Professor Szalay's
  Grading and Attendance Policy
A - coursework requires consistent and excellent work on all levels: course preparation, homework, class participation, composition, tests & quizzes, and assigments. A-level students not only set high standards for themselves by thinking (self-) critically about course content, they also attend classes with outstanding consistency (that means no absences all semester, except for documentable emergencies), participate meaningfully and very regularly in all class discussions, and turn in all assignments by the due dates. 

B -  level coursework conveys comparatively more surface-level understanding of topics and assignments. Course work demonstrates solid evidence of academic content and format, and shows critical thought and reflection. B-level students attend classes consistently, participate on a regular basis in class discussions, and turn in solid efforts on a very consistent basis.

C- level students do not convey consistent understanding of course content. Assignments are generally inadequate in the areas of detail and refinement, demonstrating average quality with respect to the form (mechanics, style) and content of coursework.

D- and F- level coursework does not demonstrate sufficient understanding of the topics and assignments, and lacks of the requisite course-appropriate critical thinking and reflection. Work is poor and inconsistent in both quality and quantity, whether this applies to class attendance, participation in course activities and discussion, or to
assignments. 

Attendance
Highly consistent course attendance is expected, particularly since in-class participation is vital to progress in acquiring language skills. Any and all unexcused absences and tardiness will result in the final grade being lowered; for every missed/late class attendance, points are detracted and negatively impact the participation/preparation and homework portions of the final grade. Excused absences include illnesses that require medical attention (appropriate documentation must be submitted) or a pre-arranged absence for a vital reason and special circumstances (with notification of the professor prior to the absence).
Students who cannot attend a class for a valid reason (e.g., illness, major family events) are to provide written notice in advance of the missed class, either by a note w/ documentation OR by email addressed to Professor Szalay at eszalay@weber.edu. Exceptions to this policy are the usual obvious and documentable reasons that involve emergencies.*
To restate: ALL OTHER ABSENCES are unexcused and will affect the final course grade.

GRADING SCALE:
A    93-100
A-   90-92
B+  87-89
B     83-86
B-   80-82
C+ 77-79
C   73-76
C-  70-72
D+ 67-69
D   63-66
D-  60-62
F   59 and lower
 
*Any student requiring accomodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in Suite 181 of the Student Services Center. Services for Students with Disabilities can also arrange to provide course materials (including this syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary. Some of the services SSD offers include:
* Classroom interpreting for deaf students
* Textbooks on tape
* Braille and large-print materials
* Assistance / assisting devices for students with mobility impairments
* Adaptive technologies
* Registration Assistance
* Other accomodations as needed.

Please feel free to discuss ways in which I can assist you!