You will be trained in the historian's craft by using primary sources and analyzing historiographical debates. However, I will not systematically check attendance since it is ultimately your responsibility to determine your level of involvement in this course. You are, at all times, responsible for materials covered in class. If, because of illness or other extremely significant reasons, you must miss classes for which an assignment or test is scheduled, you will be required to submit proof of the reason for your absence. For good participation marks, you are expected not only to come to class but to come prepared for the topic at hand.
Shyness is understandable but, unfortunately, no excuse.
Logically, repeated absence will also result in a failing participation mark. I do not believe in Santa Claus. I also do not believe in mischievously crashing computers and jamming printers. Please tell your grandmother not to be deathly ill on the day before the assignment is due. Except in cases of extreme hardship, extensions will not be granted for assignments.