INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
SYLLABUS/SCHEDULE
MUS 207, Spring 2024
INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC BUSINESS
Instructor: Dr. Ted J. Piechocinski
Office: FA 301
Phone: 812-237-2768
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: W, F: 3:00 – 4:00; M, 4:00 – 5:00, or by appointment
Required texts:
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, Where Creativity Meets Business, by Ted J. Piechocinski, pub. Northeastern Music Publications (distributed by Theodore Presser/Cark Fischer), 2020.
Meeting Times:
MWF 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. FA 001
Course Description
This course is designed as an introduction to the general study of the music and entertainment business and industry. We will explore business and employment opportunities and issues faced by professionals; broad areas of exploration will include copyright, publishing, artist management, arts administration, the recording industry, film and television, music licensing, manufacturing, and merchandising. As the introductory course for music business study, this course covers much ground as to facts and figures. There is much to read and much to absorb and apply in constant, practical settings.
Great use is made of modules of area study in this course. Each module has sets of goals, issues and pertinent questions that will be covered in that module. These modules are, by far, the best study guides you have for this course. Every assignment, quiz, and exam reflects materials indicated in the modules. The modules studied will be supplemented by many other pieces of information offered through class discussions. For these reasons, it’s quite important to keep good notes of class discussions.
This syllabus describes the most basic/fundamental aspects, requirements, and expectations for this course. To the extent possible, it will remain intact. However, In order to meet your and other student and course needs, I reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus, schedule, course content, assignments, and course delivery techniques. All changes will be communicated to students as soon as possible via course announcements.
Teaching Philosophy:
This course is approached in a variety of ways; while portions of it do fall into a lecture format, because of the amount of information to be conveyed and expanded upon, most will involve questions and discussions of the text and related material. This Socratic method necessitates participation and leads to discovery through the discussions that result. The student is constantly encouraged to look at any/all situations from multiple perspectives since the music/entertainment industry is so prone to broad swaths of solutions depending upon one’s perspective at a given time.
Course Requirements/Expectations:
[instructor’s clarification of policy]
While there may be assignments for which your laptop computer will be useful, use of a laptop, tablet, or other media device is prohibited in the actual class setting. If there is some extremely compelling reason that an exception should be considered, the student should speak privately with the instructor. Failure to comply with this directive may be deemed as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and may result immediate expulsion from the class.
Course/Class Policies
Evaluation/Examinations
Exams and evaluations in MUS 207 will contain a combination of evaluative methods. Again, most if not all exams will be Canvas exams. If any exam is done in writing, they are to be written in pen, not pencil. There will be three (3) major exams and a final, comprehensive exam. See the class schedule for tentative dates.
In addition, there will be approximately 1 – 2 assignments/quizzes per week for this course. Such activities will have a wide range of activity encompassing a few minutes of class time, a significant amount of class time, and/or time outside the class meeting times. All such assignment/quiz activities will be assigned a pre-determined number of points that will count in towards the total allotment of points designated for assignment/quizzes.
All coursework and participation will be weighted as follows:
Exams: 35%
Assignments/quizzes: 22%
Digital notebook/portfolio: 22%
Attendance/participation: 21%*
*special note regarding attendance: the above-determined weighting as it regards attendance/participation applies only until a student has ten or less unexcused absences. After ten unexcused absences, a student will fail this course, regardless of any other considerations, including exams, assignments/quizzes and participation.
Also, please note that, while 21% of your final grade will be determined by attendance and participation, you will not get 21 points (of the final 100) unless you do participate during the semester; by simply being present but never saying a word or making your presence known in a positive way once in a while, you will only receive the default portion of the attendance/participation portion of the grade (approximately 17 points).
Personal Portfolio/Website/Social Media Presence
Much of what we do to build and sustain our careers revolves around the marketing of US; we must be able to articulate and present our preparation for any of the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for us in our lives. We’re going to take steps to developing marketing materials by developing personal websites throughout the course of the semester. We’ll do this through your development of individual websites. At various points during the semester, reviews of progress and architecture will be discussed and reviewed, through class discussions and through discussions with Professor Piechocinski. The primary purpose of the website to be developed is to serve as a depository for the materials for this course, mostly your notes from our discussions. Beyond that, it will be an attractive marketing tool about YOU, one that can be built on in later months and years.
The platform for the personal portfolio can be either wix.com or weebly.com. If you have previously built a personal portfolio website for another class, you may certainly use that as the basis for this course’s effort as long as the music business components we discuss are represented along with other professional aspects of you.
There is great latitude in the creation of your portfolios. I want it be creative, professional, and sincerely reflective of you and the work you’re doing in this course, specifically, and at ISU, generally. Remember, it’s a marketing tool of YOU. Although it is a highly creative project, there are certain minimum items I do want to see in your portfolio. At this stage, the minimum categories I want to see included on your portfolio include:
Due to ISU’s policy with regard to the computation of “+” grades in overall GPA, more specific grading standards are herein adopted as well. The grading scale for exams and final grades will generally be as follows:
A 89-100 ( A- = 89 – 91; A = 92 – 97; A+ = 98 -100+)
B 78-88 (B- = 78 – 80; B = 81 – 85; B+ = 86 – 88)
C 67-77 (C- = 67 – 69; C = 70 – 74; C+ = 75 – 77)
D 57-66 (D- = 57 – 58; D = 59 – 63; D+ = 64 – 66)
F 0-56
During the semester, the instructor will make every reasonable effort to make somewhat-real-time tallies of grades and/or points accumulated for exams and/or assignments/quizzes. However, due to the exigencies of university responsibilities, such postings may sometimes take longer than the student may like. But, in such cases, the student is advised to be patient and cut the instructor some slack. If you are just diligent in doing your work in a timely and effective manner, keeping such real-time tallies shouldn’t be a high priority.
Return of graded assignments, quizzes, and examinations
Every effort will be made to return assignments, quizzes, and examinations in a timely manner. Optimally, assignments and quizzes will be returned within the next two class meetings after the work is due and submitted. Similarly, examinations should be returned and discussed (except for the Final) by the third class meeting after the exam is given (or after any excused make-up exams are given). Every effort will be made by the instructor to adhere to this standard, but exigent circumstances might occasionally cause a delay.
Miscellaneous Policies/Provisions
Canvas
Extensive usage of Canvas will be made in order to help you keep track of your progress. The Canvas Grade Center will be used for housing all exam grading, quizzes, assignments, attendance and the dissemination of announcements and other materials throughout the semester. Canvas will NOT be able to give you an exact, real-time, up-to-the-minute course grade, but, by looking at each area of grading (i.e. exams, assignments, research paper) you will be able to glean how you are doing overall in the course. During the semester, the instructor will make every reasonable effort to make somewhat-real-time tallies of grades and/or points accumulated for exams and/or assignments/quizzes, respectively. As with other grading, due to the exigencies of university responsibilities, such postings may sometimes take longer than the student may like.
Canvas Tech Support
You can access Canvas Tech Support through the HELP button in the Canvas global navigation. Start with the Search Canvas Guides for quick tutorials on various Canvas features. Within this menu you will also find Chat with Canvas Support (Student) and the Canvas Support Hotline, both great resources to get your questions about Canvas answered.
For other technology support, please contact the Office of Information Technology ([email protected] or 812-237-2910).
Email
We are very fortunate at ISU to have the most sophisticated communications technologies available to us. Access your Sycamore email daily to check for messages from Professor Piechocinski. Please take note that, if you ask for any information about assignments, grades, or any information that can be construed as private student information protected under federal privacy laws, I will only respond through your official ISU email, not through any outside ISP or media content providers.
Civility
This should certainly be apparent as you begin your journey toward a profession but, this is a class where freedom of speech is honored. With that also comes the responsibility of everyone in the classroom to treat each other, in thought, speech, and actions, with respect and civility at all times. While we might vehemently disagree on some issues or manners of presentation, we must always embrace discussions in a civil manner. Rudeness or disrespect towards anyone in the classroom will not be tolerated.
Dress
So that we can promote the most positive environment of respect and regard for positive mutual communication, unless constrained by the dictates of your faith, hats, head gear (including, but not limited to bandanas), or head coverings of any kind will not be allowed in class. This applies to ALL students regardless of gender or gender identity. Stylish, interesting (as determined by the instructor) accessories are acceptable.
Appropriate clothing is expected for class; for example, pajamas or pajama-like garments are not appropriate.
Recording
Unless there is an explicit medical reason to do so, and such request is presented in writing to the instructor in advance of such proposed usage, with the ultimate decision being at the sole discretion of the instructor, recording of any class session by any means is strictly prohibited.
Accommodation
ISU’s Student Affairs committee recommends the inclusion of a statement regarding accommodations for students with particular needs. The adopted statement is as follows:
“Indiana State University seeks to provide effective services and accommodation for qualified individuals with documented disabilities. If you need and accommodation because of a documented disability, you are required to register with disability Support Services at the beginning of the semester. Contact the Director of Student Support Services. The telephone number is 237-2301 and the office is located in Gillum Hall, Room 202A. The Director will ensure that you receive all the additional help that Indiana State offers.”
If you require assistance during an emergency evacuation, notify your instructor immediately. Look for evacuation procedures posted in your classroom.
