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Course Policies

Academic freedom

Academic freedom is the principle that scholars have the right - without repression - to teach, conduct research, and/or disseminate ideas, even those that are not widely accepted or convenient, with the primary goal of truth-seeking. This is central to the mission, goals, and values of the academy and is a core principle of academia. As the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) states, "institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good…The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition." This course is based on the most recent and relevant research and scholarship in this discipline and in related fields.  Although some of the ideas expressed within this course may not be convenient or fit within your worldview, they are grounded in rigorous and informed study.

Our goal is to have deep, informed, and lively classroom debate and discussion. Students must provide logical, rational, and evidence-based argumentation. To be entitled to have your views treated as serious candidates for the truth, you must present evidence for your statements. All “opinions” should be backed up with logical argumentation and evidence with the purpose of seeking truth toward the common good.

Student academic responsibility 

Students are responsible for following the entirety of the Student Conduct Code https://www.washington.edu/cssc/for-students/student-code-of-conduct Links to an external site. I want to draw special attention to the section on Academic Misconduct which includes cheating, falsification, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, destroying or damaging another’s work, and recording or disseminating instructional content without permission. For more details, see https://www.washington.edu/cssc/for-students/academic-misconduct Links to an external site. 

Attendance

Attendance is expected; excused absences include conference travel, illness, and family emergencies.

Late work is not accepted. 

Office hours

Office hours are a chance for you to interact with the instructor and/or teaching assistants. I recommend visiting office hours even if you do not have a specific question about the material. Treat office hours as more than just exam-help sessions or tutorials; good conversations about music, film, television, art, social media, university life, and careers can be had. You may feel better visiting office hours with a group of classmates, you do not need to arrive solo.

Content Advisory

Some of the material for this course may represent complex and difficult subject matter, including depictions of nudity, sexual activity, violence, sexual violence, drug use, addiction, mental illness and suicidal ideation, as well as coarse language.  The characters portrayed in these programs may enact sexism, racism, classism, homophobia, transphobia and/or other forms of bigotry and prejudice. In the interest of our collective learning and growth, we should do our best to make this classroom a space where we can engage bravely, empathetically, and thoughtfully with difficult content. 

The Department of CMS prepares students to critically analyze a range of topics and media forms, including challenging or controversial materials. CMS courses contextualize and historicize these materials in ways that promote thoughtful and sensitive engagement. The materials for this class have been chosen carefully and with intent, based on the most recent and relevant research and scholarship in this discipline and in related fields. If you have questions about the material, please make an appointment to speak with me.

I urge you to take care of yourselves however and whenever it becomes necessary. If you know that you are consistently triggered by anything listed above, please familiarize yourself with the material on the syllabus in advance. Be aware that the University of Washington has mental health and psychological counseling resources available for students. Please visit this website for details: https://wellbeing.uw.edu/unit/counseling-center

Email

Students must use their UW email account to receive important University information, including messages related to this class. 

Disability-related needs

The University of Washington is committed to providing access, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request disability accommodation contact: Disabled Student Services at (206) 543-8924/V, (206) 543-8925/TTY, (206) 616-8379 (FAX), or e-mail at uwdss@u.washington.edu.

Mental health

It is important that we take care of ourselves inside and outside of class and in our professional lives. Towards that end, there are many different kinds of support services on campus, such as the Counseling Center and Hall Health Mental Health Clinic. If you are concerned about yourself or a friend who is experiencing emotional distress and/or may be at-risk for suicide, you can call SafeCampus at 206-685-7233 (SAFE). They will provide a 24/7 risk assessment and help to connect to appropriate resources on campus. Please save the SafeCampus number in your cell phones.

The SafeCampus website https://www.washington.edu/safecampus is an excellent resource for both mental and physical health concerns. Roughly one out of every five undergraduate students suffers from depression or anxiety while in school. If you’re worried about yourself or someone you know, seek help and assistance.

Classroom Decorum:

  • The use of laptops, tablets, cell phones or any other electronic equipment is forbidden.
  • Bring pen and paper to take notes.
  • Take notes during lectures and clip analysis sessions.
  • Listen attentively.
  • Raise your hand to speak.
  • Ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification or raise objections.
  • Make comments. Share your ideas and insights.
  • Address one another with respect, understanding, and kindness.