VALENCIA COLLEGE WEST
HUM 1020: INTRODUCTION TO THE HUMANITIES ON-LINE
Course syllabus and Class Policies
Date 2021-2022
Professor: D.L. McBride CRN:
Humanities Office: West Campus Credit Hours: 03
Office Phone: 407-299-5000 x 1300 Prerequisites: N/A
Cell Phone: Class Meetings: Emails checked-Online
Email: dmcbride@valenciacollege.edu Advising Hours: Monday & Thursday pm
Last 10 minutes of class
REQUIRED MATERIALS/TEXTBOOK
1. Landmarks in Humanities-Valencia college-HUM 1020. Introduction to the Humanities, 5 th ED;
Fiero, Gloria K., ISBN 9781259544927
COURSE PACING
Instructor-paced courses, assignments are usually released week by week. These courses have a start
and end date, and course facilitators may release content, moderate discussion forums, and set
deadlines for assessments on a weekly basis. You will need to commit regular amounts of time to these
courses so that you don't miss any deadlines.
With self-paced courses, all of the assignments are immediately available and are designed for you to
complete on your own time. The course start and end date cover a longer period of time and
assessment deadlines are not set. You chose the pace to complete the course, faster or slower.
Duration-the difference between homework and exams is time. Exams shorter time to complete,
homework a longer time to complete.
Mechanics-exams might not allow many, if any, attempts but one, as other assignment types, and might
not provide hints or show an answer button.
Communication-course discussions and other forms of discussion maybe turned off during exams, and
you may be asked not to use your notes or other sources.
Weight-an exam may be worth a higher percentage of the final grade than other assignments.
The course outline shows you the assignment and exams for each section, along with the due date for
anything graded.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Description: This course will look at the dominant intellectual and artistic concepts expressed by
mankind in many areas. The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the concepts and
themes from these periods and the people that forged them. Key players and ideas will be examined.
The writing of a research paper is not a requirement of the course but writing is a component of the
course. The instruction method for the course is lecture and discussion.
MAJOR LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The course objectives include: The student will:
1. Have the opportunity to THINK and discuss different viewpoints from different cultures.
2. COMMUNICATE verbally and in writing their understanding of the course material concepts.
3. VALUE the different way ancient cultures construct and viewed the world and how those ways
affect us today.
4. ACT by making decisions based on their understanding of the philosophical and artistic
expressions that reflect the customs and beliefs of the people that developed them and how we
respond and express them today.
Core Competencies of a Valencia Graduate:
Valencia’s Student Core Competencies are complex abilities that are essential to lifelong success. This
course will help you develop and demonstrate the abilities to: (1) think clearly, critically, and creatively;
(2) communicate with other verbally and in written form; (3) make reasoned value judgments and
responsible commitments; and (4) act purposefully, reflectively, and responsibly. Due to the nature of
these global competencies, many problems activities will be presented in the context of an application.
These applications will require students to select appropriate information from the problem and
communicate effectively how to arrive at an appropriate solution to the problem.
Canvas
This is an online course, you will be exposed to the Canvas learning system throughout the semester.
You will need to access Canvas for the detailed course assignment instructions, upload assignments, and
it is where your syllabus and calendar can be found. Announcements will come through Canvas and you
can set your phone to receive alerts when there is a post; contact Canvas phone/support for details:
407-582-5600.
COURSE CLASSROOM POLICIES
Attendance:
You are expected to attend all class meeting of all courses for which you are registered. Regular
attendance and regular class participation are key factors that promote success in college.
Students who do not maintain regular attendance will need to withdraw themselves. I will not
withdraw a student unless the college instructs me to do so. Miss the equivalent of more than three
classes for any reason, other than absences excused in accordance with college policies, is excessive and
basis for withdrawal.
Please email so that we can work together to help you get caught up.
“No Show” Status
Class attendance is required beginning with the first class meeting. If you do not attend the first class
meeting, you may be withdrawn from the class as a “No Show”. Students who are not actively
participating in an online class and/or do not submit the first assignment by the scheduled due date
must be withdrawn by the instructor at the end of the first week as a “no show”. If you are withdrawn
as a “no show”, you will be financially responsible for the class and a final grade of “WN” will appear on
your transcript for the course.
Class Preparation:
*Reading assignments MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE CLASS PERIOD FOR WHICH THEY ARE DUE.
Class discussion is based on the readings and informed participation in discussions is expected. Writing
and/or other homework will often accompany reading assignments.
*Assignments WILL NOT be accepted late without proper documentation of an emergency (illness, jury
duty, etc.) and this will be at the discretion of the professor. Otherwise, students will receive a zero
(0).Online course
You will have 1 week to submit late written assignments, (except in class writing tests which cannot be
made up), late work will lose one grade. Face to Face only
*Hastily written work, without depth or thought, will be returned with a deadline to be re-done with
points deducted. A zero will be given if the assignment is not submitted.
