Course Syllabus

HIT 125
[Course Title]

General Class Information

 Class Information*

List the class name and course number.

 Course Modality*

Indicate the course modality (in person, online, hybrid, web-enhanced). Describe what this means.

 Schedule and Location*

List the class schedule and location (i.e. when and where the class is held).

 Catalog Description*

Look up your class and cut and paste the official description from the College Catalog or include a link to the description.

 Prerequisites*

List any required prerequisites and the grades students must have gotten in order to take your class. You can find the course prerequisites in CurriQunet. Please ask your Chair if you do not have access to CurriQunet.

 Textbooks & Supplemental Materials*

List your required textbook and materials. If possible, include the cost of each item, where you recommend they purchase the textbook/material, and if it is acceptable for them to purchase any edition. Provide details for students such as the ISBN if a published textbook is being used.

 Technology Required*

Describe the technology and technology skills needed to be successful in your class and resources to help students.

Example:

This is a web-enhanced course meaning that our course materials are available online via Canvas. You will need regular access to a computer and internet. Some assignments can be completed on your phone but others will be easier if done from a desktop, laptop, or tablet. If you need support using technology or learning how to use Canvas, please visit the Information Commons in Building 16 on the first floor at the end of the hallway.

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Professor Information

 Professor Information*

List your contact information such as office number, telephone number, email address, Office (student) hours (Adjuncts: 1 hour per course taught per week; Full-time: Minimum of 5 hours per week).

 Welcome Message

Write a message here that welcomes your students to your class. This personal message from you helps create a positive, student-centered tone starting the first day of class.

Example:

Welcome to PSYC&100! I am looking forward to having you in my class this quarter. I was once a student here, experiencing what it was like to be new to college. It can be confusing and overwhelming, but if we work together, we can make this a great quarter. I’m here to help you succeed. If you feel worried about your learning and/or performance in this course, please come talk to me. I am happy to listen and strategize solutions that will improve your learning and performance.

 Communication Policy*

Describe your communication expectations or policy with students. Indicate if you want students to email you, send you a Canvas message, post to a discussion, call you, text you, etc. and when they can expect a response. Consider including a link to instructions on how students can turn on notifications in Canvas.

Example:

My preferred method of communication with you is email, which I check frequently. You can email me at any time, but you may not receive a response outside regular business hours. Generally, emails received before 5:30 p.m. will receive a response before 6 p.m., and emails received after 5:30 p.m. will receive a response on the following business day. Business days are Monday–Friday, except for holidays.

Please set Canvas so that it sends you a message when I make a comment on your work. To do this, go to Canvas>Account>Notifications>Course Activities>Submission Comments. Click on the check mark for immediate notification to your home email or text, depending on what you prefer. You may also want to take a look at the other possible notifications and see what you would like to receive.

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Class Policies and Procedures

List your policies and procedures here to make your expectations clear. The following are examples and you can substitute your own, as needed.

Example:

• Attendance: Attendance is not tracked in this class. However, there are certain in-class activities and group quizzes that you can only get points for if you are present. These happen frequently (at least three times a week) and are not announced prior to class.
• Due Dates: All assignments are due by 11:59pm the day of the due date, unless otherwise listed on Canvas.
• Late work: Late work is accepted within the same unit. For example, if you miss a Chapter Review, you can still turn it in up to the test on that particular chapter.
• Cell phones & other electronic devices: Use of these devices are permitted and encouraged during class. You may be asked to quickly find a fact or confirm information so please bring them with you. If you need to take a phone call or use your phone for a non-class purpose, please leave the room temporarily so that your screen does not distract others.
• Children in class: By college policy, children are only permitted in the classroom if approved by the instructor. Please talk to me if you need to bring your child to class so that we can ensure a positive learning environment for the class.
• Food/beverages in class: No open drinks or aromatic foods, please. This will be handled on a case-by-case basis to keep our classroom comfortable for everyone.
• Group work: Group work is an essential part of this class. Please talk to me if you have any concerns or reservations about working in groups during and outside of class time so we can discuss strategies to help you succeed.
• Suspended operations: In the event of the campus closing due to inclement weather, a power outage, or another unexpected event, please check your Canvas messages for updates on how we will adjust our course schedule. You may be asked to watch videos in place of in-class time or complete an additional assignment to stay on schedule. In the event you are unable to access Canvas via the Portal, please use this direct link: https://tacomacc.instructure.com/courses/coursenumberhere.

