This page includes:
- books ordered for the class
- a full statement of course policies with links to outside resources
Books ordered
Textbook:
Jackson J. Spielvogel, Western Civilization: Volume A, to 1500 (Wadsworth, 2008)
Primary Sources:
Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars trans. by Robert Graves (Penguin, 1991)
Giovanni Boccaccio, The Decameron trans. by G.H. McWilliam (Penguin, 1996)
Course policies
Making up tests
No make-up tests or quizzes will be given. If you present a valid written excuse, you will be allowed to submit a make-up paper for a missed test or quiz. For a missed test, the make-up paper should answer all the questions given on the in-class test, giving one full paragraph for each identification question and three full paragraphs for each short answer question, for a total of at least 8 typed double-spaced pages or 2000 words and will be due within two weeks of the original date of the test. For a quiz, the make-up paper should summarize the main points of the assigned reading in 3 typed double-spaced pages or 750 words and will be due within one week of the original date of the quiz.
Behavior in the Classroom
In order for the classroom to serve as a learning environment, students must be courteous to each other and to the instructor, and must show respect for the course material. For example, differences of viewpoint should be expressed with courtesy and without personal hostility; at the same time, students should show respect for the course material by accepting that intellectual debate and disagreement are not personal, but an essential part of the learning process. Disruptive behavior is unacceptable at any time. This includes talking or making noise during lecture, leaving cell phones on during class, interrupting the instructor or other students, speaking at great length during discussions, and so on. Students who are disruptive will be asked to leave the room. Do not make a habit of coming to class late, leaving during class and returning, or leaving class early, as this is very disruptive to the instructor and to other students.
Return to topAcademic Integrity
Integrity is essential to learning as it is to the good life. Its opposite in the academic context, dishonesty in the form of cheating or plagiarism, is unfair to your fellow students and is prohibited by the San Francisco State University Student Code of Conduct. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying other students’ work and helping other students to cheat. All exams in this course will be closed-book; you may have only blank blue books and pens or pencils during the exam. Plagiarism means using someone else’s work without proper acknowledgment (see Plagiarism for further discussion of the concept, and more resources). Students in this course are encouraged to work together in preparing for discussions and other group activities, reviewing for exams, and improving their writing, but should not contribute substantial content to other students’ papers. Penalties for cheating and plagiarism range from, at minimum, a failing grade on the specific assignment, to expulsion from the University. All cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Department Chair and College Dean. Students are responsible for knowing the SFSU regulations concerning cheating and plagiarism.
Return to topAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodation
The University is committed to providing reasonable academic accommodation to students with disabilities. The Disability Programs and Resources Center (DPRC) provides academic support services and specialized assistance to students with disabilities. In order to receive accommodation through the ADA, you must make a formal request through the DPRC in SSB 110 (415-338-2472). If you are registered with the DPRC, please let me know so that I can be prepared to accommodate you.
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