Philosophy

This course and this textbook are centered on the idea that you will better understand and retain important statistical concepts if you build your own knowledge and practice using it, rather than by memorizing and regurgitating a set of facts. In order to actively construct knowledge in statistics, you must:

• Engage in the material and think carefully about it; there are rarely rote, black and white solutions in statistics.

• Attend class Complete online lectures, participate in class, and complete pre-class preparations.

• Attend labs Complete online labs/tutorials, develop skills using SPSS, develop skills using technology and transfer those skills to real data beyond homework and test situations.

• Expect weekly homework sets, occasional table Moodle quizzes, and longer projects data analysis reports (see below) which allow you to pull your knowledge together.

Grades

Your course grade will be determined as follows:

College wide grading benchmarks can be found at: http://catalog.stolaf.edu/academic-regulations-procedures/grades/

All homework assignments, lab responses, and quizzes will be due each week by 11:59 PM Sunday night. This is Central MN time. If you are in a different time zone, I will allow a couple hours cushion. The best advice I can give is to just not wait until Sundat night to submit everything.

Computation

I understand that everyone’s computer and internet situation is drastically different now. Access to the internet, sharing devices with family, video conferencing quality, and your schedule may affect your ability to complete assignments. Please know that I get this and am willing to work with you individually on completing the content. You just need to let me know!

Class Preparation and Participation

We are online each in our own homes, but I still expect you to participate in this class! There are online forums on Moodle to ask and answer questions, I will have virtual office hours you can attend, and I will even try to set up some times for us to get together online and socialize if needed. Check your email and Moodle often to see more ways to participate in class.

Classroom behavior

Be sure to help out around the house, clean the dishes, do some laundry, make your bed. I have some great recipes for dinners or muffins if you want to make a little treat for your family. Wash your hands and limit your exposure to people outside your own home (I don’t care if they’re friends or family in another home that don’t feel sick, don’t do it unless it’s necessary!!)

Note about Disabilities

I have the ability to automatically allow more time on quizzes and tests for those who have accommodations. I will also work with DAC to ensure everything is properly accessible. If you have accommodations, please let me know what I can do to help make this class better online.

I am committed to supporting the learning of all students in my class. If you have already registered with Disability and Access (DAC) and have your letter of accommodations, please meet with me as soon as possible to discuss, plan, and implement your accommodations in the course. If you have or think you have a disability (learning, sensory, physical, chronic health, mental health or attention), please contact Disability and Access staff at 507-786-3288 or by visiting wp.stolaf.edu/academic-support/dac.

Statement of Inclusivity

In keeping with St. Olaf College’s mission statement, this class strives to be an inclusive learning community, respecting those of differing backgrounds and beliefs. As a community, we aim to be respectful to all citizens in this class, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

I am committed to making course content accessible to all students. If English is not your first language and this causes you concern about the course, please speak with me.

Note about Academic Integrity

Plagiarism, the unacknowledged appropriation of another person’s words or ideas, is a serious academic offense. It is imperative that you hand in work that is your own, and that cites or gives credit to others whenever you draw from their work. Please see St. Olaf’s statements on academic integrity and plagiarism at: https://wp.stolaf.edu/thebook/academic/integrity/. See also the description of St. Olaf’s honor system at: https://wp.stolaf.edu/honorcouncil/

St. Olaf’s Academic Integrity Policy, including the Honor System, is an integral part of your academic experience. I consider any violation of this code to be extremely serious and will handle each case appropriately. Here are some guidelines for this class. They do not cover all eventualities so if you have any doubts about a course of action you can ask me.

• Homework assignments may be done in collaboration with other students (this is highly encouraged). However, the final product must written by you, in your own words, unless group assignments have been specifically allowed.

• In no event can you copy answers from another student, a website, solutions manuals, or elsewhere.

• When you sign your pledge on an exam that you have “neither given nor received assistance, and seen no dishonest work” I treat your signature as your solemn pledge that all your actions have been honorable. For example, if we have a take-home exam, you are assuring me that you shared no information with others, that you did not solicit or receive help from anyone besides me, etc.

• Don’t treat the honor code lightly; if you’re in doubt about a possible violation, ask me.