Syllabi for Mr. Barrows
HUMANITIES 2310 Introduction to Mythology
Valencia College HUM-2310 Fall 2023
Instructor: Roger E. Barrows
ONLINE COURSE: This is an online course. All email communications should occur via Canvas messaging. Being an online class, office hours can be arranged by mutual agreement via Zoom.
NOTE: Valencia College requires instructors to drop as a NO-SHOW any student that does not complete the first academic assignment during the first week of class; simply logging on does not count as being present.
TEXT:
Thury, Eva & Margaret Devinney. Introduction to Mythology: Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths. 4th Edition. Oxford University Press, 2017. ISBN: 978-0-19-026298-3 ISBN (e-book): 978-0-19-026304-1
PREREQUISITE: Minimum grade of C in ENC 1101 (Fundamentals of Composition I) or its equivalent.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Examines world mythology in comparative perspective, analyzes myths with a variety of methods, and considers the application of mythological ideas and symbols in the humanities. Gordon Rule course which requires 6,000 words of writing. Minimum grade of C required if used to satisfy Gordon Rule requirement. 3 credit hours.
COMPETENCIES: Valencia College Core Competencies:
THINK
· Analyze and interpret works from the various disciplines in the humanities.
· Integrate works from the various disciplines during the historical periods.
· Study the historical and modern contexts of these works.
VALUE
· Understand and appreciate the disciplines of the humanities.
· Understand and appreciate the importance of creativity.
· Respect the opinions and viewpoints of others.
COMMUNICATE
· Use standard English accurately.
· Write a clear, coherent, well-supported essay.
· Express ideas clearly and precisely in written and oral communications.
ACT
· Conduct scholarly research.
· Use technology in preparing papers and presentations.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is taken each time you sign into the course and submit work. Regular attendance several times a week is essential for an online course. Valencia policy requires removing students from the roster if there is no activity the first week or the class.
“OFFICE HOURS”: It is my custom to sign on and review student progress and answer emails randomly at all hours of the day and night. However, there may be days that I will not be able to check the computer, and I teach several other courses. Therefore, you cannot expect my attention 24/7, and you may have to wait a day or two for a reply. Frequently-asked questions are answered in the Q&A file for all to read. (Go to PAGES, then ALL PAGES for Q&A.) This is the first place to go with questions. If your question isn’t answered there, contact me through Canvas messaging. Should you wish, I will arrange “office hours” when I will be available for real-time discussion via Zoom.
CLASS SCHEDULE & DEADLINES: This course typically requires 4-6 hours per week, depending on the student’s reading ability and study skills. There will be regular required assignments and/or quizzes which have deadlines that require you to keep up. Be advised that it will not be possible to wait until the last minute or to make delayed submissions. The course runs on a schedule with specific deadlines. After the deadline, the item will disappear and no longer be available. Plan on submitting work and taking quizzes earlier rather than later, so if things don’t work in your favor, you have time to try again and again. Waiting to the last minute and finding out that your computer has died, the power goes out, the link quit, etc., are not valid excuses.
MAKE-UP WORK: Enough quizzes, assignments, and grades are provided so that students have ample opportunity to bring grades up. There is no need for make-up work if you follow the syllabus and keep up with the classwork. Weekly quizzes & activities are meant to keep the size of any given assignment small and manageable. Consistent and steady student effort is essential. However, I understand the vicissitudes of life, so a 24-hour period will be allotted for late assignments, with the grade being dropped two levels. This does not apply to quizzes, which will not be accepted late.
EVALUATION: Your grade will be based on three forms of evaluation: (1) discussions, (2) assignments and essays, and (3) assessments (quizzes, test, exam). You will have only 1 opportunity to take each quiz or test, and it is timed. Canvas will display 2 weeks of work at a time: the current week and the next week’s assignments/ assessments. The facilitator reserves the right to change the percentage composition of the grade by adding/deleting assignments that best fit the needs of the class.
The professor does not give grades; he simply records the grade you earned. It is improper to ask or plead for a specific grade that you want in the class.
GRADING SCALE: A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = 0-59
GRADING POLICY: Grades are based on the following definitions.
A is reserved for work that is exceptional in quality; that shows insight, understanding, and initiative; that is presented on time in correct format, following the conventions of written English.
B work is consistently good and shows interest, and is correct in format and writing. A and B papers are never late.
C is a respectable grade; it reflects work that is competent: that meets the requirements but is not fully successful for any number of reasons. A grade of C suggests that the student has completed the course expectations satisfactorily.
D is less than satisfactory; a course grade of D is not transferable to another institution.
