Instructor: Dr. Pamela E. Mack, Department of History

Contact information: use the email system build into Canvas (if I am available that is usually the fastest way to reach me, if I don't reply within 24 hours please re-send)
direct email: pammack@clemson.edu (no g.)

I'm a morning person--I usually turn my computer off around 8:30 pm
preferred form of address: Prof. Mack or Dr. Mack, pronouns: she/her/hers

student drop in hours MWF 8-9:30 and 11:15-12 in Hardin 014 or by Zoom (email for link for Zoom) or by appointment
I don't have a phone in my office but you can call the history department at 854-656-3153

Description:  This course will examine the history, politics, and cultural patterns of how bias gets into information technology and what solutions have been proposed. In this course we will read several books together and dig deeper into different kinds of risks.

Learning Outcomes:

Using technology in this course:

• You should know how to access this course in Canvas and use the assignments there: Canvas Quick Guide for Students
• You should be able to participate in Zoom video calls when needed: at least hear the sound and speak or chat, preferably have a camera
  
• You should have internet access regularly to work on this course (call IT Help at 864-656-3494 for advice and possible help if you have access issues)
  
• You should be able to write papers in Microsoft Word (free to Clemson students) and upload them to Canvas (or if you use another word processor, convert them to PDF and upload to Canvas)
• For help: IT Help, 864-656-3494
  

• 30%      Daily assignments (mostly reading reflections)
• 20%      Group work
• 40%      Essay or un-essay assignments
• 10%      Final reflection
  

short reflections on the reading due by 11 am; assignments are on Canvas.  You can do the reading reflection even if you are not going to attend class. I will drop the lowest 5 grades so you have some flexibility to not do every one of these. Extensions without penalty are available for illness, hurricanes and other special circumstances by arrangement with the professor. Documentation is not required. Note that assignments are due at 11 am (or in some cases during class), not midnight.

For the first book the reading responses will be on a discussion board. Responding to the comments of others is encouraged but not required
some surveys and other written responses will also be set up as daily assignments worth a couple of points--these may not appear until just before class but in those cases you will be able to do them during class

participation in class discussion

Responses to surveys and other classroom exercises

It is cheating to cut and paste or otherwise copy portions of a argument paper, exam, or discussion board posting from a book, web site, large language model, or from the online class notes, unless you quote and give the source. Changing a few words is not sufficient to make the material your own. It is poor writing for more than about 20% of your paper to consist of quotes.  In most cases when you use specific material from any source you should paraphrase: cite the source and put the ideas into you own words (generally no more than 5 consecutive words should match the source but if the words are mostly the same it could still be plagiarism even if there aren't 5 consecutive words).

• Ruha Benjamin, Race After Technology, isbn-13 978-1-5095-2640-6. Library unlimited access
  
• David Robinson, Voices in the Code. The library has an unlimited user digital copy that can be accessed here

  
  

II. Class Schedule

The Academic Success Center (ASC) offers a variety of free learning and success services for all undergraduate students that are designed to equip students with strategies and resources they can use to become a more confident, independent and skillful learner.

·       Peer Tutoring – students can expect a 1:1 meeting with a trained undergraduate peer leader (who made an A or B in the course and was recommended by a faculty member) during which the student can share specific questions they have about course content with the tutor focused on helping the student, through questioning techniques and identification of helpful learning strategies, master course concepts. Tutors do not help with homework or other class assignments. (Linked to a course)

·       Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) – students can expect collaborative and active group learning and study sessions focused on mastery of course content and learning strategies that are facilitated by a trained undergraduate peer leader (who made an A or B in the course and was recommended by a faculty member). PAL leaders do not help with homework or other class assignments. (Linked to a course)

·       Academic Coaching – students can expect a 1:1 meeting with a trained professional academic coach during which the coach helps students see themselves, their skills, and their study habits from a fresh perspective through one-on-one sessions focused on learning and personal success strategies.

·       Success Strategy Workshops – students can expect 30 - 45-minute workshops on college success skills, time management and organizational skills, test-taking strategies, study strategies, finals preparation, life skills, and academic resources.

The Class of 1956 Academic Success Center building is in the center of campus adjacent to Cooper Library and the Watt Family Innovation Center.

The Academic Success Center exists to inspire success in every student who participates in our programs and services. Celebrating and honoring the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff is at the core of inspiring success and a sense of belonging. The diversity of our Clemson community comes in many forms, but inclusion comes in only one form – when each member of our community experiences a real sense of belonging. We, the ASC staff, are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive experience at the Center. We affirm that our goal of creating and delivering welcoming, inclusive, and equitable student learning experiences at the Center requires our active and ongoing commitment to listening and learning through engagement in professional development opportunities and confronting and dismantling inequalities. We acknowledge that this will be an ongoing work in progress and pledge to strive for continuous improvement.

