This document provides an overview and instructions for completing an online 8-week women's health course. It outlines the course structure including sections, links, and required assignments like reader's journals, wiki entries, and a synthesis paper. It emphasizes exploring all parts of the course website and notifies students to read the syllabus which details policies and due dates. The document advises students to do work daily and contact the instructor if help is needed. It also outlines expectations for instructor feedback and support through office hours and email response times.

1. JINS 376: Women’s HealthHow to complete this course online in eight weeks

2. Play with the linksExplore the different sections of the courseBecome familiar with what’s posted at which linkUse the external links to outside sourcesNot for a grade; just to stretch your brain

3. “Information”Goes to documents that tell you what to doConsider downloading the syllabus, article list, and wiki schedule to your own machineRead the syllabus; it’s your friend

4. SyllabusA syllabus is a contract between instructor and studentsCourse policies as detailed in the syllabus apply to all students consistentlyAny exceptions to syllabus policy must be available to all students equally

5. Course calendarThe course calendar is available to you in two places:The last two pages of the syllabusThe “my calendar” module in BlackboardThese should be consistent; notify me if you find discrepancies.

6. Try to do a little bit every day.You’ll work on all multiple things simultaneously.You will probably need to do some reading and/or writing every day.Get in touch with me right away if you’re having trouble with the class.

7. I want all of you to be successful in the course.Please note policy on extensions in the syllabus.Please do contact me by email, in office hours chat, or by phone (785-4561) if anything needs clarification.

8. A few considerations:Any exception I make from course policies for one student must be available to every student.I will be reading, writing, and grading every day myself– any exceptions from course policy shouldn’t exacerbate the already intense summer schedule.

9. What you can expect of meI will be absolutely consistent in the application of course policies.I will read all written work within one business day after it’s posted to Blackboard.I will post scores and provide feedback on each assignment in time for students to incorporate that feedback into the next step of their work.

10. What you can expect of meI will keep office hours from 2-4 Monday through Friday, accessible by phone or Blackboard chat.I will work with the class to adjust those hours if they’re incompatible with your needs.I will check my email twice daily M-F, once before noon and again before 5 p.m.

11. Think of the course as three strands:Reader’s Journals and RepliesWiki entriesYour synthesis project

12. About writingI assume you’ve all had at least one writing class in the past.We are not going to spend time going over writing process and basic composition.Click “Synthesis paper” in the homepage sidebar for links to writing-related resources.

13. About citations and plagiarismI also assume you’ve received instruction about how to cite sources appropriately.Refer to your discipline’s style manual or the online resources provided for details on how to cite when paraphrasing or using direct quotes.You will submit papers in Blackboard through SafeAssign, which screens for plagiarism. See syllabus for academic integrity policy.