University Policies
The University has policies regarding academic freedom, students with disabilities and other matters. Information related to these policies is available for your review at the following address:
http://www.indstate.edu/gened/docs/Foundational%20Studies/Info%20on%20Sycamore%20Standard%20and%20ADA%20and%20Laptops%20and%20Academic%20Freedom.pdf
Academic Integrity Policy
The University Standards statement of Academic Dishonesty (Part I, Section 1) is: “Because academic integrity is a cornerstone of the University’s commitment to the principles of free inquiry, students are responsible for learning and upholding professional standards in research, writing, assessment, and ethics. In the academic community the high value of honesty mandates a corresponding intolerance of dishonesty. Written or other work which students submit must be the product of their own efforts and must be consistent with appropriate standards of professional ethics. Academic dishonesty, which includes cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of dishonest or unethical behavior, is prohibited.” Please consult the Indiana State University Code of Student Conduct for more specific information regarding academic integrity.
Indiana State University seeks to provide effective services and accommodation for qualified individuals with documented disabilities. If you need an accommodation because of a documented disability, you are required to register with Disability Support Services at the beginning of the semester. Contact the Director of Student Support Services. The telephone number is 237-2301 and the office is located in Gillum Hall, Rm. 202A. The Director will ensure that you receive all the additional help that Indiana State University offers.
If you will require assistance during an emergency evacuation, notify your instructor immediately. Look for evacuation procedures posted in your classrooms.
Instructor Integrity Policy
In the same way that you, as students, are held to standards of academic integrity, it is fair to expect, and is here acknowledged, that students be assured that they will be treated in this classroom with the utmost respect by their instructor. Ethics, fair-dealing, professionalism, and due respect are concepts best taught and best absorbed by deed and example. Therefore, I pledge to do my utmost to fulfill my role in this important regard.
Career Readiness
The administration, faculty, and staff at Indiana State University believe that in addition to educating students in academic content, it is important to prepare them to be professional and competent employees in the job market. We are committed to incorporating the eight career competencies outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as being necessary to success in the job search and workplace. Many of these eight career readiness competencies will be taught and integrated into your classroom learning:
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Oral/Written Communications, Teamwork/Collaboration, Digital Technology Application, Leadership, Professionalism/Work Ethic, Career Management, Global/Intercultural Fluency.
Communication Policies
Should we have suddenly change meeting formats, we will use Zoom. Since all of you should be very familiar with this app and its usage, it should be easy to make this transition. But, just to be sure we’re all on the same page about this, here are some guidelines to remember:
You are also strongly encouraged to take advantage of Indiana State’s Writing Center and Math Lab. The Math Lab and Writing Center both offer a variety of services designed to help students succeed in their classes and careers. The Writing Center is available to assist all registered ISU students with any area of reading or writing for any class. They can also help with personal projects like short stories or personal statements. They offer one-on-one consultations, drop-in services, and distance assistance, as well as group study tables. Currently, all students are encouraged to take advantage of online consultations, which are being offered via Zoom. All services are free of charge. Students can make appointments by calling (812) 237-2989 or by using the link on the Writing Center website. Please prepare for your appointment by bringing your textbook, relevant notes and materials, and a printed copy of the writing you have attempted so far.
Academic Integrity
In this course, you will be turning in papers through Canvas portals, an online tool that assists in discovering plagiarism. If you commit any form of academic dishonesty in this class, the case will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Integrity. Depending on what the recommendations are from that Office, you may fail the paper or the course or have other sanctions imposed.
The Student Guide to Academic Integrity describes appropriate academic conduct in research, writing, assessment, and ethics. The following behaviors are some examples of academic dishonesty:
Plagiarism is intentionally or carelessly presenting the work of another as one’s own. It includes submitting an assignment purporting to be the student’s original work which has wholly or in part been created by another. It also includes the presentation of the work, ideas, representations, or words of another without customary and proper acknowledgement of sources. Students must consult instructors for clarification in any situation in which documentation is an issue. Students will be considered to have plagiarized whenever their work is improperly cited. (Policy 2.2).Links to an external site.
Generally, the following principles apply to academic integrity:
Indiana State University recognizes that students with disabilities may have special needs that must be met to give them equal access to college programs and facilities. If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible in a confidential setting either after class or in my office. All conversations regarding your disability will be kept in strict confidence. Indiana State’s Accessibility Resources Office coordinates services for students with disabilities: documentation of a disability needs to be on file in that office before any accommodations can be provided. The Accessibility Resources Office is located on the lower level of Normal Hall in the Center for Student Success. They can be contacted at 812-237-2700 or [email protected]. Appointments to discuss accommodations with the Accessibility Resources Office staff are encouraged.
Once a faculty member is notified by the Accessibility Resources Office that a student is qualified to receive academic accommodations, a faculty member is obligated to provide or allow a reasonable classroom accommodation under ADA. Such accommodation will be discussed between the student and Dr. P. to determine what might be workable.
Statement on Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct
Indiana State University is committed to inclusive excellence. To further this goal, the university does not tolerate discrimination in its programs or activities on the basis of: race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 in particular prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational institution that receives federal funding. This includes sexual violence, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. If you witness or experience any form of the above discrimination, you are asked to report the incident immediately to Public Safety: 812-237-5555 or to The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX: 812-237-8954.
