Course: Western Tradition Course Policy Letter Room B303 Teacher: R. Colfer

MISSION: This course provides students with a solid foundation in the ideas, institutions, and events that have shaped Western civilization from ancient Greece to the present day.

Expectations and Behavior Standards

1. KEY TO SUCCESS: Students who do what they are told to do when they are told to do it, and do it to the best of their ability, invariably achieve success in this course.

2. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: High school students are expected to take some personal responsibility for knowing basically what's going on from day to day in this class.

3. LATE HOMEWORK: Late homework will not be accepted and will receive no credit. Work is due on the date assigned. It is the student's responsibility to write down all assignments and due dates. Homework is worth ≈ 20% of the student's quarterly grade.

4. LATE PROJECTS: Late projects will not be accepted and will receive no credit. Ample time (three to four weeks) will be given to complete each project, but the deadline is real. Obviously, in the event of legitimate, verifiable family emergencies or crises an exception may be made. (This would be handled on a case-by-case basis.)

5. READING: There is no substitute for reading. To assist weaker readers, section summaries, chapter summaries and Powerpoint™ reviews with pictures, webs, charts, and graphs are regularly utilized, but there is no substitute for the student taking the time to read each assignment to the best of his or her ability.

6. DIRECTIONS: Reading directions and following them precisely is critical to student success. In the real world of letters of recommendation, resumes, college applications, and professional correspondence, attention to detail does matter. The ability to pay attention to detail is not something that will simply "switch on" during the first week of college or when starting a new job - it must be practiced. Now is the time.

7. TIMELINESS: I expect each student to be seated in the classroom by the time the second bell rings. If a student arrives after the second bell without a pass, s/he is late. I will ask a late student to see me after school. If a student fails to show up after school, I will write a 1-hour detention slip for him/her. (I realize there may be the occasional legitimate situation that causes a student to be late, but I have a low tolerance for constant excuses and repeat offenders.)

8. SUPPLIES: Each student is expected to arrive in class with his/her notebook, pen/pencils, and all materials necessary to do the job. No supplies will be issued by the teacher.

9. PAYING ATTENTION: I expect each student to focus to the best of his/her ability & to participate actively and meaningfully in class.

10. SELF-DISCIPLINE: Each student is expected to practice self-discipline. This means avoiding behavior that distracts others (e.g. personal conversation during class, note writing, horseplay, making fun of or insulting others, the use of profanity, or any vulgar or inappropriate comments).

11. INTEGRITY: Each student must demonstrate personal integrity by being honest, taking responsibility, and by making all work his or her own (i.e. by not cheating, copying, or plagiarizing). (See the Student Handbook for additional information regarding penalties.)

12. RESPECT: Each student is expected to treat classmates, the teacher, and all public property with care and respect.

13. FOOD & BEVERAGES: No food is allowed. Water is the only beverage allowed.

14. GRADING: Grading will be based on a combination of In-Class Assessments (ICAs), including but not limited to multiple-choice and essay assessments, and Take-Home Assessments (THAs), including but not limited to textbook reading, essays, reading packets, and projects. In-Class Assessments (ICA) and various Take-Home Assessments (THA) will be worth ≈ 80% of the student's quarterly grade.

15. ABSENCES: Avoid absence from class. It is the student's responsibility to carefully and quickly make up all missed work. Students must complete any assigned work even if they are absent the day before it is due. This includes being absent the day before an In-Class Assessment.

16. EXTRA HELP: Extra help is available after school by appointment only.

17. COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHER: Parent/guardian questions may be directed to the teacher via e-mail at: rcolfer@marblehead.com.

I have read course policy letter and understand it.

____________________________ __________________________

Student Name -- please print Student signature

I have read the material above and am aware of course policies, expectations, and behavior standards.

______________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature