EDUCATIONAL CONTRACT – COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Applies to all courses taught by Professor Ted Hamilton and Dr. Paula Clarke

Essential elements of the contract:

1. Definition of the Course – What it is and what it is not! Three Units of University Transfer.

A. Guarantee – “Do well here and you’ll do well elsewhere.” Not high school.

B. Socratic Dialogue – Will not cover the material, lecture, show videos, etc.

C. No Questions and the Exam becomes DUE!

D. No taking roll, no quizzes, no homework, no extra credit & no tests.

E. It is a Love Affair – Instructor’s most significant limitations are related to speed and high expectations, compensated for by patience and caring.

2. Expectations of Students – Adults taking the course by choice

A. Basic necessities: Curiosity, Courage, Discipline

B. Materials: Books as Tools, Outlines for Reference, and Questions

C. Time Investment: A minimum of 12 hours per week: A cyclical process of Reading and Rereading, Thinking and Rethinking, Writing and Rewriting.

D. In the Class Time: Listening Critically (skepticism), Recording Creatively, (keep the hand moving), and Thinking Analytically (meaning, question before, during & after).

E. Must buy & use books. Students are responsible for withdrawing from class.

3. Performance Requirements & Evaluations Standards

A. Contract due by the end of the second week, or instructor’s choice.

B. Exam questions assigned in class and exams due next class session.

C. Grades awarded based upon the 10 Criteria, content evaluated by “thirds” no curve, plus improvement on Final bonus (If at least 70% average on all previous work, Final may improve course grade). 90% or better = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% = C 60-69% = D, below 60% = F.

D. Required readings, class notes and outlines must be approved before obtaining choice for each exam. Satisfactory performance on each sustains exam grade. Unsatisfactory performance on any one produces a full 10% grade reduction on exam.

E. Late exams lose 10 points for each day late. Make-up exams negotiable.

4. Logistics – Critical Places and Times

A. Offices: Tamarack Hall, Room # 217 (Prof. Hamilton), Room # 216 (Dr. Clarke).

B. Phone: Professor Hamilton: 588-5227; Dr. Clarke: 588-5356

C. Office Hours: Mon – Thurs 7-8:00 a.m.; 1-2:00 p.m.; and by appointment.

5. Opportunities – Unlike the University

A. Negotiations Protocol: Early, Good Faith and Win-Win must prevail.

B. Grading of Exams: Only under “Best Conditions”, open to re-grading after student has graded it according to the Ten Criteria.

6. Exam schedule, criteria, coverage and value specific to each course found at the Library Reference Desk and on the College web page.