Academic advising is an ongoing educational process that connects the student to the University. Academic advising supports the University's mission of preparing the student for learning beyond the confines of the academy. Academic advisors represent and interpret University policies and procedures to the student and help the student navigate the academic and organizational paths of the institution.

Do you need library sources but don't know where to start? Do you need to search for a book, article, or data to support your research or paper? Not sure how to cite a source properly in your bibliography? Don’t spend hours searching on your own -- ask a librarian! Help is available in person at each of our locations: Cooper Library, Gunnin Architecture Library (in Lee Hall), and the Education Media Center (in Tillman Hall).  You can also chat with a librarian live from our website, or text 864.762.4884.  The Libraries also have a list of helpful online course guides for dozens of subject areas that can help you find articles, databases, books and more.

Extended research assistance with librarians who specialize in subject areas is available by appointment. A list of librarians and their areas of expertise are listed on the subject librarians page. For assistance with digital and hands-on creative projects, the Adobe Studio and Makerspace is located on the 5th floor of Cooper Library and is staffed with experts who can help turn your creative ideas into reality. The Scholar’s Lab on the 4th floor of Cooper provides support for data visualization, data analysis, and digital research methods.  And don’t forget about the Libraries textbook lending and technology lending programs. Check out the Libraries’ web page for upcoming workshops and other events.

If you are having hardware or software problems, CCIT's Service Desk may be able to help you. Contact them by emailing ITHELP@clemson.edu, calling or texting (864) 656-3494, or starting a live chat at ccit.clemson.edu. The help desk is located on the 2nd floor of Cooper Library.

The Graduate School maintains a collection of grad student resources applicable to graduate students for professional development, governance, the handbook, and thesis/dissertation resources). It has resources regarding education, student life, and health and safety as well.

U.S. local elections are facilitated through state and county municipalities. Students attending college may register to vote at their local campus addresses or choose to remain registered or register at their permanent or home address. The nonpartisan ClemsonVotes coalition has compiled information for all students on state-by-state voter registration: https://www.campusvoteproject.org/state-student-voting-guides.

Voter registration differs by states but the registration deadlines in South Carolina are no fewer than 30 days prior to an election.  In SC in 2024, we will have a Democratic Presidential Primary on Feb 3, 2024, a Republican Presidential Primary on Feb 24th, 2024 (tentative), a National Primary on June 11th, 2024 and the National Election on November 5th, 2024!

The Michelin® Career Center, in the Center for Career and Professional Development, assists undergraduate and graduate students in selecting appropriate fields of study, learning effective job searching strategies, and making connections with employers. Career counselors are available to meet with students to explore career or educational options, develop résumés and cover letters, hone interviewing techniques, conduct searches for internships and full-time jobs, and ready themselves for interviewing with employers.

In addition, students may utilize ClemsonJobLink, a job board specifically designed for Clemson students. ClemsonJobLink is a central place for employers to post part-time and full-time jobs, internships, on-campus interviews, and events. The Center’s goal is to equip students with the skills and tools to find part-time jobs and internships, as well as full-time jobs post-graduation. Additional information can be obtained from the Career Center’s website or by calling 864-656-6000.

This program brings together students and employers to facilitate academically enriching and mutually beneficial work experiences. This program offers on-campus, off-campus and international internship options. Students may participate in either part-time or full-time internships.

The University Professional Internship and Co-op (UPIC) Program offers students on-campus professional learning experiences. Students have the opportunity to work with Clemson faculty and staff on Clemson's main campus, as well as other sites across the state, while receiving an academic internship notation on their transcripts. Enrollment in the appropriate INT course and payment of the corresponding fee is a requirement of the program (e.g. INT 1510). In order to be eligible for the program, a student must have completed at least one full semester at Clemson University and be an enrolled and matriculating undergraduate student in good standing. Available internships are typically listed in ClemsonJobLink halfway through the semester prior to the experience. Additional information is available at http://career.clemson.edu or by calling the program office at 864-656-0282.

The Cooperative Education Program (or Co-op Program) is a rigorous engaged-learning program designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn under a mentor in their field of study.  Companies partner with the program to host the co-op student for two, three or more rotations and this in-depth learning experience becomes an integral part of the student’s education.  The co-op student’s experience is monitored and evaluated by the faculty and academic staff of the Co-op Program.  Co-op students are paid by the host company. Students enroll in the program and begin the matching process at the beginning of the semester.  For more information, contact the program office at 864-656-3150 and speak with a co-op advisor.

