[originaltext] Before we begin our discussion of today’s topic, I’d like to

Before we begin our discussion of today’s topic, I’d like to point out a few important features on the syllabus. First, please look at the calendar. As you see, we will be meeting for fifteen weeks. The last week of November we will not meet because of the Thanksgiving holiday. But, all of the other dates are listed, along with the reading assignments in your textbook. In general, it is better to read the assigned pages before you come to class so that you will be prepared to participate in the discussion that follows the lecture.
    Now, let’s look at the course requirements. As you see, you have a midterm examination the last week of October, and a final examination the second week of December. The midterm is worth thirty points and the final is worth fifty points. That leaves twenty points for the project that you will be working on, and you have several choices to fulfill that requirement. You can either write a paper or make a half-hour presentation on a topic of your choice. We’ll be talking a bit more about the projects in the next several weeks. Oh, yes, you will notice that I don’t factor attendance into the grade, but I do expect you to be here. If you must miss class for whatever reason, please get in touch with me. My office hours are listed on the syllabus, along with my voice mail number and my email address.