Assignments and Grades

          Grades will be determined on the basis of two mid-term examinations (25 percent each), a final examination (35 percent), and class participation (15 percent). Class participation will be evaluated at each meeting on the basis of your attendance, discussion of assigned texts, performance on quizzes, and original contributions to our understanding of the Civil War. Class attendance is a necessary, but only partial, fulfillment of the participation requirement.
         Reading assignments are to be completed before the beginning of class on the day designated for their consideration. 

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Consultation

         I will hold office hours regularly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30, and at other times by appointment. My office is in Walsh-Ellett #201. You can also reach me via email at jwillis@sewanee.edu, but please realize that I do not always monitor my work email on the weekends or after hours.

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Class Policies

Honor Code

     When you matriculated, you agreed to follow the Honor Code: to do your own honest work and not to cheat in any form. All forms of cheating, including plagiarism, are violations of the Honor Code and will be treated as such. As per the Honor Code, plagiarism is defined as “[copying or imitating] the language and thoughts of others and [passing] the result off as an original work.” Using the language or ideas of others without proper citation is considered academic dishonesty (cheating), and “others” includes responses from artificial intelligence processing programs (for example, ChatGPT). As well, using AI to complete assignments without the express and clear approval of your instructor is also a violation (for receiving unauthorized assistance). If you ever have a question about an assignment or need additional help, please ask for assistance rather than jeopardize your academic career.

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Attendance

     It is very important that you attend and actively participate in our classroom sessions. If a concept or explanation doesn't make sense to you, ask about it in class or during my office hours.  I am always happy to meet with you to discuss what needs further explanation.    

     If you are ill or need to miss a class for any reason, please contact me via email before the class meets. Plan on borrowing a classmate’s notes and/or meeting with me during office hours to discuss your questions.

     A persistently low level of engagement with this class will adversely affect your participation grade. You will be placed on cut warning with the Dean of Students Office after three unexcused classes.

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Electronic devices 

     Please turn off the ringer on your cell phone and put it entirely away before class begins.  Obviously, no texting or responding to emails while class is in session. You may not use laptop computers in class during our discussion of assigned works. I will place outlines and Powerpoint slides from class sessions on the course Brightspace site, so there will be no need for you to record lectures or discussions.

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Regarding disabilities

    The University of the South is committed to fostering respect for the diversity of the University community and the individual rights of each member of that community. In this spirit, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the University seeks to provide students with disabilities with the reasonable accommodations needed to ensure equal access to the programs and activities of the University.

    Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as early in the semester as possible. If approved for accommodations, the student has the responsibility to present their instructors with a copy of the official letter of academic accommodations. Please note: Accommodation letters should be dated for the current term; accommodations will not be provided without a current accommodation letter; and accommodations cannot be applied retroactively.

    SAS is located in the Office of the Dean of Students (931.598.1229). Additional information about accommodations can be found on the Student Accessibility Services website (https://new.sewanee.edu/offices/the-college-of-arts-sciences-offices/student-life/dean-of-students-office/student-accessibility-services/).
    Students who have questions about physical accessibility should inform their instructors so that we can ensure an accessible, safe, and effective environment.

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Wellness Center resources 

     Your physical and mental health can have a direct effect on your academic performance
and your participation in daily activities. As a student, you may experience a range of
challenges that can interfere with learning, such as physical illness, stress, strained
relationships, increased anxiety, substance misuse, mood changes, difficulty
concentrating, and/or lack of motivation. The University Health Services (UHS) is a
primary care clinic that helps students with injuries or illnesses. Counseling and
Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free counseling service to help you manage the
stresses of student life. You can learn more about the services provided by the University
Wellness Center at https://new.sewanee.edu/campus-life/flourishing/wellness-
commons/university-wellness-center/

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Title IX/Sex Discrimination and Non-Discrimination Policies

     Sex Discrimination is a violation of federal Title IX law and University policy. Disclosure of sex discrimination to University faculty, staff, or specific student leaders (i.e. Proctors, Orientation Leaders, FYP mentors, PRE/SOP Leaders and Ambassadors, etc.) is NOT confidential and these individuals are required to make reports, including names and circumstances, to the University's Title IX Coordinator. One may report confidentially to All Saints' Clergy and University Health and Wellness/CAPS staff. To report incidents of sex discrimination, including sexual assault/violence, stalking, and/or other sexual harassment, please file a report at ReportSexualMisconduct.sewanee.edu or contact the Title IX Coordinator (Dr. Sylvia Gray, titleix@sewanee.edu, EQB Annex-104A, 931-598-1420). For more information on Title IX, please refer to the Title IX website: new.sewanee.edu/titleix. For all other forms of discrimination, please refer to the EEO website at https://new.sewanee.edu/eeo/. You may file a report at ReportDiscrimination.sewanee.edu

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