Course Syllabus

Grading Policy

• Pass/Fail

Class Expectations

It is expected that students will act in accordance with the school’s mission of Character, Scholarship, Citizenship and  Responsibility. It is important that each student realize that this course is intended for students who are self-motivated,  independent learners, willing to take intellectual risks, and actively  participate in classroom discussions. A compelling interest  manifests itself in energetic and dynamic involvement in all class work.

If you miss a class you may make up the class by attending another class in that cycle. If you are unable to attend another class within that same cycle then you will have a make up assignment. This class is Pass/Fail and no homework is given unless you miss a class. To pass the class you must be attend all 10 class and participate.

Classroom Expectations / Community Norms

Please read over the following rules: 

1. Whenever you come into this room you need to embody respect. Respect yourselves, each other, me and the  classroom. Please clean up after yourselves.  
2. Never hesitate to ask for clarification. If you are confused, please ask!  
3. School-issued iPads are required . You may also bring a laptop if you wish.
4. Name-calling, foul language, ethnic, racist or sexual slurs will never be tolerated.  
5. Cell phones must stay in backpacks during class.
   

It is imperative that we listen to each other, treat each other with respect, be responsible, and keep an open mind.  These qualities will create a more effective classroom environment. Be respectful and take responsibility for your words  and actions. 

Absences

Absences:  

• For planned absences, including for religious holidays, please contact me as soon as possible. I will work with  you to stay on track and set new deadlines. 
• For unplanned absences, email me. I will send you the work you missed and communicate new deadlines
  
  “Unexcused absences will be treated the same as class cuts. Students who cut class will receive zero credit for  the work missed, tests or quizzes taken, and/or any homework due” – LFA Handbook. 

School Tardy Policy: 

• You are on time if you are in your appropriate classroom 3 minutes after the designated start time on the  schedule. If you are tardy for 15 minutes or more of class, then it is counted as an unexcused absence.

Rubric for Evaluation

• Participation: Active engagement and contribution in class discussions and activities.
• Assignments: Timely submission of coursework and adherence to assignment guidelines.
• Group Projects: Collaboration and teamwork in group settings, showcasing effective communication.
• Research Skills: Application of learned research strategies and tools in assignments and projects.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstration of critical thinking skills in evaluating information and sources.

This syllabus serves as a roadmap for the Digital Media Literacy course, guiding students through essential skills and knowledge necessary for thriving in a technology-driven, media-saturated society.

Important Notes 

Accommodations: 

I recognize that students have different needs as learners, and I intend to work with each student to optimize his/her  experience in this course. If you have any established accommodations (e.g., school-approved extended time, note taking aids, etc.), please notify me during the first cycle or as soon as possible. If extended time is stipulated and you  would like to use it, you should remind me of that at least 24 hours in advance to ensure that I can make the necessary  

arrangements. 

Inclusivity Statement:  

“Lake Forest Academy is committed to building and sustaining an inclusive school community that acknowledges, respects,  and values the varied lived experiences of the community members. We strive to ensure that ideas and behaviors which  oppress others are challenged and addressed through an educational process. Our perspectives are informed by our  differences that include but are not limited to, gender, race and ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, physical  ability, religion, sexual orientation, as well as a variety of physical, intellectual, and spiritual qualities that make us all unique  individuals.” Students are encouraged to communicate with their teachers ahead of time about anticipated absences due to  religious observances/holidays and to reach out to their teachers or advisor about any concerns regarding inclusivity in the  classroom. 

Classroom Privacy Statement: 

Recording of classroom activities by any electronic means is not permitted unless given written permission by the  instructor. All students in a class must be informed if permission has been given for a class to be recorded. Permission to  record a course lecture that the instructor grants to a student is limited to the student’s own personal use to achieve the  educational goals of the course 

Language Note:  

This year we will analyze a variety of historical sources to gain a sense of what factors shaped the nation and the world  throughout various eras. As a result, some of these sources may contain language, ideas and images that are offensive or  derogatory in the modern world. It is important that we study these in their original form so that we can better understand  the historical context or forces that allowed such ideas to be excused and so that we may better understand why such terms  or images are no longer acceptable today. While we will never read the terms aloud, nor will we ever use such language in  class, it is important for you to understand the logic behind using these sources in their original form. I ask that you be  respectful of your classmates as they process language and imagery differently. Be supportive of one another and never try  to impose your own thinking on another person in class. 

Please sign the Academic Honesty form below. 

Academic Honesty Form 

LFA Academic Honesty: 

As members of an academic community, students and faculty alike commit themselves to the honest pursuit and use of  knowledge. Students are, therefore, expected to avoid placing themselves in any position that would call into question  their integrity or sense of academic honesty. Some of the more obvious forms of academic dishonesty are cheating on  a test and plagiarism of a written assignment. Plagiarism is the use of another person’s words, thoughts, or ideas  without appropriately crediting the source. Students are especially cautioned that using or copying material from  Internet sites and presenting it as one’s own work is entirely dishonest and easily distinguished by one’s teachers as the  work of another writer. The complete definition of academic dishonesty is discussed in classes early in the academic  year. Other forms of academic dishonesty include collaborating on work without the teacher’s knowledge or consent,  receiving unauthorized assistance on work, and providing others with the opportunity to benefit from one’s work. The  definition of “work” extends beyond tests and papers to class notes, lab reports, projects, daily homework, and any  other class materials. Any act of academic dishonesty on a minor assignment will result in the student earning a zero for  that assignment. An act of academic dishonesty on any major assignment will result in the student earning half credit  upon completion of a rewrite of the paper or retake of the assessment. When a student takes credit for work that is not  their own, the teacher will inform the Department Chair of the concern. The Dean of Students Office will then initiate  full disciplinary proceedings through the DC, with dismissal as a possible consequence (Retrieved from  https://www.lfanet.org/student-life/student-handbook/code-of-conduct). 

AI Statement 

Students are expected to submit work that is their original thought and origin unless otherwise specified within the  assignment. Using AI to replace your thinking or writing is unacceptable and is considered academic misconduct. Please  consult your individual instructors about how you might be able to use AI as a resource but not a replacement for your  own work. 

Academic Dishonesty can broadly be defined as copying or presenting an author’s words or ideas as one’s own, and  include the following: 

• Collaboration: allowing other students to copy or use one’s work, or doing another student’s work for them.  Work must demonstrate independent thought.  
• Copying: obtaining information by looking at the answers on another student’s assessment or any other  graded assignment. 
• Plagiarism: involves a student’s submission of work purported to by their own, but which in any way borrows  ideas, organization, wording or anything else from another source without appropriate acknowledgement of  the fact. Failing to cite is considered plagiarism! 
• Substitution: taking an assessment or completing an assignment for someone else, or inducing another person  to perform such acts.