One of the main advantages of an online course is flexibility.  This means you will be on your own to a much great degree than in a conventional course.  However, the course is not without structure.  It begins and ends on the same schedule as the regular Chapman semester, for example.  In addition, the various assignments have deadlines, which must be met if you are to receive credit for the work you do.  It's important, therefore, that you read the interactive syllabus carefully to familiarize yourself with what you will be expected to accomplish and the deadlines for doing so.  If you ever have any questions about what is expected of you, please contact me right away: by email, by phone, or in person.  Always remember that while this course is set up to function largely without face-to-face interactions, there is nothing wrong with that.  You should feel free to drop in to see me anytime that will serve your needs.

    I'll conclude this discussion of general policies with a word about plagiarism.  I've provided a website discussion of plagiarism , which you should check out to learn more about the issue, but essentially this refers to submitting work which is not your own.  If you buy a term paper, have your room-mate write it for you, or copy passages from anything you did not personally write, that constitutes plagiarism and is a very serious offense.  At the very least, plagiarism will cause you to receive no credit for the work submitted, it often results in failing the course, and can even result in expulsion.

    There will be no term papers required in this course, but much of your grade will depend on workbook assignments.  It is essential that you do your own work on those assignments.  If anyone else does the work for you or if you copy work done by someone else, that constitutes plagiarism.  Realize, at the same time, that I will encourage you to get to know your class-mates online and will set up vehicles for you to help each other learn.  However, the homework you prepare for submission must be your own work, even if it has been partly shaped by discussions with your fellow students.

    If you have any questions about what would or would not constitute plagiarism, please contact me and I'll discuss it with you.  You can call me at 714-997-6565 or email me at babbie@chapman.edu .