 Classroom Concerns/Disputes/Final Grade Appeal Process*

Describe your concerns/disputes/appeals process.

Example:

If you have questions or concerns about this class, please talk to me about them. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Chair, Mary Jane Oberhofer in 16-223, moberhofer@tacomacc.edu or 253.566.5253. Ms. Oberhofer can assist with information about additional steps, if needed. If you think that your final grade has been given in error, please see the final grade appeal process.

 Academic Dishonesty*

State your expectations and TCC’s policy related to academic integrity.

Example:

In this class, academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade (“E”) for the assignment or the quarter. Direct copying is prohibited, while incorrect citation and referencing will result in points taken off. I also reserve the right to remove any inappropriate posts on Canvas such as, but not limited to, profanity or plagiarism. In such a case, you will lose posting privileges and be given alternate assignments. As stated in the TCC Catalog, “Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the learning process and threaten the educational environment for all students”. The complete Administrative Procedure for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website.

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Professor and Student Expectations

Chosen Names and Pronouns

Provide an inclusive, welcoming message to your students about your respect for their chosen names and gender identity.

Example:

Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity. Class rosters don't list gender or pronouns, so you may be asked to indicate the pronouns you use so that I don't make assumptions based on your name and/or appearance/self-presentation. However, you are not obligated to share your pronouns. If you use a chosen name, please let me know. Chosen names and pronouns are to be respected at all times in the classroom. Mistakes in addressing one another may happen, so I encourage an environment of seriousness and openness to correction and learning. Thank you.

 Professor Expectations

Describe what you expect of yourself and what the behaviors and attitudes of successful professors look like. This can also be a good activity to do with your class during the first week (i.e. creating a community agreement or classroom norms).

Example:

As your professor, we will work to create an atmosphere that will encourage and support your mastery of course concepts. As such, objectives for which I will strive to meet include to:

• Get to know you and what your goals are for this class.
• Meet with you individually at least one time during the quarter.
• Maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Administer fair and equitable policies and procedures to all students.
• Provide a schedule of activities that is clear and communicate changes by email and on Canvas.
• Grade assignments, quizzes, etc. within one week after the stated due date.
• Grade projects (if assigned) and hand them back to students in class no later than one week after the stated due date.
• Answer email within one business day.
• Provide feedback and comments that are thorough and meaningful.
• Be available for students during my office hours and by appointment and inform students of any changes to my office hours by email and Canvas.
• Equip students with general skills applicable to multiple career paths.

 Student Expectations

Describe what you expect of students and what the behaviors and attitudes of successful students look like. This can also be a good activity to do with your class during the first week (i.e. creating a community agreement or classroom norms).

Example:

• Attend class: Class time is when we make meaning of the readings and assignments. It is important that you come to class and engage in discussions and activities.
• Engage in class: Attending class is the first step – coming to class ready to actively participate in the next step. Ask relevant questions. Take notes. Work cooperatively with other students.
• Check Canvas: Assignments and other assessments are in Canvas. Check Canvas at least three times per week to ensure you complete work on time and understand instructions.
• Respect others: Behave with respect toward each other including other students and your professor. Refrain from profane language or inappropriate/unrelated remarks. Refrain from wearing strong perfumes or colognes – this is a scent-free class.
• Communicate with me: Keep me updated of any circumstances that will not allow you to complete your work on time. I am here to help you learn and can be flexible if something unexpected comes up in your life.
• Self-Advocacy: Seek our resources you need to be successful. There are many resources available to help you succeed at TCC, for example the Writing and Tutoring Center, Access Services, and Counseling. Use the Student Resources Canvas page to access these resources and more.

If there is a concern with your behavior during this quarter, we will use the Student Code of Conduct to frame our discussion. For more information on TCC policies related to student behavior, please refer to the TCC Classroom Standards and Culture webpage.

 Recommended Study Habits

Describe the behaviors and attitudes you want students to have in your class related to studying. Example:

You can expect to devote an average of two hours outside of class to the subject matter (readings and preparation, as well as substantive assignments and participation exercises) for every 50 minutes in class (i.e. one class session). As this is a five-credit class, you can reasonably expect an average of 10 hours of reading/homework each week. Before each class, read the chapter sections that correspond to that class day. Formulate questions about the content that you cannot answer on your own. Come to class prepared to ask those questions and deepen your understanding of the content.