With respect to sexual discrimination, instructors, faculty, and some staff are required by law and institutional policy to report what you share with them to The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX. You do, however, have the option of sharing your information with the following confidential resources on campus:
Sycamores Care
Sycamores Care about you! Sycamores Care Links to an external site.is a campus-wide program that cares for students and helps students overcome obstacles. The Office of the Dean of Students collaborates with all Indiana State University departments to create a caring culture at Indiana State. Family members, fellow students, faculty, staff, and employers can make a referral to Sycamores Care. Anonymous referrals are accepted & students may refer themselves too. You can make a referral through the Sycamores Care Referral Form, emailing [email protected], or by calling 812-237-3829.
Academic Freedom
Indiana State subscribes to the American Association of University Professors’ guidelines for academic freedomLinks to an external site. and faculty duties and responsibilities as described on their website:
The developments around Artificial Intelligence (AI) synthesized text are in flux and the rules that are expressed in this syllabus may need to change on short notice; this may affect the contents of assignments, as well as their evaluation. Artificial Intelligence resources are widely available to generate text, images, code, and other media. The student assumes full responsibility for AI-generated materials; ideas must be attributed, and facts must be true. AI tools may only be used when expressly permitted by the instructor, and use must be open and documented. Adapted from The Sentient Syllabus Project (2022), http://sentientsyllabus.orgLinks to an external site.
Special note: for our MUS 207 class, any consideration of AI usage is absolutely prohibited. This class is about your intelligence and that will serve all of us just fine.
Indiana Content Standards for Educators
MUS 307 addresses the following Indiana Content Standards for Educators
Fine Arts – Instrumental and General: 2.4; 4.3
Fine Arts – Vocal and General: 2.4; 4.3
SYLLABUS/SCHEDULE
MUS 207, Spring 2024
INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC BUSINESS
Instructor: Dr. Ted J. Piechocinski
Office: FA 301
Phone: 812-237-2768
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: W, F: 3:00 – 4:00; M, 4:00 – 5:00, or by appointment
Required texts:
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, Where Creativity Meets Business, by Ted J. Piechocinski, pub. Northeastern Music Publications (distributed by Theodore Presser/Cark Fischer), 2020.
Meeting Times:
MWF 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. FA 001
Course Description
This course is designed as an introduction to the general study of the music and entertainment business and industry. We will explore business and employment opportunities and issues faced by professionals; broad areas of exploration will include copyright, publishing, artist management, arts administration, the recording industry, film and television, music licensing, manufacturing, and merchandising. As the introductory course for music business study, this course covers much ground as to facts and figures. There is much to read and much to absorb and apply in constant, practical settings.
Great use is made of modules of area study in this course. Each module has sets of goals, issues and pertinent questions that will be covered in that module. These modules are, by far, the best study guides you have for this course. Every assignment, quiz, and exam reflects materials indicated in the modules. The modules studied will be supplemented by many other pieces of information offered through class discussions. For these reasons, it’s quite important to keep good notes of class discussions.
This syllabus describes the most basic/fundamental aspects, requirements, and expectations for this course. To the extent possible, it will remain intact. However, In order to meet your and other student and course needs, I reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus, schedule, course content, assignments, and course delivery techniques. All changes will be communicated to students as soon as possible via course announcements.
Teaching Philosophy:
This course is approached in a variety of ways; while portions of it do fall into a lecture format, because of the amount of information to be conveyed and expanded upon, most will involve questions and discussions of the text and related material. This Socratic method necessitates participation and leads to discovery through the discussions that result. The student is constantly encouraged to look at any/all situations from multiple perspectives since the music/entertainment industry is so prone to broad swaths of solutions depending upon one’s perspective at a given time.
Course Requirements/Expectations:
- ATTENDANCE: Your attendance for every class and activity is mandatory. Much of what will be gained from the class will be through class discussion of issues and topics that cover a wide gamut of varied opinions and postures. It is through healthy, well-defended, and respectful discourse that we can open our eyes, hearts, and minds to ideas other than those we hold close. We cannot have discourse without participation and we cannot have participation without attendance.
- CANVAS: Starting in SP22, our campus switched Learning Management Systems from Blackboard to Canvas. ALL record/grade-keeping aspects will be done through Canvas. Many of the assignments and exams will also be done on this format. We will make some use of discussions through Canvas, but on a limited basis. More detailed information on Canvas and assistance for its usage is included further in this syllabus. For the moment, you must realize that it is up to you to become familiar with, and to actively use and learn about this important to
- It is critically important that students appear for examinations. For exam purposes, the student will be expected to have a laptop computer available to bring to those class periods. An unexcused absence from an exam will result in a zero for that exam (considerably worse than a fail). In the case of an excused absence(dependent on notification before the class, if at all possible, and sufficient documentation satisfactory to the instructor’s determination) on the day of an examination, the exam must be made up within three weekdays of the student’s return to campus.
