Contract for Philosophy 4 Course

 

 

This contract is fashioned after a contract used by Prof. Richard Paul, Director of the Center for Critical Thinking at Sonoma State University. 

 

In contrast to Prof. Paulπs, you will not be required to sign and submit this contract.  Rather, continuing to attend classes after the first class meeting you attend constitutes your acknowledgement that you understand, agree to, and will work in a manner consistent with the provisions of this contract, as well as with the course requirements [which you should now have; available upon request], and other course criteria and procedures as they are presented.  So, you are responsible for understanding and following the contract below:

 

1.    I accept the sole responsibility for my own success or failure, and for monitoring my own learning and performance.

 

2.    I understand that the textbook and course reader are required, and must be obtained within the first week of class.

 

3.    I understand that in a three-unit course, six hours of homework constitutes the appropriate and expected commitment to out-of-class work, and, further, that if I have particular difficulties with any materials covered, I may need to make a larger time commitment; I will make the necessary time arrangements ahead in advance.

 

4.    I understand that one goal of this course involves deep, careful reading, and that my six-hour weekly commitment will involve the slow and careful reading and re-reading of materials, rather than quick, inattentive, or surface reading.

 

5.    I understand that any paper or written homework assignment will be graded only if it is turned in by the due date.  No homework received after that date will receive a grade, though it will be read and commented upon in the normal manner after papers received on time are read and graded.

 

6.    I understand that I will be called upon to demonstrate my work in class, and to participate in other ways.

 

7.    I understand that I will be responsible for taking an active part in advancing the assigned work of the class community, and any groups to which I am assigned.

 

8.    I understand that the work of the course requires consistent classroom attendance and active, skilled participation based upon appropriate preparation for the subject matter being studied currently.

 

9.    I understand that if I have extended questions or problems, which may delay the class, I will be expected to address those questions, problems, etc., at office hours and other appropriate times.

 

10.    I understand that if the assignment for the day is not completed, then I am not prepared to do the in-class work of the day, and may slow the class unjustifiably; I could be asked to leave that class meeting.

 

11.    I understand that tardiness and/or leaving a class meeting before its completion constitutes attendance problems, which will affect my performance, and so, the quality of my participation.

 

12.    I understand that if I miss a test [or quiz], the test must be made up within one week at a time convenient for the instructor, that I must take the responsibility for making such arrangements, and that I will receive a different [and possibly more difficult] test.  

 

13.    I understand that the class will not be graded on a curve. I understand that it is theoretically possible for the whole class to get an A or an F.

 

14.    I understand the basis of the final grade as follows:

 

Tests: Six, at 40 points each;

Homework: -- 20 points each

Reading Quizzes -- 10 points each

Active, Skilled Participation: --100 points

 

Penalty for Attendance Problems: Participation grade will be reduced; also, after a total of two weeksπ classes worth of absences or other attendance problems, the instructor can drop me at any time, and will consider doing so.

 

15.    I understand that the final grade is based on solely on points earned, and is mathematically calculated. No other criteria -- such as the specific amount of effort or time invested, personal or other difficulties, the nature of my need for a passing or other grade -- will be used in determining a final grade, though.

 

 

16.    I understand that a form for calculating my current grade at any time during the semester is available in the course reader, and that I am responsible for keeping track of my own points, current performance/grade averages, etc.

 

 

17.    I understand that at least one office visit with the instructor during the middle eight weeks of the semester is very strongly recommended.

 

 

18.    I understand that, like any course, this course may not cover particular authors, issues, etc., that are of particular interest to me.

 

 

19.    I understand that if I am unclear about any aspect of this course, its requirements, assignments, grading procedures, etc., I am responsible for obtaining the needed clarification.

 

 

20.    I understand the standards in this course and I accept the sole responsibility for my own success or failure, and for monitoring my own learning and performance.