DC 401? Writing the Short
Screenplay
Fall 2014? ?|?? M 5:45-9:00?? |?? Loop Campus LEWIS
01516
Instructor: Wendy Roderweiss?
Office: CDM 460
Email:
wroder@cdm.depaul.edu (best way to reach me)
Office
hours:?? 4:30-5:30pm,
9:00-9:30pm Monday
Course Management
system: D2L
September 23, 2014 Last day to drop classes with no penalty
October 18, 2014 Last day to withdraw from AQ2014 classes
This syllabus is subject to change.
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Summary of Course and Course Goals:
This course focuses on the
fundamentals and art of cinematic storytelling in the short format screenplay.
Emphasis is placed on telling a story that relies on rising action and
compelling characters. Students will explore the elements of classic three-act
narratives as they pertain to the visual medium. Constructive analysis will be
used in discussing produced scripts, weekly assignments, and group workshops to
reveal the writer's unique voice and perspective.?
The short script created for this course will be written with student
production in mind - Limitations in terms of budget, cast, locations and
special effects must be taken into consideration.?
Learning goals:
* Students will be able to analyze the three-act structure as applied to
features and the short film
* Students will study in-depth components of plot, character, and dialogue
* Students will be able to critically analyze traditional narratives
* Students will establish their own voice and tone
* Students will construct definitive screen moments
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Students
will write a polished short film designed to be produced as the
student's MFA thesis or other route of production.? Students will workshop these scripts
with their peers in order to produce the most polished draft possible.
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A major
goal for this course is collaboration.?
My intention is to build a ?writers group? within our class to help
foster everyone?s work and see it successfully executed during your tenure at
DePaul.
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Required Textbooks and materials
The Short
Screenplay by Dan Gurskis ?????????????????????? ISBN-10:?1598633384
The Writer?s Journey by Christopher Vogler? ?????????? ISBN-10:?193290736X
The Screenplay by Syd Field?
??????????????????????????????????? ISBN-10:?0385339038
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A blank journal
book to write in (Standard comp book is fine)
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Software:
Celtx-desktop
version, free for mac and pc (I?ll post links on d2l)
Final Draft ? If you?re going to take other screenwriting
courses or pursue screenwriting beyond this class, it may be worth it to invest
in professional screenwriting software now.? For a limited time, Final Draft (industry
standard) is on sale for $99:
http://store.finaldraft.com/final-draft-9-edu.html
Word Processing
Program
Adobe Acrobat
Grading
Class
Attendance, Participation 10%
Daily Journal 10% ????
Book Reports/Forum 15%?????
Assignments 1-6 25%
First Draft of Screenplay 10%???????????????????????
2nd Draft of Screenplay
10%?? ???????????????????????
Final Script 20%
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Standards for Achievement:
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Grade A:
Student performs in an outstanding way. Student exhibits achievement and
craftsmanship in all work. Creative criteria is exceeded and student challenges
him/herself in project development. Student exhibits commitment to expanding
ideas, vocabulary and performance.
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Grade B:
Student performs beyond the requirement of the project. Student exhibits above
average progress and craftsmanship. A creative criterion is exceeded. Student
exhibits above average interest in expanding idea, vocabulary, and performance.
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Grade C:
Criteria of assignment is met, and all requirements are fulfilled. Student
shows average quality work and minimum time and effort on projects. Student
shows moderate interest.
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Grade D:
Student performance is uneven and below average. Requirements for projects are
only partially fulfilled. Minimal interest is shown and attendance,
participation and involvement are inadequate.
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Grade F
Student fails to meet minimum course requirements and shows little interest.
Levels of participation and craftsmanship are extremely poor. Student's
attendance/presence is inadequate.
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Attendance ? Classes
will consist of lecture, screenings, discussion, and creative exercises.
Attendance is mandatory. An absence is defined as not showing up for class, or
arriving more than 15 minutes late, or missing any 15-minute period during
class time.? I take attendance every class.? If you arrive less than 15 minutes late,
and do not hear your name called, make sure you let me know you are present so
I do not mark you absent.? Any absences
will result in a reduction of the attendance/participation grade.? Anyone
who misses 3 classes will automatically drop a letter grade.? Anyone who misses 4 classes will
automatically fail.? However, if
you are legitimately sick, I mean really sick, please stay home.? We don?t want your evil germs.? Please email me at wroder@cdm.depaul.edu before class if you are going to miss.
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Class Participation?Along
with showing up, you are expected to join in class discussions, critique other
people?s work, and participate in workshops.? Remember, this is your class, you will
get out of it what you put in it.? Also, be advised that many of the
assignments that you write for this class, with the exception of your journals,
will be read aloud.? My
intention is not to embarrass anyone, but rather, have a fostering and openly
creative environment where people are comfortable sharing their work.