- Most assignments will be turned in through Canvas capabilities. Specific due dates and times will be given for each assignment. Assignments to be physically turned in will be due at the beginning of the class period during which they are due. Late assignments may be turned in, BUT must be turned in no later than 4:30 p.m. on the date due, turned in directly to Professor Piechocinski in his office (or placed under his door if he is not in), or, if a Canvas assignment, on that platform. Such late turn-ins of assignments will be penalized to the extent that they might receive only 75% of any points they would have otherwise earned; the exact percentage given will be at the discretion of Dr. P. Assignments turned in later than herein described will not receive any credit……..but they will be noted as received. It is far better to turn in an assignment late, even for no credit, than it is to not ever turn it in.
- Be prepared for every class; this means have the required reading done and have all assignments completed when they are due. Even though discussions might not always match assigned reading for a particular day or week, it is imperative that the student read the assigned material by the time indicated on the schedule included below.
- Participate; questions will be regularly put to you and your participation significantly enhances your grade. For much of what we discuss, we want to know what you think about a particular topic or issue; often there are no absolutely “right” or “wrong” answers but how you arrive at an opinion is the point of much discussion.
- You will be expected to write in this class; anything written and intended to be turned in for evaluation or review should be composed, typed, and presented in a professional, grammatically correct manner. Especially in this class, in increased preparation for you to interact with music industry professionals, it is extremely important that you approach every task as if it were to be done in the workplace. Therefore, everything should have a professional look that would be appropriate for an office. Except for assignments done in class, I will not accept hand-written assignments even if they are done on time.
- Laptops/Tablets, Media Devices
[instructor’s clarification of policy]
While there may be assignments for which your laptop computer will be useful, use of a laptop, tablet, or other media device is prohibited in the actual class setting. If there is some extremely compelling reason that an exception should be considered, the student should speak privately with the instructor. Failure to comply with this directive may be deemed as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and may result immediate expulsion from the class.
- Cell Phones
Course/Class Policies
Evaluation/Examinations
Exams and evaluations in MUS 207 will contain a combination of evaluative methods. Again, most if not all exams will be Canvas exams. If any exam is done in writing, they are to be written in pen, not pencil. There will be three (3) major exams and a final, comprehensive exam. See the class schedule for tentative dates.
In addition, there will be approximately 1 – 2 assignments/quizzes per week for this course. Such activities will have a wide range of activity encompassing a few minutes of class time, a significant amount of class time, and/or time outside the class meeting times. All such assignment/quiz activities will be assigned a pre-determined number of points that will count in towards the total allotment of points designated for assignment/quizzes.
All coursework and participation will be weighted as follows:
Exams: 35%
Assignments/quizzes: 22%
Digital notebook/portfolio: 22%
Attendance/participation: 21%*
*special note regarding attendance: the above-determined weighting as it regards attendance/participation applies only until a student has ten or less unexcused absences. After ten unexcused absences, a student will fail this course, regardless of any other considerations, including exams, assignments/quizzes and participation.
Also, please note that, while 21% of your final grade will be determined by attendance and participation, you will not get 21 points (of the final 100) unless you do participate during the semester; by simply being present but never saying a word or making your presence known in a positive way once in a while, you will only receive the default portion of the attendance/participation portion of the grade (approximately 17 points).
Personal Portfolio/Website/Social Media Presence
Much of what we do to build and sustain our careers revolves around the marketing of US; we must be able to articulate and present our preparation for any of the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for us in our lives. We’re going to take steps to developing marketing materials by developing personal websites throughout the course of the semester. We’ll do this through your development of individual websites. At various points during the semester, reviews of progress and architecture will be discussed and reviewed, through class discussions and through discussions with Professor Piechocinski. The primary purpose of the website to be developed is to serve as a depository for the materials for this course, mostly your notes from our discussions. Beyond that, it will be an attractive marketing tool about YOU, one that can be built on in later months and years.
The platform for the personal portfolio can be either wix.com or weebly.com. If you have previously built a personal portfolio website for another class, you may certainly use that as the basis for this course’s effort as long as the music business components we discuss are represented along with other professional aspects of you.
