Course hub for POLSCI B263 - Which Way to Freedom? Debates in Black Political Thought
This is a discussion-based seminar where your presence and engagement matter deeply. We learn together, and your voice contributes to everyone’s understanding.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all class sessions. You may miss up to two classes without penalty. Additional absences will affect your grade.
If you must miss class, please notify me before class if possible. If something unexpected comes up, reach out—we can talk about it.
Preparation & Participation
Come to class having completed the readings and assignments. We rely on each other’s preparation for discussion to work. Your active engagement in seminar—asking questions, making connections, thinking out loud—is part of your grade.
Graded Seminars
If you must miss a graded seminar discussion (Unit 1 or Unit 3), contact me immediately so we can arrange an alternative. Unexcused absences from graded seminars will result in a zero, but I want to work with you if something comes up.
Lateness
If you’re regularly arriving late, I’ll reach out. We all have busy lives, but repeated lateness affects the flow of discussion and signals something might be off—let’s talk about how to support you in being here on time.
Privacy
This course engages with sensitive material—sexual violence, racism, antisemitism, state repression. These are important conversations that require trust. What people share in this room stays in this room. Please don’t share other students’ contributions, questions, or reflections outside of class without their permission. This commitment to each other makes genuine dialogue possible.
Submission
All written work should be submitted via email by 11:59 PM on the due date unless otherwise specified. Include your name and the assignment title.
Late Submissions
Life happens. If you’re going to miss a deadline, the most important thing is to tell me. Reach out before the due date if you can, or as soon as you realize you’re going to be late. We’ll work something out. Assignments submitted without prior communication will lose one letter grade per day late.
Graded Seminars
These are time-specific assessments and cannot be made up casually. If you cannot attend a graded seminar, contact me immediately so we can arrange an alternative.
Plagiarism
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism—presenting someone else’s ideas or words as your own without proper citation—is a serious violation of academic integrity and will result in failure of the assignment and possible further disciplinary action.
Citation
Cite all sources, including ideas you paraphrase or synthesize from course readings. Use Chicago citation style. When in doubt, cite.
AI Policy
This course is designed around assessments that require genuine engagement with texts and real-time intellectual work. Using AI to read assigned texts, summarize readings, or write prep memos, essays, or discussion responses is not permitted and will be treated as plagiarism.
If you’re struggling with an assignment or unclear about what constitutes appropriate use of AI, come talk to me before submitting work. For guidance on Bryn Mawr’s expectations around AI use, see [link].
Disability Services
Bryn Mawr College is committed to providing equal access to students with a documented disability. Students needing academic accommodations for a disability must first speak with Access Services. Students can email accessservices@brynmawr.edu to request an appointment to begin this confidential process. If eligible for accommodations as per Access Services, students should schedule an appointment with the professor as early in the semester as possible to share their verification form and make appropriate arrangements. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive and require advance notice to implement. More information can be obtained at the Access Services website. (http://www.brynmawr.edu/access-services/)
Any student who has a disability-related need to record this class must first be found eligible to do so by Access Services and must share this eligibility with me, the instructor. Class members need to be aware that this class may be recorded.
Sourced from the Bryn Mawr College website: https://www.brynmawr.edu/inside/offices-services/access-services/faculty/sample-syllabus-statement-accessibility
Implementing Accommodations
Once you’ve registered with Access Services, share your accommodation letter with me as early as possible. I will work with you to implement accommodations that support your learning. If you have questions about how accommodations will work in this particular course, let’s talk.
Confidentiality
Your disability status and accommodation needs are confidential. I will not disclose this information to classmates or discuss it publicly.
Temporary Situations
If you’re facing a temporary situation that affects your learning (illness, family emergency, etc.), reach out. We can discuss what support might help, even if it falls outside formal accommodations.
Respectful Dialogue
This course asks you to engage with difficult ideas and sometimes argue positions you may not personally hold. This is valuable intellectual work. We do it together with respect for each other’s dignity.
Disagreement is welcome. Personal attacks are not. If discussion becomes disrespectful, I will pause and reset. If you feel unsafe or harassed at any point, tell me immediately—in class or in private.
Sensitive Material
This course engages with historical and contemporary material involving racism, sexual violence, antisemitism, state repression, and other difficult topics. We approach this material seriously and with care for one another. If you need to step out during class, that’s okay—no explanation needed.
Technology Use
I know devices are useful—you have our readings and the internet on them. But I’m asking you to prioritize printing out readings and coming to class device-free. Phones and laptops are designed to capture your attention, and that makes it genuinely hard to focus on complex ideas. We all think better when we’re fully present.
If you need an exception for accessibility or other reasons, let me know.
Community
We are building a learning community together. Show up prepared, listen generously, ask good questions, and extend grace to your classmates.
I read and respond to emails within 24 hours on weekdays. I do not check email on weekends or evenings—I’m with my 6-month-old and trying to be present in that part of my life. Plan accordingly for assignment deadlines.
If something needs my attention urgently, let me know in person or at the start of class.
Office Hours
Tuesdays 2–3 PM via Zoom and Thursdays 12–1 PM in person (right after class). These are open office hours—no appointment needed. If those times don’t work for you, email me and we’ll find a time that does.
Office hours are a good place to discuss assignments, ask questions about readings, or just think through ideas together.
Urgent Matters
If something urgent comes up that affects your ability to do coursework (family emergency, health crisis, etc.), reach out however you can. If email feels too formal, you can talk to me before or after class.
Course Updates
Check the course website regularly for updates to readings, deadlines, and logistics. I will announce major changes in class as well.
Grade Distribution
Feedback
You will receive feedback on graded seminars through discussion and self-assessment. Written feedback on essays will be provided within two weeks of submission. Rubrics are available on the course page.
I reserve the right to modify the syllabus, readings, and assignments with advance notice. Major changes will be announced in class and posted on the course website. If you have questions about any changes, ask me.