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Assignments and Exercises ? Class Work Assignments must be handed in on
time. I will not accept late work.? Do not use class time to finalize your
projects.? All assignments are
due at the beginning of class, if you come in late with an assignment it will
not be accepted.? If it is an
assignment that is to be uploaded it must be uploaded on time.
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D2L-In an attempt to
save some trees and cash, most assignments will be turned in via D2L.? If you are unfamiliar with D2L please
see me.? In some cases, you must
print and bring in an assignment.? I
will indicate in the syllabus how each assignment must be turned into me.
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Special Accommodations: If you have any special considerations please see
me.
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BACK UP YOUR WORK:
Failure of computer software and or Hardware will not be accepted as an
extenuating circumstance for late projects or incomplete grades so back up your
work daily.
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Critiques: Due to limited
class time, not everyone's work will get a full review during class. If you'd
like more feedback, arrange to discuss your work with me during my office
hours.
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Electronic devices?Use
of cell phones/laptops/tablets in the class is prohibited. Please turn your
phone off before entering class. ?Absolutely
no texting in class!? Unless you
have a university verified need for a computer in class, please keep them in
your bags.
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Course Lectures- This course has
a joint online section.? All
lectures will be recorded and available on the course home page on d2l.? There will be a box on the left-hand
side of the page that says COL Recordings.
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Book Reports/Discussion Forum ? You will have a series of reading assignments with an
accompanying book report.? This book
report will consist of listing five items from the reading that will be germane
to your work in this course or provoked thought about writing or
storytelling.? One-word responses
are not acceptable.? These are meant
to be public and you will post them on D2L in the discussion forum. You
must also comment on at least two posts for full credit.?
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Content Changes ?
Depending on time factors, the assignments projected for the term may require
slight alteration or rescheduling.?
I will contact you via email with any deviations from the syllabus.? Please ensure that mail sent to the
email address that you provided to the school is readily accessible.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
This course will be subject to the academic integrity
policy passed by faculty. More information can be found
?at ?http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/.
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The university and school policy on plagiarism can be summarized as follows: Students in this course should be aware of the strong sanctions that can be imposed against someone guilty of plagiarism. If proven, a charge of plagiarism could result in an automatic F in the course and possible expulsion. The strongest of sanctions will be imposed on anyone who submits as his/her own work any assignment which has been prepared by someone else. If you have any questions or doubts about what plagiarism
entails or how to properly acknowledge source materials
be sure to consult the instructor.
Withdrawal
Students who withdraw from the course do so by using the Campus Connection system (http://campusconnect.depaul.edu.? ?Withdrawals processed via this system
are effective the day on which they are made. Simply ceasing to attend, or notifying the instructor, or nonpayment of tuition, does not constitute an official withdrawal from class and will result in academic as well as financial penalty.
Retroactive ?Withdrawal
This policy exists to assist students for whom extenuating circumstances prevented them from meeting the withdrawal deadline. ?During their college career students may be allowed one medical/personal administrative withdrawal and one college office administrative withdrawal, each for one or more courses in a single term. Repeated requests will not be considered. ?Submitting an appeal for retroactive withdrawal does not guarantee approval.
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College office appeals for CDM students must be submitted online via MyCDM. The deadlines for submitting appeals are as follows:
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Autumn Quarter:
Last day of the last final exam of the subsequent winter quarter
Winter Quarter: Last day of the last final exam of the subsequent spring quarter
Spring Quarter:
Last day of the last final exam of the subsequent autumn quarter
Summer Terms:?
?Last day of the last final exam of the subsequent autumn quarter
Excused ?Absence
In order to petition for an excused absence, students who miss class due to illness or significant personal circumstances should complete the Absence Notification process through the Dean of Students office.?
?The form can be accessed at http://studentaffairs.depaul.edu/dos/forms.html.? ?Students must
submit supporting documentation alongside the form. ?The professor reserves
the sole right whether to offer an excused absence and/or academic accommodations for an excused absence.
Incomplete
An incomplete grade is a special, temporary grade that may be assigned by an instructor when unforeseeable circumstances prevent a student from completing course requirements by the end of the term and when otherwise the student had a record of satisfactory progress in the course.
?CDM policy
requires the student to initiate the request for incomplete grade before the end of the term in which the course is taken. Prior to submitting the incomplete request, the student must discuss the circumstances with the instructor.
?Students may initiate the incomplete request process in MyCDM.
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All incomplete requests must be approved by the instructor of the course and a CDM Associate Dean. ?Only exceptions cases will receive
such approval.
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If approved, students are required to complete all remaining course requirement independently in consultation with the instructor by the deadline indicated on the incomplete request form.
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By default, an incomplete grade will automatically change to a grade of F after two quarters have elapsed (excluding summer) unless another grade is recorded by the instructor.