I have tried to ensure that the workload is evenly distributed throughout the class, but if you find you have less than the normal amount of work one week, I suggest meeting with a classmate, going to the Writing and Tutoring Center, and/or attending a Supplemental Instruction (SI) session to review the concepts. Students who do well in this class are able to connect concepts within the class and beyond the class to their other classes and their personal experiences. The more time you spend building connections with the class material to other areas of your life, the better!

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Learning Outcomes

Refer your students to the College Catalog for Degree Learning Outcomes and Specialization Learning Outcomes. Describe the purpose of learning outcomes and how this course fits into students’ areas of study.

Example:

Learning outcomes are what you will know by the end of the course if you complete the assignments and participate in class sessions. These learning outcomes align with the Specialization Learning Outcomes for a specialization in psychology. However, this class aligns with many specializations and can help you work towards your degree, even if it’s not in psychology. To learn more about specializations at TCC and their corresponding learning outcomes, visit the College Catalog.

Course Learning Outcomes*

List your college-approved CLOs. They must be included without changes. You can find your SLOs and CLOS in CurriQunet. Please ask your Chair if you do not have access to CurriQunet. You may also include any additional CLOs you have written for your class.

Example:

I have designed the class intentionally to meet these learning outcomes. If at any point during the quarter you think you are not on track to meet these learning outcomes, please come talk to me so I can help.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Instructional Methods Used

Describe how your class will be taught. Link your instructional methods to students’ achievement of the CLOs.

Example:

In this class, I use a mixture of discussion, lab, and group work activities. You can expect to:

• be engaged in frequent classroom activities to build on the readings, activities, and/or homework you have done for each class;
• work in small groups during class and for those groups to change on a regular basis; and to
• ask your instructor for clarifications, rather than expecting lectures.

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TCC Student Policies

Inform students that they have access to the TCC Classroom Standards and Culture webpage that contains information about TCC policies and behavioral expectations.

Example:

TCC works hard to create a vibrant learning culture where you can succeed. Please refer to the college-wide standards and policies that support this important work.  Some of these policies include Religious Accommodations, Withdraw/Retakes, and the Student Code of Conduct.

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Student Resources

Encourage students to access the Canvas Course called “Student Resources” that gives them information about housing, food, financial aid, etc.

Example:

During this quarter, you may encounter a need that goes beyond this class that affects your academic performance. We are here to help you be successful. You have access to great resources on campus and people ready to support you. Login to Canvas and access the Student Resources course to learn about some of these excellent resources.

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Access and Accommodations

The following statement must be included in your syllabus. A shorter version is available on the Syllabus Information course. Whichever you choose, the full text must be included without changes.

Required Text:

Your access in the learning environment is important to me. If you have already established disability accommodations with the Access Services office, please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course. You can request that Access Services email your Letter of Accommodation to me, or you can provide me with printed copies.

If you have a disability or health condition that may benefit from accommodations to ensure access and support success in this course—and have not yet established services, please contact Access Services at (253) 460-4437 or access@tacomacc.edu.

Access Services offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Services are established through an interactive process that begins with an intake appointment. Access Services is located in Building 7.

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Safety

The following statement must be included in your syllabus without changes. You must update the building number, room number, and which direction the nearest emergency exit is to the room. You can find this information in the classroom.

Required Text:

We care about the safety of our campus and community and all of us are needed in order to create a safe and secure learning environment. Please review the full list of safety resources available to you, which are listed on our TCC Ready website. Additionally, please watch this brief video to familiarize yourself with our general safety practices. Please program the Public Safety number into your cell phone (253-566-5111) or 5111 from any campus phone (If this number is inoperable due to an emergency, dial 253-495-4146) and sign up for TCC Alerts! to receive emergency notifications to your cell phone.

(Online classes can exclude the following paragraph.)

In the event of an emergency, refer to the Emergency Procedures flipchart located near the door of every classroom. This quarter, we are located in Building xx, Room xx. Our nearest exits are to the [left/right] after exiting the room. Please review the campus map in order to orient yourself to where we are on campus. In the event of an emergency where we need to evacuate, please follow my instructions to safely direct us to a safe and secure location on campus.

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Course Outline

The following course outline is subject to change as each instructional period is dynamic

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  Grade Scheme

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

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Syllabus Subject to Change

Include a statement about how the syllabus is subject to change.

Example:

Please note: This syllabus is subject to change. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible using multiple means of communication. Please check Canvas for the most updated schedule and assignment list during the quarter.

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