your relationship with nature and your physical and mental well-being. Reflection papers must be submitted to the D2L dropbox. Participation in each hike (including submission of the reflection paper) is worth 2 extra credit points. Note: If you would like to pariticpate in another kind of outdoor activity (e.g., kayaking, canoing, camping) in the wilderness, please contact Dr. Blackhart first to ensure it will count toward extra credit for this course. Additionally, Dr. Blackhart will organize a handful of hikes that students may participate in throughout the semester.

Option 2 - Empirical Article Summaries: As an alternative to participating in hiking, you may also earn extra credit by completing 2-3 page summaries of empirical research articles related to sustainability psychology, environmental psychology, or ecopsychology. Each summary is worth 2 extra credit points. You must provide citations for the empirical articles you summarize as well as PDF copies of the articles that you will submit to the D2L dropbox with your summary.

Additional possible opportunities: Occasionally throughout the semester, ETSU may have events, such as speakers or films being shown, that are relevant to the content of the course. Should such events occur during the spring 2023 semester, you may earn 1-2 extra credit points by attending these events and writing and submiting reflection papers on these events to the D2L dropbox. Dr. Blackhart will announce these opportunities as they arise throughout the semester. If you become aware of an event that you believe is relevant, please inform Dr. Blackhart of that event.

Bonus Points

Each student will begin the semester with 3 bonus points. You will get to keep these bonus points as long as you do not ask me any questions that can be answered by either referring to this syllabus or to the announcements on D2L (under “News”).

These points are like extra credit points and will be added on to your points total at the end of the term (along with any extra credit points you earn).

If, however, you ask me a question that can be answered by referring to this syllabus or to the announcements on D2L, you will lose these bonus points.

This is not meant to discourage you from speaking to me, but rather to encourage you to seek out answers to simple questions yourself and to keep me from answering the same questions over and over again (a particular pet peeve of mine).

Please contact me or come see my during student hours with any questions you have that cannot be answered in the syllabus, with any concerns you have, or if you need assistance.

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