Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Point of this Course?
You will learn to write papers that are suitable for an academic audience and display a logical argument supported by scholarly evidence.
In your final research paper you must demonstrate that you understand how to:
1. analyze and logically evaluate a particular topic
2. research what others have said about that topic
3. properly document your research
What Does UX1, UX2, or UX3 mean?
Make sure you know which section of 111 you are in. There are often 3 blogs/discussions, one for each section.
- If your course title in Blackboard has “(UX3)” in it, then you are in Section 3 (UX3), which is taught by Megan Bush.
So, What Are We Going to Do in This Class?
Your assignments are explained in detail under the “Assignments” link found in the menu above. Each week you will read, contribute to discussions, and complete a writing assignment. See the Calendar of Assignments for a quick overview. There are 4 papers due over the course of the semester plus 10 discussion contributions and 10 short writing exercises or quizzes.
This course is very labor intensive. It’s strongly recommended that you set aside at least 9 hours to read and write each week. First-year college students often try to skip out on much of the reading, but if you choose to do so, your work will reflect your lack of study and you will be graded accordingly.
Who Can See What We Write in the Discussion Boards?
This course is different from a course in Blackboard. No one can see a course in Blackboard unless they are enrolled in the course. This course is open for others to find and see on the web. It can be found through search engines, meaning that when you post to the discussion board, what you say is visible to others on the internet. No one outside this course may post to the discussion board, but they can read what you write.
It’s important for you to learn that (unless it’s a private journal) writing always takes place in a rather public context, and that often has an impact on the quality of student writing in a course like this one.
*Please note that your grades are recorded only in BlackBoard. They cannot be seen by anyone other than you and your instructors.
What About My Privacy?
Even though it makes the class more fun, you are not required to use your real name on the Discussion boards. However, if you choose to use a pseudonym, you must clearly identify your real name and pseudonym in an email to your instructor.
How Do I Get My Grade?
This course operates on a 1000 point scale. See Calculating your Grade for detailed information. If you want to know what your grade is currently, you must log in to Blackboard.
What Book Are We Using?
See Required Texts.
How Can I Get in Touch With My Instructor?
Megan can be contacted at mbush11@alaska.edu
What Are My Instructor’s Policies on Late Work?
Communication is key. As a general rule, I do not accept late work, but I am also a reasonable human being, so be sure to contact me if an emergency comes up. Late assignments will only be considered on very rare occasions for legitimate emergencies (such as a death in your family). Late assignments will not be accepted because of situations including but not limited to work schedules, travel arrangements, etc. Otherwise, due dates are due dates. Instructors will take work early, but, like any college course, late work is unacceptable.
How Long Will it Take for My Instructor to Grade Assignments?
Your instructor will grade assignments and comment on papers within 7 days of submission.
My Instructor Took Off a Bunch of Points for Grammar and Spelling, But I Can’t Tell What I’ve Done Wrong. What Gives?
Your instructor is not an editing service. You are a college student. You should be able to write grammatically standard sentences, use SpellCheck, and edit for clarity. This course is intended to teach you to write critically; it is not intended or equipped to provide developmental instruction. If an instructor cannot understand your writing, you will have to seek personalized help from a place like UAF’s Writing Center, Rural Student Services, or Student Support Services.