There is great latitude in the creation of your portfolios. I want it be creative, professional, and sincerely reflective of you and the work you’re doing in this course, specifically, and at ISU, generally. Remember, it’s a marketing tool of YOU. Although it is a highly creative project, there are certain minimum items I do want to see in your portfolio. At this stage, the minimum categories I want to see included on your portfolio include:
- An attractive home page introducing you (with some images)
- The course syllabus
- A button for notes that you’ll take and type out
- A button for assignments
- A button for interesting articles that you’ll either find or be introduced to
- A button for an MEI (Music and Entertainment Industry) Glossary; a mini-dictionary of key terms you've learned
- A button (or more than one, should you so determine) that displays other aspects of you that a potential customer, employer, industry professional might find illuminating about you and your professional aspirations
Due to ISU’s policy with regard to the computation of “+” grades in overall GPA, more specific grading standards are herein adopted as well. The grading scale for exams and final grades will generally be as follows:
A 89-100 ( A- = 89 – 91; A = 92 – 97; A+ = 98 -100+)
B 78-88 (B- = 78 – 80; B = 81 – 85; B+ = 86 – 88)
C 67-77 (C- = 67 – 69; C = 70 – 74; C+ = 75 – 77)
D 57-66 (D- = 57 – 58; D = 59 – 63; D+ = 64 – 66)
F 0-56
During the semester, the instructor will make every reasonable effort to make somewhat-real-time tallies of grades and/or points accumulated for exams and/or assignments/quizzes. However, due to the exigencies of university responsibilities, such postings may sometimes take longer than the student may like. But, in such cases, the student is advised to be patient and cut the instructor some slack. If you are just diligent in doing your work in a timely and effective manner, keeping such real-time tallies shouldn’t be a high priority.
Return of graded assignments, quizzes, and examinations
Every effort will be made to return assignments, quizzes, and examinations in a timely manner. Optimally, assignments and quizzes will be returned within the next two class meetings after the work is due and submitted. Similarly, examinations should be returned and discussed (except for the Final) by the third class meeting after the exam is given (or after any excused make-up exams are given). Every effort will be made by the instructor to adhere to this standard, but exigent circumstances might occasionally cause a delay.
Miscellaneous Policies/Provisions
Canvas
Extensive usage of Canvas will be made in order to help you keep track of your progress. The Canvas Grade Center will be used for housing all exam grading, quizzes, assignments, attendance and the dissemination of announcements and other materials throughout the semester. Canvas will NOT be able to give you an exact, real-time, up-to-the-minute course grade, but, by looking at each area of grading (i.e. exams, assignments, research paper) you will be able to glean how you are doing overall in the course. During the semester, the instructor will make every reasonable effort to make somewhat-real-time tallies of grades and/or points accumulated for exams and/or assignments/quizzes, respectively. As with other grading, due to the exigencies of university responsibilities, such postings may sometimes take longer than the student may like.
Canvas Tech Support
You can access Canvas Tech Support through the HELP button in the Canvas global navigation. Start with the Search Canvas Guides for quick tutorials on various Canvas features. Within this menu you will also find Chat with Canvas Support (Student) and the Canvas Support Hotline, both great resources to get your questions about Canvas answered.
For other technology support, please contact the Office of Information Technology ([email protected] or 812-237-2910).
We are very fortunate at ISU to have the most sophisticated communications technologies available to us. Access your Sycamore email daily to check for messages from Professor Piechocinski. Please take note that, if you ask for any information about assignments, grades, or any information that can be construed as private student information protected under federal privacy laws, I will only respond through your official ISU email, not through any outside ISP or media content providers.
Civility
This should certainly be apparent as you begin your journey toward a profession but, this is a class where freedom of speech is honored. With that also comes the responsibility of everyone in the classroom to treat each other, in thought, speech, and actions, with respect and civility at all times. While we might vehemently disagree on some issues or manners of presentation, we must always embrace discussions in a civil manner. Rudeness or disrespect towards anyone in the classroom will not be tolerated.
Dress
So that we can promote the most positive environment of respect and regard for positive mutual communication, unless constrained by the dictates of your faith, hats, head gear (including, but not limited to bandanas), or head coverings of any kind will not be allowed in class. This applies to ALL students regardless of gender or gender identity. Stylish, interesting (as determined by the instructor) accessories are acceptable.
Appropriate clothing is expected for class; for example, pajamas or pajama-like garments are not appropriate.
Recording
Unless there is an explicit medical reason to do so, and such request is presented in writing to the instructor in advance of such proposed usage, with the ultimate decision being at the sole discretion of the instructor, recording of any class session by any means is strictly prohibited.
Accommodation
ISU’s Student Affairs committee recommends the inclusion of a statement regarding accommodations for students with particular needs. The adopted statement is as follows:
“Indiana State University seeks to provide effective services and accommodation for qualified individuals with documented disabilities. If you need and accommodation because of a documented disability, you are required to register with disability Support Services at the beginning of the semester. Contact the Director of Student Support Services. The telephone number is 237-2301 and the office is located in Gillum Hall, Room 202A. The Director will ensure that you receive all the additional help that Indiana State offers.”
If you require assistance during an emergency evacuation, notify your instructor immediately. Look for evacuation procedures posted in your classroom.