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An incomplete grade does NOT grant the student permission to attend the same course in a future
?quarter.
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Students with Disabilities
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive
the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Student Center, LPC, Suite #370
Phone? number: (773)325.1677
Fax: ?(773)325.3720
TTY: ?(773)325.7296
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Class 1 Monday
9/15
IN CLASS:
Introduction to
the course and syllabus
What you like
Why we tell stories
Why we write
What to write about
Screenwriting vs. novels and plays
Final Script guidelines
Loglines
The Subject/ Premises
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ASSIGNMENTS:
Daily Journal (10%): Start your journals.? For in-class section, these must be hand
written, in a notebook or journal book.?
For online students you must submit a word document via d2l.? Write at least one page a day, every
day, including weekends from now until the end of the quarter.? Put the date and time on each
page before you start writing.?
These pages can be about anything: your day, what you fed your dog, your
annoying neighbor, the dream you had, how you felt when you were 7 and your
best friends decided that you were bossy and didn?t want to talk to you
anymore, wait, that was me.? You
don?t have to be profound or insightful, (but it?s okay if you are).? The idea here is to get you in the habit
of writing.? I will not read your
pages.? I will, however, scan them
while I count the number of pages you produce.? THIS IS WORTH 10% OF YOUR GRADE (a full
letter grade).
DUE: Last day of regular class 11/17
FORMAT: In-class students--Handwritten in one notebook or
journal not loose pages or scraps or lots of journals (to be returned during
the final exam class period)?
Assignment #1 (3%): Write 3 loglines for potential final short scripts
for this class.?
DUE: Monday 9/22 be prepared to pitch them to the class.
FORMAT:? In class
students: PRINTED and brought to class, also uploaded to D2L by class start
into dropbox.?
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WATCH: Star Wars
(Episode IV-The Original) if you haven?t seen it.? Re-watch it if it has been a while.? It is available via COLTUBE!!!!
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READ: Chapters 1 & 2 ?Gurskis (The Short Screenplay)
Pages 3-20 Vogler (The Writer?s
Journey)
Chapters 1-5 Field (The Screenplay)
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Book Report/Discussion #1 (3%): List 5 items from the reading that will be germane to
your work in this course or provoked thought about writing or
storytelling.? One-word responses
are not acceptable.? These are meant
to be public and you will post them on D2L in the discussion forum. ?You must also comment on at least two
posts for full credit.?
DUE:
Monday 9/22
FORMAT:? uploaded to D2L by class start
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Class 2 Monday 9/22
DUE: Assignment 1: Loglines, Book Report #1 on D2L discussion forum,
comments on discussion forum, Online
students loglines on discussion forum and comments made
IN CLASS
Read loglines
and choose which story you will develop for you final project
What is a Screenplay?
Three act structure (features and
shorts)
Plot points
Story and Character
Character intro example
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ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignment 2
(3%): 3-Act
Structure--See D2L for assignment details
DUE: Monday 9/29
FORMAT:? uploaded to D2L
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Assignment 3 (3%): Finalize which logline you will be developing and write
a distinctive character intro for your main character.
DUE: Monday 9/29
FORMAT:? printed and brought to class, and
uploaded to D2L
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READ: Chapters 3 Gurskis (The Short
Screenplay)
Pages 23-79 Vogler (The Writer?s
Journey)
Chapters 7-9 Field (The Screenplay)
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Book Report/Discussion #2 (3%): List 5 items from the reading that will be germane to
your work in this course or provoked thought about writing or
storytelling.? One-word responses
are not acceptable.? These are meant
to be public and you will post them on D2L in the discussion forum.? You must also comment on at least two
posts for full credit.?
DUE:
Monday 9/29
FORMAT:? uploaded to D2L by class start
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Class 3 Monday
9/29
DUE: Assignment 2: 3 Act Structure, Assignment #3 Main character intro,
Book Report #2 plus comments
IN CLASS:
Character Arcs
Build a character exercise
Developing the Narrative
Endings and Beginnings
Two Incidents
Plot Points review
Building the Story
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ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignment 4 (4%): Character Bio, Craft a
character bio for your protagonist. See description on D2L for details.
DUE: Monday 10/6
FORMAT: uploaded to D2L
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READ: Chapters 5?
Gurskis (The Short Screenplay)
Pages 83-132 Vogler (The Writer?s
Journey)
Chapters 12 Field (The Screenplay)
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Book Report/Discussion #3 (3%): List 5 items from the reading that will be germane to
your work in this course or provoked thought about writing or
storytelling.? One-word responses
are not acceptable.? These are meant
to be public and you will post them on D2L in the discussion forum.? You must also comment on at least two
posts for full credit.?
