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Syllabus (Part 2) -- Grading Policy, Modules and Graded Assessments Explained

 

Syllabus (Part 2) 

Grading Policy, Modules and Graded Assessments Explained


MODULES AND HOW TO WORK WITH THEM

The course is divided into separate Modules. Each module covers a specific topic and contains lectures, listening assignments, listening exams, quizzes, other assignments and a main Module Exam, such as Module Exam 2 or Module Exam 3. The modules are designed so that you work on one file (that is, a reading assignment, a link, homework, quiz, etc.) at a time in the sequence in which they appear.

Important Things to Know about Modules

  • Do not work on any assessment outside the module we are currently working in!
  • Use your Calendar tool to determine which module we are working in. In the Calendar tool (as well as the MODULES Tab), you will see due dates for module exams. These due dates also apply to when modules close. For instance, if a module exam is due on July 19, that is also the time when the module closes and you move to the next module the following day.

    Note: This type of modular approach allows you more flexibility since you can often times work at your own pace within a particular module and as your schedule allows. However, you must keep a close watch on all due dates in your Calendar as well as the MODULES page, which also lists due dates.

  • Never wait to the last moment to complete an entire module. It simply will not work. It is better to start the module early rather than wait until the last minute, when undoubtedly you will run out of time.

 

QUIZZES AND MODULE EXAMS:

All exams and quizzes are open-book, open-notes, open-friend (that’s right!). Adult learning theory tells us that when adults have to discuss and/or hunt for information, they maintain a deeper connection and retention to that material.

Quizzes are shorter than exams and designed to cover material for a specific lecture. Generally, but not always, most quizzes may be taken at any time, while we are working on a particular module. Check ahead to be sure. You can save them and come back to them. You may not complete a quiz in any other module other than the one we are currently working in!

Listening Quizzes are intended to help you focus on specific things in a musical example as you develop your listening skills. They need to be completed anytime before the module closes. They can be opened and saved.

Module Exams:

  1. Generally speaking, these exams will cover all the reading material and lectures assigned over the course of a particular module. Not all modules have a Module Exam at the end.
  2. You receive only ONE attempt to complete the exam.
  3. You can save the exam and come back to it.
  4. The assessment will automatically be submitted when you press the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the page.
  5. You can review the exam after its completion.
  6. Remember, there are no make-ups for missed assignments or exams. Make sure you browse each module in advance how much time you will need to complete the module.
     

DESCRIPTIONS OF GRADED ASSIGNMENTS

From time to time, you will also be required to complete an assignment, such as participating in a Discussion Forum. These assignments are graded and may also have due dates listed in the Calendar.

A.    DISSCUSSION FORUM: What Is It? The discussion forum will give us a place to collaborate, communicate, and embark in shared learning. There are graded discussion forum posts that relate to the concepts we will study. Unless otherwise noted, you ALWAYS respond to someone else’s post to gain full points. You find all Discussion Forum assignments listed under a particular module.

How Do I Submit It?  After you arrive in Discussion Forum, view the instructions at the top of the window for how to submit.

Grading of Discussion Forum Assignments.

 For Discussion Forum assignments, you will be required to submit a long paragraph based on a discussion topic that I will present. I give you some examples below of how I grade these. It is worth your time to come back to this when a writing assignment is due. That way you can gain some tips on how I grade these particular assignments. 

Note: Below are three different versions of the same topic and how they were graded. The last two have problems with content and grammar, which are graded accordingly (see “Comments”).

EXAMPLE 1: TOPIC: Is Recorded Music In Public Places A Good Thing?