Clemson University values veterans and military-connected students and is proud to offer individualized support through Military & Veteran Engagement (M&VE). Please email veteran@clemson.edu or call 864-656-2982 for additional information about campus and community resources, to connect with other veterans and military-connected students, or for assistance transitioning to campus life. Visit the M&VE resource center currently located in 108 Vickery Hall for additional assistance, amenities, and opportunities. 

M&VE website: https://www.clemson.edu/studentaffairs/veterans/.

The Registrar's office provides information about important deadlines, degree and program requirements, and other key information, including use of iROAR to add, drop, or withdraw from courses.

Students who experience a barrier to full access to this class should let the instructor know and are encouraged to request accommodations through SAS (Student Accessibility Services) as soon as possible. To request accommodations through SAS, please see this link: https://www.clemson.edu/academics/studentaccess/register.html. You can also reach out to SAS with questions by calling 864-656-6848, visiting SAS at the ASC Suite 239, or stopping by the office as a drop-in appointment. 

Student Health Services, located within Redfern Health Center and commonly called “Redfern”, strengthens Clemson University by providing quality medical and mental health care and advocating for the health, safety, and well-being of the campus community. Student Health Services strives to be an innovative health care system providing integrated, high-quality services that are responsive to the needs of the University community.

For information on who to contact for help in a crisis situation, visit the Student Health contact page and the emergency/crisis page for getting help.

At Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). you are encouraged to be an active participant in your medical and mental health care. Which service is the right one for you hinges on your individual need, and CAPS will help you figure that out.

CAPS is committed to educating students, as well as offering outreach services to faculty and staff members in order to improve the quality of their interactions with students and to promote a healthy work environment.

Students seeking services should call CAPS reception at 864-656-2451 during business hours (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Counselors will be available to conduct a brief phone screen to determine the best way to serve your needs. Other resources available online include an online mental health screening and Therapy Assist Online (TAO) for access to self-help materials.

Clemson University’s Writing Lab offers free one-on-one writing support for undergraduate and graduate students. Available appointments include in-person and virtual options. Students can seek support at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to final revisions. Arrangements can be made for group appointments and NDA-safe environments are available. Visit the Writing Lab’s website for more information about their services or to make an appointment. Please note that the Writing Lab is located on the third floor of Cooper Library.

The Paw Pantry is an on-campus food pantry and resource center available to Clemson University students free of charge, no questions asked. Non-perishable foods, school supplies, hygienic supplies, and household items are available. Paw Pantry is currently located at Sirrine Hall, Room 233. The hours of operation can be found here. If interested in utilizing the pantry, donating, or volunteering please visit our website, email pawpantry@clemson.edu or follow on Instagram @cupawpantry. Contact person is Kate Radford at 864-656-2535.

Clemson has developed an Academic Continuity Plan for academic operations. Should university administration officially determine that the physical classroom facility is not available to conduct classes, class will be conducted in a virtual (online) form. The university issues official disruption notifications through email, website, text notification and social media. When notified, use one of the following links to navigate to Clemson Canvas where you will find important information about how we will conduct class:

• Primary access link: http://www.clemson.edu/canvas 
• Secondary access link, if needed: https://clemson.instructure.com/
• You can also use the Canvas Student App. Visit the downloads page for this app.

Course activities will be facilitated through Canvas.

As members of the Clemson University community, we have inherited Thomas Green Clemson's vision of this institution as a "high seminary of learning." Fundamental to this vision is a mutual commitment to truthfulness, honor, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of others. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of a Clemson degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form.

All infractions of academic dishonesty by undergraduates must be reported to Undergraduate Studies for resolution through that office. In cases of plagiarism instructors may use the Plagiarism Resolution Form.

Additionally, for undergraduate classes:

Plagiarism, which includes the intentional or unintentional copying of language, structure, or ideas of another and attributing the work to one’s own efforts. Graded works generated by artificial intelligence or ghostwritten (either paid or free) are expressly forbidden.

See the Undergraduate Academic Integrity Policy website for additional information and the current catalog for the policy.

For graduate students, see the current graduate student handbook for all policies.

Undergraduate students are advised to contact the Ombuds' Office prior to filing an academic grievance. If the undergraduate academic ombudsman agrees that a grievable issue has occurred, students can contact Undergraduate Studies (656-3022) for assistance filing official paperwork within 30 days of the semester following the awarding of a disputed grade.