DUE:
Monday 10/6
FORMAT:? uploaded to D2L by class start
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Class 4
Monday 10/6
DUE: Assignment #4 Character Bio, Book Report #3 plus
comments
IN CLASS:
Treatments
Step Outlines
The Screenplay format
Screenwriting software
Scene
Sequence
Production focused ideas
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ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignment 5
(4%): Write a step
outline of your final project
DUE: Monday 10/13
FORMAT:? In-class students- PRINTED and brought
to class, ALSO Uploaded to D2L
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READ: Chapters 4?
Gurskis (The Short Screenplay)
Pages 135-173 Vogler (The Writer?s
Journey)
Chapters 10 & 11 Field (The
Screenplay)
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Book Report/Discussion #4 (3%): List 5 items from the reading that will be germane to
your work in this course or provoked thought about writing or
storytelling.? One-word responses
are not acceptable.? These are meant
to be public and you will post them on D2L in the discussion forum.? You must also comment on at least two
posts for full credit.?
DUE:
Monday 10/13
FORMAT:? uploaded to D2L by class start
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Class 5 Monday
10/13
DUE: Assignment
5- Step Outlines, Book Report #4 plus comments
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IN CLASS:
Presentation/Discussion
of Step Outlines
Dialogue
Exposition
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ASSIGNMENTS:
WRITE: First and
second act of your script*
DUE: Monday 10/20
FORMAT: CELTX document, Uploaded to
D2L
*I am asking for a volunteer to turn
in a completed first draft for an in-class workshop on 10/20
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READ:
Pages 175-228 Vogler
(The Writer?s Journey)
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Book Report/Discussion #5 (3%): List 5 items from the reading that will be germane to
your work in this course or provoked thought about writing or
storytelling.? One-word responses
are not acceptable.? These are meant
to be public and you will post them on D2L in the discussion forum.? You must also comment on at least two
posts for full credit.?
DUE:
Monday 10/20
FORMAT:? uploaded to D2L by class start
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Class 6
Monday 10/20
DUE: Book Report #5 plus comments, first and second act of your
screenplay, volunteer?s completed first draft,
IN CLASS:
In-depth
discussion of A Writer?s Journey
Critique of first
draft?volunteer
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ASSIGNMENTS: Assignment 6 (8%):
Analyze a film listed on D2L using the Hero?s Journey as a model and write a
paper discussing the structure outlined in the book.? (further details on d2l)
DUE: Monday 11/4
FORMAT:? Uploaded to D2L
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READ:? Pages 231-291 Vogler (The Writer?s
Journey) for help with your paper
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WRITE: Complete
first draft of your script
DUE: THURSDAY 10/23 by midnight
FORMAT: CELTX document preferred if
using the desktop software.?
Otherwise a pdf uploaded to D2L
CRITIQUE: Read the first half of
your group?s screenplays, and fill out the critique form to bring to class
10/27 for workshop
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Class 7 Monday
10/27
DUE: Completed 1st drafts (were due Thursday 10/23)
Critique of first half of group?s screenplays
IN CLASS:
First draft workshop Pt 1
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ASSIGNMENTS:
Revise 1st Drafts
CRITIQUE: Read
the second half of your group?s screenplays, and fill out the critique form to
bring to class 11/3 for workshop
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Class 8
Monday 11/3
DUE: Hero paper, 2nd half of your
group?s critiques
IN CLASS:
First draft workshop Pt 2
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ASSIGNMENTS: Complete
2nd Draft
DUE: Monday 11/10
FORMAT: CELTX document preferred if
using the desktop software.?
Otherwise a pdf, Uploaded to D2L by 2:30PM?I
will print them and make copies for you, but I need them uploaded early to do
this.
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Class 9 Monday
11/10
DUE: Completed 2nd Drafts
IN CLASS: 2nd
Draft Workshop I
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ASSIGNMENTS:
Revise 2nd Drafts
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Class 10
Monday 11/17
DUE: Journals, Any Extra Credit Assignments
IN CLASS:
2nd Draft Workshop II
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ASSIGNMENTS: Complete 3rd
Draft (Final)
DUE: Monday 11/24
FORMAT: CELTX document, Uploaded to
D2L?If selected for in class critique please upload by 2:30pm so I can
make copies for the class.
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FINAL EXAM
PERIOD Monday 11/24 5:45-8:00pm
DUE: 3rd/POLISHED DRAFT OF FINAL SCRIPT
3rd Drafts (20%) due at the
beginning of the class period (uploaded to D2L)
2 of these will be read aloud in
class, if selected for class reading, please upload a copy by 2:30pm so I can
make copies for class.? Attendance to this class is mandatory.? If you do not attend class you will
receive a 0 on your final draft!?
This draft is worth 20% of your grade.
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This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296