READING ASSIGNMENTS & QUIZZES: Because close reading of assignments is essential for personal understanding and meaningful class discussion, a quiz on readings will be given most every week.
QUIZZES: You will encounter two types of quizzes: (1) short reading quizzes which you take right after you have read a portion of the text, and (2) long quizzes (tests). You have only one attempt at these quizzes, and all quizzes are timed. Once you hit “Finish” or the clock runs out, you are done. You will receive credit for answers on quizzes that you have “saved” even if the quiz times out. Be sure that you have read the section in the book carefully before taking the short quizzes and that you have studied before taking the long quizzes. Unless you have read and studied, you won’t have time to find the answers in the book before the quiz time runs out, so don’t expect to hunt for the answers during the quizzes. Don’t wait until the last minute to take a quiz, because once the window of opportunity closes, the quiz is no longer available. Give yourself time.
DISCUSSIONS: It is only natural that a course dealing with human thought will be ripe for discussion. Every discussion in this course will be graded, and you will get instruction and examples when you get to your first discussion. We will follow the “1+2 Rule.” This means that you should write one post that addresses the discussion topic and then respond to AT LEAST 2 other posts. Each discussion can earn you up to 10 points: up to 3 points for each posting that says something significant, and the 10th point for going above and beyond, for making more than 3 good posts and/or for writing consistently outstanding posts. Remember that this is an intellectual endeavor and that the purpose of discussion is to explore ideas with each other. Mutual respect is essential.
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES: All assignments are due on the date indicated.
WRITING ASSIGNMENT EXPECTATIONS:
· Each writing assignment will be graded on content, form, and the specific requirements of that particular assignment.
· Essays should be pasted into the SUBMISSION box.
COMPUTER CLASS
By its very nature, a fully online course is largely self-taught, with the instructor serving as your facilitator. There are three facilitators working for you: (1) Valencia College, which provides the facilities for the course and registers you; (2) Canvas, which provides the means for delivering the course; and (3) me. I develop the course, monitor your progress, and record your grades. Should you have issues with registration, contact Valencia. Should you have issues with software, computers, and computer functionality, contact the Canvas help desk. Should you have questions about humanities, completion / noncompletion of assignments, or grades on assignments, contact me through the email portion of Canvas. Do not use Valencia’s Atlas email system. The same goes for all submissions. All assignments must be submitted through Canvas, not through Atlas email.
Although this course is largely self-study, it is not self-paced, except that you will have windows in which to complete assignments. You should not attempt this course if you are not prepared to devote 4-6 hours of time each week to this class. It is expected that you will enter this course in good faith, review the entire course syllabus, be prepared to devote the required amount of time and resources necessary to be successful, submit work that represents your work and effort alone, and submit work on time according to posted assignment deadlines.
STUDENT ORIENTATION TO CANVAS: If you need assistance with Canvas, there is a very helpful site at https://valenciacollege.edu/faculty/canvas-resources/. If you have questions, Canvas Help is very friendly and speedy; you can access Canvas Help 24/7 through chat, phone, and by submitting a ticket. By Phone: 407-582-5600.
QUALITY EDUCATION. Valencia College is committed to providing each student a quality educational experience. Faculty members have set high standards of instruction for themselves and for you. If you have a problem in a class, your first step is to communicate with your instructor. If you are still dissatisfied, you may talk with the academic dean of the division for your class.
PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities. For further information, please contact the OSD (West Campus SSB 102, Ext. 1523).
YOUR HEALTH: Valencia is committed to making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help that may assist them with psychological issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. Students have 24 hour unlimited access to the Baycare Behavioral Health’s confidential student assistance program phone counseling services by calling (800) 878-5470. Three free confidential face-to-face counseling sessions are also available to students.
