SAMPLE RECITATION SYLLABUS
[COURSE NUMBER] RECITATION OR LAB
YOUR NAME
OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are held Monday from 11 to 12 (following
class) and Friday from 10 to 11. I am also available by appointment during
the week.
CONTACT
Department Telephone: [Number]
Home Telephone/Answering Machine [Number]
Email: [E-mail address]
DISTRIBUTION LIST
(Email)
An e-mail distribution list has been set up for
all four Friday recitations. This is a great way for us to share information
and questions. When you have questions about the readings or the class
requirements, or when you want to share your impressions of the readings,
send an e-mail. That message is distributed to all four Friday recitations
sections (and myself). Perhaps someone else in the class has an answer,
or perhaps I can offer some advice that will be useful to everyone in the
class (I check my e-mail about once a day). In addition, it is a great
way for me to remind you of important dates and for you to set up study
sessions with fellow students before exams.
RECITATION POLICIES (For
a discussion section, but these could be adapted for a lab.)
-
Attendance. Participation in recitation discussions
is a significant part of your grade for this lecture course. You are allowed
one unexcused absence (no questions asked). After that, you should let
me know in advance if you will not be able to attend a discussion. Be forewarned,
showing up for recitation is not enough. You must read the material and
actively join in the discussion.
-
Discussion. Discussions are an open forum where
the class can explore the assigned readings and look for larger themes
and ideas that tie those readings to what we are learning in the course
lectures. You should come prepared with ideas or questions. While you do
not have to raise your hand to speak during our discussion, students are
asked not to interrupt each other and to respect others’ opinions.
-
Grades. Ten percent of the grade for this lecture
course consists of the two recitation readings papers and your participation
during discussions. (Of that 10%, ½ your grade is the average of
the two papers and ½ your grade is based on participation.)
-
Papers. Papers should be 2 pages long, 10 or
12-point font, and double-spaced. These papers are based on class readings
and discussion. They are due:
Essay #1: Wednesday, September 23
Essay #2: Wednesday, November 16
-
Plagiarism. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Ideas that are not your own must be accompanied by a citation with the
source and page number. Direct quotations must be in quotation marks and
must also be accompanied by a citation. Paraphrasing is plagiarism. Copying
another student or another author’s work is cheating and is a violation
University of Pittsburgh policy. Students who cheat will be brought before
a university disciplinary panel. If you have questions about citing source
materials, talk to your teaching assistant or course instructor.
I am always willing to meet with you to discuss ideas
for your paper or to proofread drafts.