We are still running HIST 640 during a global pandemic.
While we slowly return to our "new normal," and HIST 640 will be delievered in-person, it is important to remember that life is not normal. Complications can include personal health challenges, caregiver issues and responsibilities, isolation due to public health measures, and worries around contracting COVID-19.
Our overarching principles.
Accordingly, in HIST 640 the following principles will help inform course delivery and the flexibility with which we will all approach each other and our responsibilities to the course:
Flexibility for the course: Something might happen during our course: people may get sick, public health guidelines may quickly change, we may need to change something on the fly. We will do this together, and I pledge to keep the lines of communication open between us all.
If you are going to have to miss a deadline, let me know: We will be extra flexible with deadlines, keeping in mind that we also need to be present for each other and make sure our seminar can be an intellectually rich experience (which needs us to all be prepared). But, if you need some extra time, let me know. I am not a stickler for late marks, especially on final assignments. You should know that up front!
Assume that we are all doing our best: We should assume this in any case, but let’s especially assume that. Everybody is trying their best to navigate their MA degree during a challenging situation, so we must make special effort to treat each other with respect. The same holds for me as your instructor: if we have health challenges in my household or my children get stuck in a 14-day quarantine, I may need a bit of extra consideration!
The most important thing is to stay safe, stay healthy and we’ll have a fun and intellectual rewarding semester together.
COVID Contingency Planning.
As per Faculty of Arts guidelines, here are our formal contigency plans. Basically, last year we ran HIST 640 as a remote course, so we will pivot back to it being a remote course if need be.
In the event of a short-term (e.g. one-week) cancellation of in-person classes: We will pivot to meeting by **Microsoft Teams**, which is accessible both as a download as well as a web-based environment. Don't worry. I will provide a link and instructions in the evnet of needing to move online.
In the event of a longer-term cancellation of in-person meetings: Same as above. We will pivot to meeting by **Microsoft Teams**. Final presentations will be given on MS Teams, with accomodations made for presentation style.
Accomodation for students who cannot attend classes due to self-isolation: If a student cannot attend an in-person class due to self-isolation, but is otherwise healthy _and_ wants to attend class, I will set up a web cam and microphone in the class and they can connect via MS Teams. If participation is difficult, I can accept some rough notes from the student to supplement this. **If a student is not healthy or does not want to attend class while in self-isolation, they do not need to; we will discuss accomodation plans as I would any student with a medical condition. This can include providing notes on readings and discussing them with me via e-mail or on Teams _when they are healthy_.
Health always comes first. If you are stressed or in doubt, just let me know.