University Policies
The University has policies regarding academic freedom, students with disabilities and other matters. Information related to these policies is available for your review at the following address:
http://www.indstate.edu/gened/docs/Foundational%20Studies/Info%20on%20Sycamore%20Standard%20and%20ADA%20and%20Laptops%20and%20Academic%20Freedom.pdf
Academic Integrity Policy
The University Standards statement of Academic Dishonesty (Part I, Section 1) is: “Because academic integrity is a cornerstone of the University’s commitment to the principles of free inquiry, students are responsible for learning and upholding professional standards in research, writing, assessment, and ethics. In the academic community the high value of honesty mandates a corresponding intolerance of dishonesty. Written or other work which students submit must be the product of their own efforts and must be consistent with appropriate standards of professional ethics. Academic dishonesty, which includes cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of dishonest or unethical behavior, is prohibited.” Please consult the Indiana State University Code of Student Conduct for more specific information regarding academic integrity.
Indiana State University seeks to provide effective services and accommodation for qualified individuals with documented disabilities. If you need an accommodation because of a documented disability, you are required to register with Disability Support Services at the beginning of the semester. Contact the Director of Student Support Services. The telephone number is 237-2301 and the office is located in Gillum Hall, Rm. 202A. The Director will ensure that you receive all the additional help that Indiana State University offers.
If you will require assistance during an emergency evacuation, notify your instructor immediately. Look for evacuation procedures posted in your classrooms.
Instructor Integrity Policy
In the same way that you, as students, are held to standards of academic integrity, it is fair to expect, and is here acknowledged, that students be assured that they will be treated in this classroom with the utmost respect by their instructor. Ethics, fair-dealing, professionalism, and due respect are concepts best taught and best absorbed by deed and example. Therefore, I pledge to do my utmost to fulfill my role in this important regard.
Career Readiness
The administration, faculty, and staff at Indiana State University believe that in addition to educating students in academic content, it is important to prepare them to be professional and competent employees in the job market. We are committed to incorporating the eight career competencies outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as being necessary to success in the job search and workplace. Many of these eight career readiness competencies will be taught and integrated into your classroom learning:
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Oral/Written Communications, Teamwork/Collaboration, Digital Technology Application, Leadership, Professionalism/Work Ethic, Career Management, Global/Intercultural Fluency.
Communication Policies
Should we have suddenly change meeting formats, we will use Zoom. Since all of you should be very familiar with this app and its usage, it should be easy to make this transition. But, just to be sure we’re all on the same page about this, here are some guidelines to remember:
- You must be in a place where you can receive sufficient internet signal.
- YOU MUST HAVE YOUR VIDEO ACTIVATED DURING ALL CLASS MEETINGS AND I MUST BE ABLE TO SEE YOU. If I cannot see you, you will be considered ABSENT.
- Also, your screen needs to IDENTIFY YOU with your name….not some other code or nickname. This is not a rule meant to punish; rather it is about responsibility and making sure I’m able to do everything possible to help you be successful in this class.
- As per the Indiana State University Policy LibraryLinks to an external site., emails should be sent using your Indiana State email account. Student emails that are sent using non-ISU accounts may be misdirected to a junk folder will not be opened.
- Before emailing or calling me, please consult the Syllabus, Canvas site, textbook, announcements, FAQ discussion board, and other available resources. You will find many answers among the sources provided.
- For the sake of always striving to build your professionalism, I encourage you to use good business practices in all communications, especially emails. Communications should contain the following information:
- SUBJECT LINE: Class – Topic (e.g. ENG 305 – Paper #4 Citations)
- BODY OF EMAIL:
- BEGINNING: A formal, professional, appropriate salutation (e.g. Dear Dr. P.)
- BODY: A brief introduction to your concern, question, or situation as well as a clear request regarding the purpose of your communication; be sure to adhere to etiquette expectations (as described above)
- ENDING: A formal, respectful, appropriate closure and signature (Sincerely, With Kind Regards, etc. as well as your name)
You are also strongly encouraged to take advantage of Indiana State’s Writing Center and Math Lab. The Math Lab and Writing Center both offer a variety of services designed to help students succeed in their classes and careers. The Writing Center is available to assist all registered ISU students with any area of reading or writing for any class. They can also help with personal projects like short stories or personal statements. They offer one-on-one consultations, drop-in services, and distance assistance, as well as group study tables. Currently, all students are encouraged to take advantage of online consultations, which are being offered via Zoom. All services are free of charge. Students can make appointments by calling (812) 237-2989 or by using the link on the Writing Center website. Please prepare for your appointment by bringing your textbook, relevant notes and materials, and a printed copy of the writing you have attempted so far.
Academic Integrity
In this course, you will be turning in papers through Canvas portals, an online tool that assists in discovering plagiarism. If you commit any form of academic dishonesty in this class, the case will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Integrity. Depending on what the recommendations are from that Office, you may fail the paper or the course or have other sanctions imposed.
The Student Guide to Academic Integrity describes appropriate academic conduct in research, writing, assessment, and ethics. The following behaviors are some examples of academic dishonesty:
- Cheating (e.g. use of cheat sheets, unauthorized material, resources, or people etc.)
