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Course format and attendance policy

Course format

This course is being taught in a hybrid format in two classrooms, one in Ithaca and one in New York City. Except (1) when the university requires distance learning or (2) you have a documented health issue that makes distanced attendance a wiser choice, you are expected to attend class in-person in one of these two locations. I recognize that the hybrid format poses unique challenges to giving everyone an equal footing in class conversations; we will work actively and creatively to foster conversation both within and across campuses. I invite your feedback on what is working and not working about the class format and activities.

Because the course is discussion-based, your synchronous interaction with your peers is essential to the course. If you expect to be in an incompatible time zone for a significant portion of the semester, it may not be possible for you to participate in this course.

Connecting virtually

At times, we will be required by the University or other contingent circumstances to meet on-line via Zoom. The Zoom link can be accessed through our Canvas course. In order to foster open discussion, trust, and a sense of personal connection among course participants:

  • The class will not be recorded.
  • You need to log in to Zoom using your Cornell netID to attend. Please keep your microphone muted except when it is your turn to talk, and make sure that your screen name is set with your first and last name.
  • If at all possible given your physical surroundings and your internet connection, please keep your camera on for the duration of the course meeting, except for announced breaks.  If this is not possible, please provide a photo of yourself as a stand-in.
  • Please feel free to use the “Everyone” chat channel to pitch in to the conversation.

Student illness, isolation, and quarantine

While regular attendance is important to your success in this course, please do not come to class if you are sick, or if you have reason to believe you may be infectious. Contact me instead via email or Ed Discussion before class to make a contingency plan. If you are well enough to attend, just not in person, we will set up remote, synchronous access for you. If you are too ill to attend, we will provide you with resources to cover the material you have missed.