Nonfiction Media 2010-2011 PROGRAM COVENANT
The learning goals of Nonfiction Media are to develop specific media production and analysis skills, develop strategies of critically engaging traditional and contemporary media forms and explore how, as media artists, we can contribute productively to large and small communities (including our own learning community). This covenant lays out the shared expectations and responsibilities of the faculty and students of Nonfiction Media that will support this learning. By signing it you are making a commitment to abide by its guidelines.
We will listen carefully and respectfully to each other.
We will work together to solve problems and conflicts.
We will cultivate sensitivity to and respect for differences, including gender, race, ethnicity, culture, class, age, sexual orientation, disability and religion.
We agree not to blame ourselves or each other for misinformation we have learned; racism, sexism, classism, homophobia and other forms of institutionalized oppression exist everywhere in society, including the classroom. We will address these issues honestly and frankly when they arise, in order to create a space that is respectful and safe for everyone.
We will support each other’s learning and creative work through collaboration and critique. (Guidelines for critique of student work in progress and final screenings will be developed by the faculty and provided to the all members of the program).
AS FACULTY WE WILL:
Guide student learning.
Plan curriculum, facilitate seminars and group discussions, provide skills instruction.
Be accessible; maintain regular office hours.
Give clear and timely feedback, including end-of-quarter evaluations of student work.
Have fair expectations; give reasonable assignments.
Listen carefully, encourage thoughtful inquiry, value personal, intellectual, and artistic diversity, and be willing to hear and address students’ legitimate needs and concerns.
AS STUDENTS WE WILL:
Take responsibility for our learning; use the readings, screenings, lectures, workshops, projects and discussions as opportunities to stretch and grow.
Share our learning with each other; collaborate.
Listen carefully and respectfully, honor differences.
Complete assignments thoughtfully, punctually and with integrity. We understand that plagiarism can lead to loss of credit or expulsion from the program as the Social Contract specifies.
Attend all scheduled classes regularly and on time; communicate with our seminar faculty if we are unavoidably prevented from attending class.
Use college equipment, facilities and other shared college resources responsibly and with consideration in regards to the needs of other users.
Write and turn in thoughtful self-evaluations and faculty evaluations.
PROGRAM POLICIES:
1. Assignments are due on the day stated in the syllabus—there will be no exceptions without prior faculty approval.
2. Regular and prompt attendance is expected at all program events. You must contact your faculty if you have an unavoidable conflict that prevents your being in class. One credit will be deducted for 4 unexcused absences, counted by class session, not by day. Lateness can also result in loss of credit.
3. In order to achieve full credit (16 credits) per quarter you must:
–complete all assignments, on time
–attend class regularly and promptly
–participate fully in class activities, discussions, projects, workshops and critique sessions
–submit a complete self-evaluation and faculty evaluation by the deadlines specified
4. Failure to receive full credit in fall or winter quarter may jeopardize your ability to continue in the program.
5. Policy Regarding Conflicts:
Some conflicts occur in the context of a seminar or critique discussion; they involve issues we can all learn from, and it’s productive to work them through together. Examples of conflicts that we can all take responsibility for working through include: comments that are personally disrespectful or demeaning, or arguments about how to analyze images, even our own. In that case we encourage all members of the program to be willing to address conflicts and potential conflicts respectfully and thoughtfully, in the group and as they arise.
Conflicts between individuals: If you have a conflict with another individual in the program, here’s a suggested process for addressing it.
1. If you’re having a conflict with someone in the program, ask to meet with them. If you’re worried about how the meeting will go, ask someone else to participate—either a fellow student from the program, or one of your faculty.
2. If the conflict isn’t resolved, discuss it with your seminar faculty, or (if your conflict is with your seminar faculty), discuss it with the other faculty member in your program.
3. If the conflict still isn’t resolved, you have the option to meet with one of the Academic Deans: Sarah Pedersen (pedersen@evergreen.edu), Bill Ransom (ransom@evergreen.edu), or Paul Pryzbylowicz (przybylo@evergreen.edu).