I take attendance and your presence in class is mandatory. Beginning with the third unexcused absence, your grade will begin to decline. Also, consistent late arrivals are disruptive to the class and will adversely affect your grade. I also require participation . I do this because oral communication in a group setting is an acquired skill, just like writing, and an important one, both in the context of this course and in general.
Most people have to talk with other people in order to survive.
Good participation isn't solely measured by the sheer quantity of words spoken. It also depends on developing one's ability to listen to others' statements, to incorporate their thinking into your own expressions, to ask questions, to clarify where a discussion has gone and how it could be improved, to make connections between others' statements. Neither are sufficient reasons for not working through the hesitancy and developing abilities and confidence in the required skills for this course. If you need help figuring out how to enter class discussion, come talk to me for some tips and strategies. Naturally, readings and viewings are to be completed and considered before the class meeting for which they are assigned.