Exams

Students,
Since I've already been asked about Final Exams (!) I'll once again send a printscreen version of the semester schedule up to the beginning of the second semester (the complete schedule, for the entire academic year to June, is on the NCKU web pages). (This schedule is also on my blog, but I forget under which label/link: maybe "all," meaning "all students.")
    Exam week begins 11 January 2010. The Bible Final will therefore occur exactly on 11 January. The Film Final will occur in the two-hour Friday session, on the 15th of January, during regularly scheduled times (starting at 1:10 p.m.) and in the regularly scheduled lecture classroom.
    I've repeated this information numerous times, but on the other hand students have a right to be well informed about these matters.
    I've no idea why midterms are not listed, but they are usually held the midpoint of the 18-week semester, therefore the 9th week, either the week of November 8 or 15. The same logic applies: Bible Exam will be on Monday of that week and the Film Exam will be on the Friday of that week. Of course we'll make a class announcement on this issue.
    While I'm at it, let me remind you that I never allow absences for an exam! That means commit yourself to the exam date. A serious hospitalization with a note from a doctor and if the teacher is informed IN ADVANCE would then be excusable. But obviously it would be best for both of us if you did not get in such a situation!
    At the same time, keep in mind that students who have poor study habits may suffer more disadvantage from a mild illness (slight fever, chills, stomach unrest) than if they had studied well all semester. It's easy to REVIEW what one has studied even with a low-grade fever; but one cannot STUDY with a low-grade fever or chills. That's one more reason to study all semester. If you plan to do your studying a day or two before exams and you fall ill you're in trouble! In case of a mild illness one can still review the material, show up for the exam, and do well.
    Many stage actors perform well with a low-grade fever ("The show must go on!"); I myself passed an important exam with a low-grade fever and other symptoms. By the time the exam was finished the symptoms were gone!

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