- Obtaining a copy of a test before it is given
- Taking an exam for another student or having someone else take an exam for you
- Working together with other individuals without the consent of the instructor to complete course work, such as exams, projects, and papers
- Copying (with or without another person's knowledge) and claiming it as one's own work
- Doing assignments for someone else
- “Recycling a Paper”: Submitting the same or modified paper you wrote for a different course for this course without the consent of the instructor (multiple submissions)
- Paying someone to write a paper to submit under one's own name or writing a paper for someone else
- Paraphrasing a source without citing the source
- Copying and pasting text from a source without quotations and citation of source
- Including items on a list of references that were not used
- Using in-text citations for sources not used in the paper
- Forging or altering an official document
Plagiarism is intentionally or carelessly presenting the work of another as one’s own. It includes submitting an assignment purporting to be the student’s original work which has wholly or in part been created by another. It also includes the presentation of the work, ideas, representations, or words of another without customary and proper acknowledgement of sources. Students must consult instructors for clarification in any situation in which documentation is an issue. Students will be considered to have plagiarized whenever their work is improperly cited. (Policy 2.2).Links to an external site.
Generally, the following principles apply to academic integrity:
- All quotes, summaries, paraphrases, and facts must have two types of documentation. The first is a parenthetical or in-text citation inserted in the text where the referenced content appears. The second is a bibliographic entry on a page at the end of the paper.
- Anything cited word-for-word is a quote and must appear in quotation marks. The citation for a quotation must also include page numbers (when available).
Indiana State University recognizes that students with disabilities may have special needs that must be met to give them equal access to college programs and facilities. If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible in a confidential setting either after class or in my office. All conversations regarding your disability will be kept in strict confidence. Indiana State’s Accessibility Resources Office coordinates services for students with disabilities: documentation of a disability needs to be on file in that office before any accommodations can be provided. The Accessibility Resources Office is located on the lower level of Normal Hall in the Center for Student Success. They can be contacted at 812-237-2700 or [email protected]. Appointments to discuss accommodations with the Accessibility Resources Office staff are encouraged.
Once a faculty member is notified by the Accessibility Resources Office that a student is qualified to receive academic accommodations, a faculty member is obligated to provide or allow a reasonable classroom accommodation under ADA. Such accommodation will be discussed between the student and Dr. P. to determine what might be workable.
Statement on Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct
Indiana State University is committed to inclusive excellence. To further this goal, the university does not tolerate discrimination in its programs or activities on the basis of: race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 in particular prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational institution that receives federal funding. This includes sexual violence, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. If you witness or experience any form of the above discrimination, you are asked to report the incident immediately to Public Safety: 812-237-5555 or to The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX: 812-237-8954.
With respect to sexual discrimination, instructors, faculty, and some staff are required by law and institutional policy to report what you share with them to The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX. You do, however, have the option of sharing your information with the following confidential resources on campus:
- Student Counseling Center: 812-237-3939; Gillum Hall, 2nd Floor
- Women’s Resource CenterLinks to an external site.: 812-237-2877; HMSU 7th Floor
- Victim AdvocateLinks to an external site.: 812-237-3829; HMSU 8th Floor
Sycamores Care
Sycamores Care about you! Sycamores Care Links to an external site.is a campus-wide program that cares for students and helps students overcome obstacles. The Office of the Dean of Students collaborates with all Indiana State University departments to create a caring culture at Indiana State. Family members, fellow students, faculty, staff, and employers can make a referral to Sycamores Care. Anonymous referrals are accepted & students may refer themselves too. You can make a referral through the Sycamores Care Referral Form, emailing [email protected], or by calling 812-237-3829.
Academic Freedom
Indiana State subscribes to the American Association of University Professors’ guidelines for academic freedomLinks to an external site. and faculty duties and responsibilities as described on their website:
- Teachers are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon an understanding with the authorities of the institution.
- Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subject. Limitations of academic freedom because of religious or other aims of the institution should be clearly stated in writing at the time of the appointment.
- College and university teachers are citizens, members of a learned profession, and officers of an educational institution. When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As scholars and educational officers, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence they should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.
The developments around Artificial Intelligence (AI) synthesized text are in flux and the rules that are expressed in this syllabus may need to change on short notice; this may affect the contents of assignments, as well as their evaluation. Artificial Intelligence resources are widely available to generate text, images, code, and other media. The student assumes full responsibility for AI-generated materials; ideas must be attributed, and facts must be true. AI tools may only be used when expressly permitted by the instructor, and use must be open and documented. Adapted from The Sentient Syllabus Project (2022), http://sentientsyllabus.orgLinks to an external site.
Special note: for our MUS 207 class, any consideration of AI usage is absolutely prohibited. This class is about your intelligence and that will serve all of us just fine.
Indiana Content Standards for Educators
MUS 307 addresses the following Indiana Content Standards for Educators
Fine Arts – Instrumental and General: 2.4; 4.3
Fine Arts – Vocal and General: 2.4; 4.3