Music that plays in public places is sometimes called muzak or incidental music. Muzak is free and doesn’t hurt anyone, so why should I care? I would not care, except that I happen to believe the situation has gotten out of control. There is simply too much of the stuff around. Recently, I watched a movie at the Edward’s cinema in Downtown Spokane. When I went to use the restroom, I was greeted with music piped in through ceiling speakers. I decided I really didn’t need to have music playing while answering the call of nature. Furthermore, music like this plays on such small and cheap speakers that little justice is done to the music. A lot of public music is meant to play in the background as incidental music, something to fill the silence, or keep people shopping longer in stores—just another advertising gimmick. I would rather listen to more silence than bad music.

Comments: Grammar and spelling are correct. Good illustration or example given to support a viewpoint. Grade: 95-100%.

EXAMPLE 2:  TOPIC: Is Music In Public Places A Good Thing?

Music that plays in public places is sometimes called muzak or incidental music. Muzak is free and doesn’t hurt anyone, so why should I care? I would not care, except that I happen to believe the situation has gotten out of control. I would rather listen to more silence than bad music.

Comments: This paragraph is way too short and does nothing more than state an opinion, but there is little offered to support that opinion, such as examples, anecdotes or illustrations. Grade: 50-75% depending on depth of content.

EXAMPLE 3:  TOPIC:  Is Music In Public Places A Good Thing?

Music that plays in public place (places) is sometimes called muzak or incidental music. Muzak is free and doesn’t hurt anyone, so why should I care? I would not care (needs comma here) except that I happen to believe the situation has gotten out of control. There is simply too much of the stuff around, and recently, I watched a movie at the Edward’s cinema in Downtown Spokane when I went to use the rest room (restroom), I was greeted with music piped in through ceiling speakers (run-on sentence). I decided I really didn’t need to have music playing while answering the call of nature. Furthermore, music like this plays on such small and cheap speakers that little justice is done to the music. A lot of public music is meant to play in the background as incidental music, something to fill the silence, or keep people shopping longer in stores—just another advertising gimmick. I would rather listen to more silence than bad music.

Comments: There are 4 grammatical/punctuation errors marked in red. Though the content is good, points are deducted for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Grade: 80-95% depending on the number of errors.

PLEASE ALLOW UP TO THREE DAYS FOR GRADING THIS ASSIGNMENT

B. POWER POINT PRESENTATION

What Is It? PowerPoint is a software program usually bundled together with Microsoft Word. It is designed specifically for presentations that include graphics. You will select an artist (see the instructions for selecting an artist) and design 8 slides around that artist or group. PowerPoint has an easy learning curve for those not already familiar with it.

There are very detailed and specific criteria for researching and designing the presentation, which you will find included with the assignment.

PLEASE ALLOW UP TO ONE WEEK FOR GRADING THIS ASSIGNMENT

GRADING POLICY FOR THE COURSE: 

At the end of the quarter, your instructor will enter a zero for any incompleted assignments. Hence, during the quarter, incomplete assignments will not be averaged out as a zero. So, if you have any incomplete assignments, it may appear during the quarter that your grades are fairly high; that is, until the end of the quarter when those incompletes change to a zero; and that zero is averaged into your score. So beware.

To determine your grade during the course and at the end of the course, divide the number of points you earn in the course by the number of possible points, depending upon how many quizzes and assignments we have had up to that time, and move the decimal point two places to the right. That renders a percentage. To determine your numerical grade for the course check your percentage score against the chart below

Percentage          Numerical
                            Grade

Capture.JPG

 

 

MISSED ASSIGNMENTS, EXAM LOCKOUTS, SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

There are NO make-up opportunities for missed exams or assignments. This means that if you wait until the last day to take the exam and you get locked out, there is not enough time to email me and reset the exam before the exam closes. TAKE YOUR EXAMS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. That way, if you are locked out, there is time to email me and reset the exam.

Your instructor does not allow the taking of exams earlier then their assigned dates. Please note this, especially if you are planning any travel immediately before, after or during the course.

If you have a work related situation or a health issue that prevents you from taking an exam, I will allow a make-up upon verification of that situation, such as a letter from your employer on company letterhead or a note from your doctor. In the event of family death, please contact me via email.