ATTENDANCE
It's important to be in class even if you've seen the weekly viewing before, and here's one reason why: Watching a film you've already seen is obviously a different experience than seeing the film for the first time, right? Yet for our purposes both experiences are equally valuable (each in their own way). Here's another reason why it's important to be in class: We'll be exploring a lot of unfamiliar ideas and techniques this semester, and this often works best through spontaneous discussion (including your own questions and insights). So in this sense, your absence takes a toll on your classmates (as well as yourself).
For both these reasons (and others as well), excessive absences (including early departures from class meetings) will reduce your course grade. You can accumulate a total of two absences without consequence and without explanation. We'll call these "discretionary absences." (With respect to the discretionary absence limit, substantially early departures from class may count for either a half or a whole absence, depending on whether you depart before or after the meeting's midway point.)
Absence falling beyond the above "discretionary absence" limit and not covered by the exceptions described below will reduce your course grade by one letter. And for each additional two absences not falling under these parameters, your course grade will be dropped an additional letter.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE "DISCRETIONARY ABSENCE" LIMIT:
There are two exceptions to the above discretionary absence limit.
For both these reasons (and others as well), excessive absences (including early departures from class meetings) will reduce your course grade. You can accumulate a total of two absences without consequence and without explanation. We'll call these "discretionary absences." (With respect to the discretionary absence limit, substantially early departures from class may count for either a half or a whole absence, depending on whether you depart before or after the meeting's midway point.)
Absence falling beyond the above "discretionary absence" limit and not covered by the exceptions described below will reduce your course grade by one letter. And for each additional two absences not falling under these parameters, your course grade will be dropped an additional letter.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE "DISCRETIONARY ABSENCE" LIMIT:
There are two exceptions to the above discretionary absence limit.
- Excused activities (Cornish-related activities supervised by faculty and/or guest artists, such as performances, shows, recitals, etc.). These activities will not directly lower your grade, provided that I receive the necessary documentation and that you arrange with me to make up any relevant graded work. Note that it's your responsibility to establish such an arrangement with me and to ensure that I receive documentation. Be aware that in order to do well in this class you will need to demonstrate a solid engagement of some complex subject matter (potentially difficult to do on your own).
You should note as well that the option for documented exemptions does not extend to, say, a gig with your band or a shift at work, no matter how important activities like these might be to you personally.
- Documented long-term illness. In the case of prolonged illness (sickness or injury necessitating more than two absences), you can protect your grade by submitting a TH 264/5 prolonged-illness contract. Here's the procedure:
- E-mail me to request an extended absence contract (or ask someone else to contact me about this on your behalf). Do this as soon as possible--as soon as you know you'll miss an extended portion of the semester.
- Make sure you understand the terms specified on the contract (including any arrangements for alternate assignment course work).
- Complete and sign the prolonged-illness contract itself, and send it to me prior to your third absence. You can send the contract either by regular mail (c/o the Theater Department) or as a scanned e-mail attachment, or it can be delivered to my mailbox.
- Be aware that I will forward a copy of your signed form to your home department (and that I may check with your department to confirm your status). Also, be aware that an especially prolonged absence may demand that you either drop the course or apply for an incomplete (and that incompletes must be applied for prior to the deadline established each semester by the registrar's office).
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES, MATERIALS, AND INFORMATION
You are responsible for obtaining information or materials disseminated in class, whether you're present or not. (Later in the semester your crewmates can help you with this.) Readings distributed in class will not necessarily be available at subsequent class meetings, but master copies will be available for two-hour check-out at the Cornish library reserve desk.
LATE SUBMISSIONS
Grades for late work will be reduced by ten percent with each week that passes since the due date. In addition, analytical papers will not be accepted after the last week of regular instruction, and no final projects will be accepted after finals week without express prior permission. (Late "rush" submissions are treated differently; see the "requirements" page for details.)
Grades for late work will be reduced by ten percent with each week that passes since the due date. In addition, analytical papers will not be accepted after the last week of regular instruction, and no final projects will be accepted after finals week without express prior permission. (Late "rush" submissions are treated differently; see the "requirements" page for details.)
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
If you are a student with a documented disability and you need accommodations, please make an appointment with the Student Affairs Program Coordinator to discuss these accommodations. Student Affairs Program Coordinator Cheryl Coatney is located in Room 301 of the Main Campus Center. All discussions will remain confidential. You can contact Cheryl by phone at (206)726-5098 or via email at ccoatney@cornish.edu.
