Frequently Asked Questions
ie. Cultural rules for this class
Professor's Name
Most commonly Dr. Chang, Professor Chang, Dr. C, Mister Chang.
Attendance & Lates
Students are expected to attend all sessions as active engagement, careful listening, thoughtful sharing are key to optimal learning in this class. Give me a heads up (email, text, or in person) once you know you need to be absent, so that you may be excused. Be sure to check the roll sheet each time, but if you should indicate time if you are more that 5 minutes late. Repeated absences and lateness to class lower your attendance grade.
Leaving before end of class
To be polite and respectful of teacher and other students, be sure to let the professor know that you need to leave early by email/text or at beginning of class. Also, sit near the door to create least disruption. If you have to leave for an unexpected situation, give a heads up afterwards.
Classroom Behavior
Students are expected to practice American classroom culture, which include being confident, verbal, interactive, open with sharing thoughts and honest feelings, being respectful of opposing or different views, viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth, etc.
No chatting in class
While sharing and discussions are encouraged, chatting during class is not allowed as it is distracting and also considered rude in American culture. Listening to teacher and other students is considered respectful behavior. Students will be given a warning, repeated offenders will be asked to leave the classroom.
Participation
Participation is so important in a communication class. Be fully present, caring, engaged. Challenge yourself to practice active and empathetic listening as well as effective communication.
Mobile Devices & Laptops
Mobile devices and laptops can be used for finding class-related information only. Please be "fully present", so no checking social media, emails, texting, doing work for other classes during class.
Notebook
Bring a notebook to write down information, notes on key conceptions, brainstorm and reflection for assignments, etc.
Rainbow
"Rainbow" is the code used to ask the class to sit with someone they don't know.
Ground Rules
As a classroom community, we will together add more ground rules as needed.
Assignments
Contact me (email or text) when you first know you cannot turn in an assignment. Turn in a Missing Assignment Form. Late assignment results in a lowered grade unless an extension was granted. I am willing to work with a student to make sure all assignments are turned in. See assignment instructions for details.
Reading Assignments
Allocate at least a couple of hours for completing chapter reading each week. The early chapters provide the foundation and are longer, but the content is thought-provoking and raises awareness. The latter chapters are applications in specific cultural contexts and shorter. Practice active reading by highlighting important concepts.
Cheating & Copying
Academic honesty an important value in American college culture. Cheating on a test or plagiarizing (copying five words or more without giving credit) results in a failed grade.
Classwork
Classwork consists of participation in class, quick writes, building a classroom community for learning, etc. Classwork grading are usually "check", "check plus", "check minus"
Tests
The tests will be on key terms and concepts from the readings. Bring a scantron (the green or brown color vertical type from the bookstore), a pencil, and a good eraser. You may bring a printed dictionary if you need one. No notes or electronic device.
Grading Scale
A+ 95 points
A 90 points
A- 87 points
B+ 84 points
B 80 points
B- 77 points
C+ 74 points
C 70 points
D+ 65 points
D 60 points
D- 55 points
A 90 points
A- 87 points
B+ 84 points
B 80 points
B- 77 points
C+ 74 points
C 70 points
D+ 65 points
D 60 points
D- 55 points