VALENCIA COLLEGE C.A.R.E.: See https://valenciacollege.edu/students/advising-counseling/
POOKY’S PANTRY: For students in need, non-perishable items are available in the Student Development office, Bldg 3, room 147. If you need or would like to donate, the pantry is open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 7pm, and Friday, 9am to 5pm. A Valencia ID is required, and five items per day may be retrieved from the pantry. Please visit the Pooky’s Pantry webpage for more information: https://valenciacollege.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/pookyspantry
SECURITY STATEMENT FROM VALENCIA COLLEGE’S CHIEF OF SECURITY: We want to reassure you that our security officers are here around the clock to ensure the safety and security of the campus community. It’s important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings, especially during the early morning or evening hours. Remember that you can always call security for an escort if you feel uncomfortable walking alone on campus. White security phones can also be found in many of our buildings; simply pick up the phone and security will answer. Finally, report any suspicious persons to West Campus Security at 407-582-1000, 407-582-1030 (after-hours number) or by using the yellow emergency call boxes located on light poles in the parking lots and along walkways.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM & VIEWPOINT DIVERSITY: Students may record video or audio of class lectures for their own personal educational use. A class lecture is defined as a planned presentation by a college faculty member or instructor, during a scheduled class, delivered for the purpose of transmitting knowledge or information that is reasonably related to the pedagogical objective of the course in which the student is enrolled. Recording class activities other than class lectures, including but not limited to class discussions, student presentations, labs, academic exercises involving student participation, and private conversations, is prohibited. Recordings may not include the image or voice of other students in the class, may not be used as a substitute for class participation and class attendance, and may not be published or shared without the written consent of the faculty member. Failure to adhere to these requirements may constitute a violation of the College’s Student Code of Conduct. (HB233)
VALENCIA’S STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT: If you have not read and understood the Student Code of Conduct, see https://catalog.valenciacollege.edu/academicpoliciesprocedures/studentcodeofconduct/
ACADEMIC WITHDRAWAL: A student who withdraws from class before the withdrawal deadline will receive a grade of “W.” A student is not permitted to withdraw from class after the withdrawal deadline; if you remain in the class after the withdrawal deadline, you can only receive a grade of A, B, C, D, F or I. An I grade will only be assigned under extraordinary circumstances that occur near the end of the semester. If you receive an I, the work missed must be made up during the following semester, at which time you will get an A, B, C, D or F. Failure to make up the work during the following semester will result in your getting a grade of F in the course.
The professor will not withdraw any student (except for no participation the first week). It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw himself/herself before the withdrawal deadline and to be aware of the date of the withdrawal deadline.
Students on financial aid should consult an advisor or counselor before withdrawing from a course; there may be financial implications to the student which you must know about to make an informed decision before withdrawing from a course. Students with some scholarships who withdraw or are withdrawn from a class must pay the college for the cost of the class. Other scholarship sponsors may also require repayment.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: You are expected to respect the intellectual property of others. If you use material, ideas, or opinions which are not your own, you must credit your sources, including those for visual and graphic illustrations. Failure to credit the work of others is plagiarism and is morally indefensible. It is your responsibility to know what constitutes plagiarism and to avoid it. The penalty for plagiarism is a zero on the assignment. Any subsequent acts of plagiarism will result in a grade of F in the course. Read the following for information on plagiarism from Valencia College.
What is considered plagiarism?
§ All work submitted for credit in any class must be the product of the individual student's own original thoughts supported and informed by appropriately documented and credited sources.
§ Plagiarism is the use of someone else's words, ideas, pictures, design, and/or intellectual property without the correct documentation and punctuation.
§ Plagiarism takes many forms: for example, turning in the same essay for two different courses is considered self-plagiarism and will result in a zero for the paper. You may legitimately wonder how anyone would ever know; this is one of the purposes of the SafeAssign plagiarism scan.
What are some signs of plagiarism?
1. Deliberate cut-and-paste of online or print sources
2. Recycling of essays from previous classes
3. Essays written on behalf of the student by family members or friends, or third parties, such as professional essay writing services
4. The result of inattention and incompetence
5. Paraphrasing large sections based on the ideas of another source...even if you put it into your own words will be graded zero. A second offense will result in an appointment with the dean of the Arts and Humanities Department.
How can plagiarism be avoided?
§ Here is a good rule: It is better to be safe than sorry in academic writing. Always cite your sources. A person's ideas are their intellectual property. You wouldn't go into another student's backpack and steal their property. Plagiarism is stealing the ideas of another person and passing them off as your own without giving them credit. This includes paraphrasing or summarizing, as well as cut and paste. Cutting and pasting large sections of text, even when you cite your sources, does not represent college level, original writing.
§ If you have to look something up for your paper, cite your sources in text, and in your works cited page.
§ Even if you summarize, give the author of the ideas credit.
USE OF AI: The use of AI-generated responses and essays is strictly prohibited in this course unless otherwise explicitly approved by your instructor. AI includes “any kind of artificial computational system that employs complex behavior…used to satisfy the Learning Outcomes of a course or lesson” (Vincent C. Muller). ChatGPT, for instance, is an AI. Any assignment in violation of this policy will receive the punishments as specified in the Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism policy.
SUBJECT TO CHANGE: Items on this syllabus are subject to change. Notification will be provided.
IMPORTANT DATES
Oct 27, 2023 Withdrawal Deadline
Dec 10, 2023 Classes end
Dec 12, 2023 Final grades viewable in ATLAS