Look at the examples in your text, but do not slavishly copy from flawed text examples to compose work for class. Your text frequently employs ineffective examples to force you to think for yourself.

We will normally go over the material from each chapter only in response to your questions, so it will be your responsibility to check your understanding against the questions at the beginning of each chapter. Ask questions during class; ask about anything that seems unclear or incomplete. Be aware that your text sometimes uses flawed examples without letting you know that the examples are flawed. Again, be careful not to copy either the contexts or writing from your text since doing so can at times guarantee a low grade. If you're interested in why Kitty Locker builds flawed examples into the text, ask about the issue during class.

We will have frequent quizzes over assigned reading. Quizzes are usually given at the beginning of the class period, so arrive promptly.

Although I do not grade on attendance, I do take roll. Missing class will lower your class grade because you’ll miss information you need to complete class assignments effectively. You will not be able to make up missed work. Absence is at times unavoidable; still, don’t miss class unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Because business often requires collaboration, so does this class. The quarter system allows little time for group meetings during class, so plan to meet with your collaborators outside normal class hours.

Please discuss case study strategies with your classmates. To lessen chances for receiving a low grade, get help with editing and proofreading too.

For sentence revision assignments, don’t bother copying the original sentence. For other assignments, follow appropriate guidelines from either your text or from class discussion. Use backnotes to explain your assumptions.

During Week Five you’ll receive a handout that addresses grading in English 310. Read it carefully. Understand that low grades, particularly early in the quarter, do not necessarily condemn you to a low grade for the class. Because English 310 uses reality-based grading, and because reality-based grading is probably unfamiliar to you (as well as being counterintuitive), speak with my former 310 students to get a better idea about what to expect.

Each writing assignment you submit affects your reputation as a writer. For this reason, edit and proofread carefully. Just removing mechanical errors or errors in format will not guarantee a high grade. You’ll want also to write effectively and with substance.

My comments on work returned to you reflect either the problems that seem most serious or those that happen to catch my eye. I do not mark everything ‘wrong’ with your work. Develop a draft free from mechanical errors; then make certain that what you have written works effectively to achieve the goal you hope to achieve. Never submit a rough draft; rough drafts receive failing grades.

Jim Howland, 2008