Graduate students follow the Graduate Student Handbook (per the catalogue, “grievances must be filed with the Graduate School within 60 days of the alleged act.”)

Clemson University values the diversity of our student body as a strength and a critical component of our dynamic community. Students with disabilities or temporary injuries/conditions may require accommodations due to barriers in the structure of facilities, course design, technology used for curricular purposes, or other campus resources. Students who experience a barrier to full access to this class should let the instructor know and are encouraged to request accommodations through SAS (Student Accessibility Services) as soon as possible. To request accommodations through SAS, please see this link: https://www.clemson.edu/academics/studentaccess/register.html. You can also reach out to SAS with questions by calling 864-656-6848, visiting SAS at the ASC Suite 239, or stopping by the office as a drop-in appointment. 

Materials in courses are copyrighted, including instructor’s materials. They are intended for use only by students registered and enrolled in a particular course and only for instructional activities associated with and for the duration of the course. They may not be retained in another medium or disseminated further. They are provided in compliance with the provisions of the Teach Act. Students must seek permission from instructors to record any class activity, including lectures, discussions, and presentations. Students should refer to the Use of Copyrighted Materials and “Fair Use Guidelines” policy on the Clemson University Website for additional information.

Original works of authorship including but not limited to books, novels, poetry, articles, works of art, photos, images, videos, movies, music, architectural designs etc. are protected under copyright law.  Unless otherwise indicated all such materials are copyright protected.  When copyright protected materials or portions of such materials are made available to you by an instructor, they are intended to be used for educational purposes, for use only by students enrolled in a particular course and only for instructional activities associated with the course. They should not be retained in another medium or disseminated.  Any further use of this material may be in violation of federal copyright law.

Clemson University aspires to create a diverse community that welcomes people of different races, cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientation, religions, socioeconomic levels, political perspectives, abilities, opinions, values and experiences.

Clemson University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information or protected activity in employment, educational programs and activities, admissions and financial aid. This includes a prohibition against sexual harassment and sexual violence as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This Title IX policy is located on the Access and Equity website. Ms. Alesia Smith is the Clemson University Title IX Coordinator, and the Assistant Vice President of Equity Compliance. Her office is located at 223 Brackett Hall, 864-656-3181 and her email address is alesias@clemson.edu. Remember, email is not a fully secured method of communication and should not be used to discuss Title IX issues.

Emergency procedures have been posted in all buildings and on all elevators. Students should be reminded to review these procedures for their own safety. All students and employees should be familiar with guidelines from Clemson University Public Safety.

 Clemson University is committed to providing a safe campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. As members of the community, we encourage you to take the following actions to be better prepared in case of an emergency:

1.     Familiarize yourself with all possible exits, safer locations, and other key information on the emergency evacuation maps in this building, and those that you visit regularly.

2.     Make a plan for how you would Run, Hide, and Fight in case of an active threat in this building, and those that you visit regularly. For example:

·     Run – what are all the possible exits in this building, and the routes to them?

·     Hide – what are the potential hiding locations in this room and building that are out of sight of doors and windows, how do you lock the door(s), how would you barricade the door(s) and windows, where do you turn off the lights?

·     Fight – What tools are available in this room and building, should you have to fight?

3.     Ensure you are signed up for emergency alerts. Alerts are only sent when there is a potential threat to safety, a major disruption to campus services, and once-monthly tests.

4.     Download the Rave Guardian app to your phone (https://www.clemson.edu/cusafety/cupd/rave-guardian/)

5.     Learn what you can do to prepare yourself for the hazards that affect our locations (http://www.clemson.edu/cusafety/EmergencyManagement/)

Appropriate online academic conduct means maintaining a safe learning environment based on mutual respect and civility. All participants in Clemson courses are expected to behave professionally by adhering to standards of conduct, such as:

o   Never transmit or promote content known to be illegal or protected by copyright.

o   Never use harassing, threatening, embarrassing, or abusive language or actions.

o   Respect other people's privacy as well as your own.

Online interactions that fail to meet standards of conduct may result in being blocked from online discussions, receiving a grade penalty, or being dismissed from the course. Such misconduct in the online environment may also be reported to officials for appropriate action in accordance with university policy. If you ever encounter inappropriate content in your course, please contact Matthew Briggs and the instructor with your concerns.

Please consult the Clemson research policies.   If a course includes the use of animals, IUCAC regulations must be followed.   If a course involves any human subjects research, this research will comply with campus IRB regulations. This includes research of the course itself, which, while it may fall under one of the exempt categories, needs IRB review.