UMD instructors and students have a responsibility to maintain a learning environment that is, as stated in the Teaching and Learning Policy, "respectful of the rights and freedoms of all members, and promotes a civil and open exchange of ideas." The full policy is available at
"http://d.umn.edu/academic-affairs/academic-policies/classroom-policies/instructor-and-student-responsibilities".
Grade Breakdown:
Exam One | 20% |
Exam Two | 20% |
Exam Three (cumulative) | 30% |
Future Technology Analysis | 20% |
Quizzes | 5% |
Participation | 5%
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Student grades will depend primarily on written work and the understanding of the material that students convey through that work. A command of standard written English and the ability to present an argument will also contribute to the determination of the course grade.
Writers' Workshop
UMD offers free one-on-one writing support from graduate or faculty writing consultants at the Writers' Workshop. The consultants will work with you on any writing project at any stage in the writing process.
For more information or to make an appointment, visit
"http://d.umn.edu/writwork/" or stop by the Learning Commons on the second floor of the Kathryn A. Martin Library. Walk-ins are welcome as long as a consultant is available.
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Late assignments will receive a deduction of 1/3 of a letter grade for each business day that they are late. Students who miss exams may not make them up without a valid excuse for the absence. Valid excuses include health emergencies and family crises. If students anticipate missing an exam or a paper deadline for a valid reason and consult with me in advance, I can consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
Academic dishonesty harms the reputation of the University of Minnesota Duluth and can cast a shadow over the accomplishments of its students. Because the university is committed to providing students every possible opportunity to grow in mind and spirit, it must insist on an environment of trust, honesty, and fairness. Consequently, all members of the academic community must regard any act of academic dishonesty as a serious offense. In keeping with this ideal, this course will adhere to UMD's Student Academic Integrity Policy, which is available online at
"http://www.d.umn.edu/academic-affairs/academic-policies/classroom-policies/student-academic-integrity".
This policy sanctions students engaging in academic dishonesty with penalties up to and including expulsion from the university for repeat offenders.
Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might influence their capacity to perform in this class, should inform me at the start of the semester. I can make special adaptations of teaching methods, assignments, materials, or testing as required to provide for equitable participation in the course. The Disability Resources Center is also available to assist students with disabilities. It is located in 258 Kirby Student Center, by phone at (218) 726-6130, and on the web at
"https://umd-general.umn.edu/disability-resources".
Required Texts
Asimov, Isaac. The Caves of Steel. Random House, 1991.
Butler, Octavia. Wild Seed. Warner Books, 2001.
Ishiguro, Kazuo. Never Let Me Go. Knopf, 2006.
Lem, Stanislaw. Solaris. Houghton Mifflin, 2002.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Oxford, 2008.
Wells, H. G. War of the Worlds. Oxford, 2017.