For all work done in this course you will receive a numerical grade which will be converted to a letter grade when final grades are processed. To translate numbers into letter grades, please consult the following chart, copied directly from a faculty handbook in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. It is vital that you understand that the characterizations below (i.e., “excellent”) are central in guiding the instructor’s evaluation of the quality of a paper.

A paper that covers all of the basics, in a reasonably competent fashion, without major flaws, is deemed “satisfactory.” One that has few flaws, and shows an advanced understanding, writing and research ability is deemed “very good.” A paper that leaves little room for improvement (within the context of expectations of a 400 level course), demonstrating that the student has taken considerable initiative, showing sophisticated understanding and research ability, is deemed “excellent.”

In general, student work is assessed in the following manner. Student assignments are evaluated in comparison with each other, normally done by the instructor assembling a random sample and highlighting the best elements of each paper, which then forms the template by which papers are judged. The paper(s) that come(s) closest to achieving the highest standards for student work will receive the highest grades. Students are evaluated on the extent and depth to which they have utilized assigned readings (when applicable). Students are also evaluated on their ability to successfully apply key course concepts to their own writing. Analytical and conceptual clarity (the argument does not contradict itself repeatedly, the writer stays focused, any concepts used are defined, concepts are related to one another when applicable, pros and cons are considered, assertions are supported with evidence or logic), are vital elements of a paper deemed to be “very good” or better. Structure, logical organization, and effective writing are of substantial importance. In the case of research papers, students that demonstrate having taken initiative by covering a reasonably wide and diverse range of sources will be appropriately rewarded.

LATE SUBMISSIONS:
NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED IN THIS COURSE. In very serious circumstances, extensions can be negotiated, but only before the due date. After the due date, all late work will be assigned a grade of zero, automatically, and will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE:
Arrangements for Late Completion beyond the last class, should be negotiated and arranged with me before final grades are due. Only the most compelling reasons, with convincing documentation, can be considered.

Do not call the main office of the Department for course-related inquiries. Do not submit your assignments to the Department: they are not stamped, thus there is no official record of when you deposited your paper, and I will be forced to use the day I actually pick up your paper as the date of submission, or, the date on which you email me a copy (but in all cases except the final exam, I require printed copies of your work).

Finally, please note that the instructor may need to contact the class by e-mail, periodically, for important announcements. It is vital that you log in to your “MyConcordia Portal” account, using your student ID, and ensure that you have a valid e-mail address that you frequently check.

Academic Regulations

Section 16 (Academic Information: Definitions and Regulations) of the Undergraduate Calendar will be strictly administered – particularly on deadlines, Failing Grades,  Administrative Notations, Late Completions=‘INCompletes’ (Grade/INC),  ‘Failed No Supplementals’ (FNS), ‘Did Not Writes’ (Grade/DNW). Make sure you get a copy of the undergraduate calendar, also available online at http://registrar.concordia.ca/calendar/ calendar.html,  and read that material.

PLEASE NOTE THAT PLAGIARISM cannot be tolerated. In instances where plagiarism is detected, the instructor is obligated by Concordia’s Academic Code to report this to the Dean’s office. You must visit the following websites for further guidance:

CONCORDIA ACADEMIC INTEGRITY WEBSITE

MUST READ: CONCORDIA PLAGIARISM POLICY WEBSITE