Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an online class?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this class is being offered completely online. A week before the semester starts, I will send a Canvas message explaining how our class is organized. However, for now, there will not be scheduled class meetings. I will have regularly scheduled online office hours each Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 12noon; and I will be available at other times to schedule online meetings with you.
Does this class fulfill a General Education requirement?
Phil 3 satisfies the college's "Area B - Communication and Analytic Thinking" requirement for an Associates Degree. It also satisfies the "Area A3 - Critical Thinking" requirement for C.S.U. transfer. However, this course does not satisfy a U.C. general education requirement. If you are planning to transfer to a University of California, Phil 5 satisfies the U.C. "Area 1B -- Critical Thinking" requirement. If you have any questions, just ask at the beginning of a class or during an office visit.
Am I ready to take this class?
I recommend you take this course only if you are eligible to take English 1A or higher. Otherwise it is likely you will find yourself struggling with many of our course's skills. If you have any questions, just ask at the beginning of a class or during or an office visit.
Is our textbook on reserve at the SRJC Library?
Yes. You can learn more about using a reserved copy of our textbook by going here: http://www.santarosa.edu/library/services/coursereserves.html .
Do I have to write a paper in this class?
There is no required paper. To learn more about our course's required assignments, click on the "Syllabus" icon on the top of this web page and scroll to the "Graded Assignments" section.
When are each week's quizzes due?
You complete each quiz online. To access each week's quiz, click the "Home" icon on top of our course web site and scroll to that week. Each week's quiz or quizzes will be the last task(s) listed for that week. The due date will be listed there. It is due no later than 11:59pm on its due date. Clink on the quiz link, answer the questions, and click submit. However, a warning. Don't jump ahead and do a quiz before you practice. Like seemingly most skills, the key to learning our class's skills is practice (and ask questions when you are confused).
When is our next exam?
You can verify any exam date by clicking on the "Home" icon on top of the course web site. Each exam will be listed during the week that it will be taken.
What should I do if technical difficulties are preventing me from submitting an online assignment?
If you are having technical difficulties, the most important thing is to problem-solve. If you are getting an error message, read it carefully and attempt to resolve the problem. If you can not resolve the problem, then copy and save your work, including the questions, your answers, and any error messages to a text file, and then email that text file to yourself and me. In the email, identify yourself, which class you're taking, and carefully describe the problem(s) you're facing. You'll get an email reply from me acknowledging that I've received your email and asking you to problem-solve together. So long as your email includes the work you have done and you have completed the work before its due date, you will receive credit; however, to receive credit we will need to problem-solve.
What should I do if I miss an online assignment?
Each student is allowed to submit three week's quizzes late. I call this your "Oops." If a due date has passed, contact me early in the next week. You do not need to explain why it's late. Just say you'd like your "Oops" and I'll explain how to make it up. See our syllabus's extra-credit section for the details.
What should I do if I miss an exam?
I think the best reply is to say "Read the Syllabus." Let me know if you have any questions about what it says.
What should I do when I am not understanding course material?
Answering your questions and clarifying your confusion is important. It likely will be a key to your successful completion of our course. If you have a question that can be addressed briefly, I encourage you to contact me as soon as possible.
What should I do if I am dissatisfied by my grade?
You should address it as soon as possible. A forewarning: such conversations rarely have a quick and easy solution. Usually, the way one improves one's grade is by improving one's study routines. If I start asking you about your study routines, being honest and open is the best approach. I can't help you unless we recognize what's working and what's not. It also helps to review the syllabus.
Is there extra-credit?
Yes. In the class, extra credit is approached as an opportunity for a second chance. If you perform poorly on an assignment, extra-credit provides a way of improving upon that grade. I recommend you review our syllabus's "Extra Credit" section to familiarize yourself with our extra-credit opportunities. After doing so, if you have any questions about extra-credit, don't hesitate to ask in an email, before or after class, or during an office hour.
Should I drop this class?
This question is best answered by contacting me. We'll review your grades, the syllabus's grading criteria, and my recommended remedies for you to complete the course successfully. I'll give you this information so you can decide if you should remain in our class or try again another semester.
What should I do if I have questions about the syllabus?
I encourage you to email or message your question to me. I'll email you the answer or recommend a meeting.
What should I do if I have more questions?
I encourage you to email your question to me. If your question can be answered briefly, I'll email you the answer. If the reply requires a back and forth discussion, I'll email you and ask you to come to an office hour.