Title: Course Expectations
Course: REL 201 RTZ > Section: Week 1 - Introductions, Introductions to the Course and Introductions to Religion

This course is not an independent study course and requires you to participate in the class on a weekly basis.  Below are some tips, guidelines and suggestions to help you to be successful in this course.

1. This course is like an in-person course in terms of the amount of work needed to fulfill the requirements of being a credit bearing course.  You must have an equivalence of three hours of lecture and 6-8 hours of homework and study per week.
2. I recommend that you create a schedule for this course as if you are taking an in-person course.  For example, block out a three hour block of time or 2 one and a half hour blocks to represent the in-person lecture.  This time should be used for reviewing the information that is presented in each module and participating in discussions. Then block out times for reading the textbooks, doing assignments and your research paper.
3. Check in daily.  Scan for announcements and emails that might be important to any changes, updates or important information given for this course.
4. Be prepared for technology follies.  I.e. Your internet is down, your computer does not work, and you misread the directions for an assignment or discussion post.  Also, always back up your work.  Do not type directly into [Your LMS]  Type up your assignments, discussions and homework in word and then copy/paste or attach your document.  Keep a back-up of all your assignments in case there are technology issues.
5. Post your discussions early so that we can create a fluid procession of discussion between all students.  If everyone posts at the last minute than there are no discussions to be responded to and then there is no real academic discussion happening in class!
6. If you are confused about an assignment or discussion please ask!  Other students in the class may have the same question.  It is hard to communicate effectively 100% of the time online and your questions will help you become a more successful student.
7. Send me any discussions posts, assignments or papers early and I will be happy to review these documents before you submit them if have concerns about the content, structure or whatever.
8. Do not forget that in the age of our technology every step you make in this course is recorded for my review. I will know when you log into the course, how long you spend in the course and what you have viewed.  If I find you falling behind please be prepared to receive an email from me regarding your class status!
9. Please be respectful of your colleagues in this course and do not get in the way of people who want to learn!  Do not post to a discussion if you have not read the prompts and other students posts.
10. A note on Wikipedia – Do not ever use or refer to Wikipedia in this course.  Wikipedia is not an accepted form of true academic research and should be left to look up characters in your favorite movie or music band.  If you use Wikipedia you will receive a zero on that assignment or discussion post.

[Your college/institution's LMS Discussion Board use and location here].

[Example wording/structure below]

Now go to the Coffee Break Room (found on the Discussion Board) and let me know that you accept these terms and conditions!

How to find the Coffee Break Room:

1. On the left-hand navigation pane bar select the title 'Discussions'

2. Under the header 'Pinned Discussions' select 'The Coffee Break Room'

3. Type a message and you now know if you accept the terms and conditions of this course.