*TECHNOLOGY problems are no excuse for lateness (for example, “My printer broke, was out of ink…
etc.). Please use the computer labs on campus, when needed.
Electronic Devices-Face to Face classes only
ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES must be turned off during class unless otherwise instructed. This also means
no beeping, buzzing, or vibrating sounds, No headphones, and No texting. You may be asked to leave
the classroom for the day if continual use of devices after notification to stop. If you have an emergency
situation that requires your cell phone to be on, please notify your professor at the beginning of the
class.
Class Participation-Online
You should consider being a student a full-time job. You should attend all classes, participate in class,
ask relevant questions, turn in assignments when they are due, and ask for help when needed from a
professor, tutor, or another student.
Communication
In order to provide students with a convenient platform to communicate throughout the week, we will
be using Canvas for all e-mails. It is a good idea to make a friend in class that you can contact for missed
class information.
Note to International Students (F-1 or J-1 visa):
Please be advised that withdrawal from this course due to attendance may result in the termination of
your vise status if you fall below fulltime enrollment requirements of 12 hours. Consult the
International Student Service office for more information.
EVALUATION AND GRADING
Evaluation and Course Grading
Course evaluation is as follows: Your course grade will be processed in the following manor. Your
essays (2) are worth 100 points each. Three quizzes @ 50 points each equals 150 points. One on-line
final is worth 50 points. There are 6 discussion at 100 points each = 600 points. One project @ 100
points. Your total points add up to 1100 points. All grades are added together and then divided by the
number of assignments and the final test to give you your final grade. All grades are of equal weight. I
do not round up the grade at any time in the grading procedure. Your final grade will be based on the
following grading scale:
Grading Scale and Evaluation
The sum points earned throughout the course will determine a letter grade as follows:
A = 100-90
B = 89-80
C = 79-70
D = 69-60
F = below 59
Make-up Exams
A FINAL exam is required and will be given on-line. Failure to complete the on-line final will result in an
F for the session.
Homework and Quizzes
Assignments should be turned in on time, but work can be submitted late. Turning your work in late will
result in the loss of one full grade. I will not accept any work after that for any reason. Quizzes will be
on-line and have an opening and closing date and time. Check assignments.
Late project or assignments will be penalized 1 full grade.
Check grading scale above to assess your grade.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Course Assignments and Point Values
A detailed description of each assignment will be provided to students along with the assignment
criteria and point value. This will allow the student to identify where the points were lost for areas of
improvement for future assignments. This can be found in Content in Canvas. Grades can be found in
Canvas in the area under GRADES.
Topic Assignment Due Points Earned
Quiz 1 XX 50
Quiz 2 XX 50
Quiz 3 XX 50
Quiz 4-Final XX 50
Writing Essays (2) 200
Online Discussion 6 600
Project -- 100
Extra Credit Assignments
Extra Credit: I give no extra credit at all.
Extra Information:
You will need to be happy with your grade, so check your grades often online until you are satisfied with
your final grade. If you do not feel your grade is correct I will ask you to resubmit disputed assignment
so I can see it. I cannot change a grade if you cannot produce your work for the course.
VALENCIA COLLEGE POLICIES
Important Valencia Websites Links
College Calendar: http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/
Important Dates and Deadlines:
http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/documents/FallSpringSummer17-18ImportantDates-rev5-
11-17.pdf
Final Exam Schedule: http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/FinalExam.cfm
College Catalog: http://valenciacollege.edu/catalog/
Valencia Policy and Procedures: http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/
FERPA: http://valenciacollege>edu/ferpa/
Important Course and College Dates
Final by:
Note: There were some problems in the printed version of Important Dates and Calendar Deadline
document, please go the website listed above to check these areas out.
Withdrawal Policy
For the withdrawal deadline for the ____ 2021 term for receiving a non-punitive grade of “W” please
check important dates and deadlines in the handbook. During the first or second attempt in the same
course at Valencia, if you withdraw or are withdrawn by the professor, you will receive a W
(Withdrawn). You will not receive credit for the course, and the W will not be calculated in your grade
point average; however, the enrollment will count in your total attempts in the specific course.
STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO WITHDRAW AFTER THE WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE. A professor may
withdraw you up to the beginning of the final week exam week for violation of the class attendance
policy in which case you will receive a grade of W. Please, take note I do not withdraw anyone from
class unless directed by the college.
Student Code of Conduct
Valencia College is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but it is
concerned with the development of responsible personal and social conduct. By enrolling at Valencia, a
student assumes the responsibility for becoming familiar with and abiding by the general rules of
conduct. The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty.
Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in the disruption of a class may be
directed by the faculty member to leave the classroom. Violation of any classroom or Valencia’s rules
may lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from Valencia. Disciplinary action could
include being withdrawn from class, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other
appropriate and authorized actions. You will find the Student Code of Conduct in the current Valencia
Student Handbook.
You are expected to do all your own work on tests. Giving or receiving information concerning exam
content is considered cheating. In NO instance will cheating of any type be tolerated. All work must be
your own; any student involved in cheating or plagiarism (including the use of another’s student’s work)
may receive a grade of “F” on a specific assignment, examination, or project, may be assigned a grade of
“F” for the course. The professor (s) reserves the right to determine penalties within Valencia College’s
academic honesty policies. Online conduct requires students to be polite to other classmates during any
contact required by class assignments.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Each student is required to follow Valencia policy regarding academic honesty. All work submitted by
students is expected to be the result of the student’s individual thoughts, research, and self-expression
unless the assignment specifically states “group project.” Any act of dishonesty will be handled in
accordance with Valencia policy as set forth in the Student Handbook and Catalog. At Valencia, we
expect the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in accordance
with policy 6Hx28:8-11 upheld by the Vice President of Student Affairs
(http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/). Academy dishonesty includes, but is not limited to,
plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents,
misconduct during a testing situation, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive.
Students shall take special notice that the assignment of course grades is the responsibility of the
student’s individual professor. When the professor has reason to believe that an act of academic
dishonesty has occurred, and before sanctions are imposed, the student shall be given informal notice
and an opportunity to be herd by the professor. Any student determined by the professor to have been
guilty of engaging in an act of academic dishonesty shall be subject to a range of academic penalties as
determined by the professor. These penalties may include, but not be limited to, one or more of the
following:
Loss of credit for an assignment, examination, or project;
Reduction of the course grade;
Or a grade of “F” for the course;
At the option of the professor, the appropriate administrator of the campus may be furnished with
written notification of the occurrence and the action taken. If such written notice is given, a copy shall
be provided to the student. Students guilty of engaging in a gross or flagrant act of academic dishonesty
or repeated instances of academic dishonesty shall be subject to administrative and/or disciplinary
penalties that may include warning, suspension, and/or expulsion from the college.
Internet Research Statement
Because of the variety of sources, ease of publication, lack of central control and proliferation of
commercial information on the free Internet, it is often hard to tell if the information is reliable. Many
sites contain research and information of high quality. However, unlike traditional print publications or
library-based electronic resources, there is usually no process of peer review, nor is there an editor
verifying the accuracy of information presented on the Internet. THERE ARE AN INCREASING NUMBER
OF SITES CONTAINING INFORMATION THAT MAY BE INCOMPLETE, ANONYMOUSLY WRITTEN, OUT-OF-
DATE, BIASED, FRAUDULENT, WHOSE CONTENT MAY NOT BE FACTUAL. STUDENTS SHOULD,
THEREFORE, USE CAUTION IN USE OF FREE INTERNET FOR THEIR RESEARCH NEEDS. For academic topics
that are addressed in scholarly literature, use of electronic databases or visiting the library may better
meet your needs. However, each professor makes the final determination of what is or is not accepted
as a valid source so review the syllabus for specific guidelines from your professor. There will be no use
of the following: Bing, Google, Spark-Notes or Wikipedia search engines allowed for written work of any
kind. Also do not use .org, .com, .net, etc. The use of these will cost you 10 points off your assignment.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from the
Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with their professor, preferably
during the first two weeks of class. http://valenciacollege.edu/osd/
Student Assistance Program
Valencia College is interested in making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college
experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help with issues dealing with stress,
anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship
problems dealing with school, home, or work. Bay-Care Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program
(SAP) services are free to all Valencia students and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470.
Free face- to- face counseling is also available.
FYI
Written work: all written work will be submitted online.
Due date means on the date assigned. Any time after class is late and subject to a lower grade.
Participation: Students will from time to time be asked to work in groups, and be expected to take part
in online discussions as well as inside their groups, please respect the rights and opinions of others and
respond after they have finished speaking.
DISCLAIMER
The syllabus, assignments and due dates are subject to change at the discretion of the professor.
Notification will be through Canvas, in writing and/or verbal in class. I, the professor will not withdraw
any student from class. It is the students responsibility to do so before the withdraw date and to be
aware of the date. Withdrawing can create financial problems for you with scholarships and financial
aid. Think twice. Check Canvas often for announcements. If you have a problem contact or see me. I
will as helpful as I can be to get you the kind of help you need. If, I cannot help you to your satisfaction,
the dean is available for a discussion. We will work together to solve your problem. The phone number
for Canvas support is 407-582-5600.
Keeping financial aid:
1. Complete 67% of attempted classes
2. Maintain GPA of 2.0 or higher at the college
3. Keep a GPA of 2.0 or better over all
4. Complete your degree within 150% of the time frame
