Each student is expected to do COMMUNITY SERVICE with an organization or program that addresses the needs of low-income households. The number of hours each week that you work will depend upon the placement that you choose. This aspect of the course and the reflection sessions will be administered by the A.P.P.L.E.S. program. At the first class meeting a representative of A.P.P.L.E.S. will describe the program andyour obligations. A.P.P.L.E.S. staff will assist you with finding an appropriate placement. They will help with any problems which might arise from your placement, including finding you a different placement if that is necessary. All matters pertaining to the community service component of the course should be directed to them and/or to the student teaching assistant for this course.

A.P.P.L.E.S. To access (and print out) course information, the service-learning agreement, volunteer time sheets, evaluation forms, and all other necessary paperwork CLICK here. You can also find out about other APPLES opportunities (e.g., internships, alternative spring break, etc.).

There will be three exams (INCLUDING THE FINAL EXAM) during the course of the semester. Each exam will count as 1/4 of your course grade. Exams will not be cumulative. Each one will cover the material that you have read, that you have seen in documentaries, and that we have discussed in class up to that point in the semester. On specified days you will receive the examination question. One week later you will submit a seven-page maximum, double spaced, typewritten stapled answer. When you submit your answer, be sure that your paper has a title page, your name, the row number and the seat number that you will occupy for the entire semester. On the day that you submit your answer, there will be class.

The final quarter of your course grade will be determined by the quality of your community service work. Fifteen per cent of that quarter will be based upon how well you fulfill your service contract; 5% will be based upon the quality of your journal entries and the final 5% will be based upon your participation, presence and contribution to the three reflection sessions.

Because you have maximum control over the examination process, you will be held to very high standards of performance. The evaluation of your answer will consider not only how well you integrated the different materials relevant to the question but also the quality of the presentation of that material. At the end of the syllabus there is a list of writing skills criteria that we will use in assigning a grade to your exam. Well developed writing skills are among the most important skills you will need to be successful in life, regardless of what career you choose to pursue. If you cannot write well by the time you graduate UNC, you will have wasted your time and your parents' money. This course will give you ample opportunity to develop these skills. It will also require that you demonstrate mastery of those skills.

Each student will receive a class roster with each student's name and phone number (unless a student indicates that he/she does not wish such information to be included.) This roster will enable you to form groups for collective study and exam preparation. Empirical study has shown that individuals who work collaboratively do much better than individuals who work by themselves. Also, when you enter the work world you will solve problems by working and brain storming with others and not by always working alone. You can look upon these study groups as anticipatory training for the world beyond the cloistered campus of college life.

Before submitting your answer you should give a draft of your paper to someone who is not in the course (or a student in the course if the former is not possible). Ask them to read and tell you if it is clear, concise, well organized, and well written. You can also use the services available at the Writing Center.

For more information about class procedures.