UNIV 2710

Fall 2001

Objectives: The Human Odyssey is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to examine the relationship between the Sciences and the Humanities, especially from an historical perspective. We will explore, question and, we hope, to think responsibly about the ideas developed in Western Civilization upon which our culture is based. Our intention is to help you develop historical awareness and critical thinking skills.

Grading: Your final grade will be based on a standard 100% scale (A: 90-100; B: 80-90; etc.) and will determined as follows:

Test and Essay schedule:

Tests/Exam. Tests will be a combination of multiple choice, definitions, identifications, matching, and short essay. The essays must contain the pertinent points from your readings and lectures. Any student missing an exam for which he/she does not have a university approved excuse will receive a "0" for the exam.

Weekly Quizzes: Each week you will be given a short quiz based on the reading assignments. Also, in preparation, each student will be asked to hand in a one or two sentence summary of each article assigned for that week.

Major Essays: Three major essays will be assigned during the semester (see the schedule above). The essay will be your own work and should be around 700 words (approx. 3 1/2 double-spaced typed pages in 10 or 12 pt format). Specific topics and details of each assignment will be discussed in class. Spelling, punctuation, grammar and general rhetoric will be considered as part of your grade. Opinions, based on factual reasoning, may form an appropriate part of the essay. More specific instructions will be provided later on in class.

Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. Attendance slips for the Monday lab can be picked up at the beginning of the hour. You must write a question related to that day's presentation on the back of the slip and turn it in to Professor Sheppard or Professor Smith at the end of the hour. These questions will form a basis for class discussions. These questions should be relevant and thoughtfully made.

Please be on time to class. A roll attendance sheet will generally be circulated immediately at the beginning of class; if your name does not appear on the sheet, you will be marked absent for that day. It is your responsibility to sign the sheet each day. Any student who misses more than 15 minutes of class will not be allowed to sign the roll attendance sheet. An essential characteristic of the Human Odyssey courses is the emphasis on class discussion. We encourage your participation. The discussions will be based primarily on the Tuesday lab presentation (a film or lecture) and the current week's readings.

Absences and Late Assignments: Excused absences will require appropriate verification and must meet the approval of the instructors. Valid University excuses are listed in the student handbook, The Tiger Cub. Excuses must be presented to an instructor beforehand if possible or on the day you return to class. Any student who has more than three unexcused absences will be assigned a grade of "F" for the course. If an assignment is received late a penalty of 15% will be taken off the for each day late, assignments are due at the beginning of the hour and are considered one day late if they are received later than 10:15 of the due date.

Academic Honesty. If you plagiarize or commit any act of academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the University's Academic Honesty committee for appropriate disciplinary action. Please read the sections in The Tiger Cub concerning academic honesty.

General Notes. You are responsible for all assigned readings, including those not discussed in class, and for all class lectures and discussions. Students may be assigned in turn to be responsible to present background information or to lead particular class discussions. Please be come to class on time, the class period is 10:00 - 10:50 and prepare to spend the entire time on the current class work. If there is a valid need to leave early, please inform the instructor and leave discreetly. The instructors are also available outside of class by special appointment, if you cannot meet with them during regular scheduled office hours. We will try to keep an up to date web page for the class. It is located at: http://www.auburn.edu/~smith01/HumOdy/hoindex.html

Accommodations for Disabilities: Students who require such considerations should make an appointment with one of the instructors by the first full week of classes. Please bring your memo from the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD). If you do not have a memo, it is recommended that you make an appointment with a member of the professional staff in the PSD office, 1244 Haley Center (844-2096).