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HNRS 1351.060
World, Text, and Image I: Mankind’s Search for Meaning and Well-Being
Fall 2020
Dr. Matt Stith and Dr. Robert Sterken
TR 9:30a-10:50a in Room Zoom

Dr. Sterken’s Contact Information

Office: CAS 116
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @rsterken
FB: www.facebook.com/DrSterken
Office Phone: 903-566-6279
Office Hours: Zoom 11a-1p, TT and by appointment

Dr. Stith’s Contact Information

Office: CAS 127
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: MW, 1:00-3:00pm

Course/Catalog Description:
Comparative study in the humanities and social sciences from antiquity to the Renaissance. This seminar
course takes an interdisciplinary approach to literature, history, and art of this period. This course is writing-
intensive. Prerequisite: Invitation by Honors Committee. Satisfies core requirement for Language,
Philosophy, & Culture.

Mankind's Search for Meaning and Well Being:

Beginning with early thinkers and working forward, this class explore the big ideas all humans have
struggled with: justice, happiness, purpose, suffering, religion, war, and the environment. We will engage
these important topics and persistent questions through readings and multimedia. Most of all, this course is
underscored by a rich and ongoing class-wide conversation through which we will collectively grapple with
many of the same questions philosophers and great thinkers struggled with centuries ago. Our focus, then, is
not just about the texts. It is about the ideas and questions manifested by the texts and how they apply to
our time just as much as they applied to the distant past.

Student Learning Outcomes:

- To develop and improve critical thinking and writing skills about ancient and modern versions of
the self and the other. (papers and discussions)

- To learn how to read critically, analyze, and interpret philosophical texts. (papers and discussions)

- To define and study figures of meaning and well-being as they were conceptualized by the peoples
of the Ancient Eastern and Western Traditions. (papers)

- To differentiate the characteristics of Eastern and Western thought and world views in the Classical
and Early Modern Eras. (papers and discussions)
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Required Texts:
1. Selections from Cicero, On the Good Life, ed. with an intro. by Michael Grant (New York: Penguin, 1971)
ISBN: 978-0-140-4424-1 [Full-Text available on Canvas]
2. Selections from Francis Bacon, The Essays, ed. with an intro. by John Pritcher (New York: Penguin, 1985)
ISBN: 978-0-14-043216-9 [Full-Text available on Canvas]
3. The Path: What Chinese Philosophers Can Teach Us About the Good Life by Michael Puett. ISBN-13: 978-
1476777849.
N.B. To avoid confusion in class, all students must use these editions/translations. Students are required to
bring appropriate books to class to supplement discussion.

Grade Breakdown:
Analytical papers (1st x 10% and 2nd x 15%) 25%
Paper 3 25%
Reading Worksheets 40%
Participation & Group Project 10%

Analytical Papers:
Twice during the course of the semester, students will turn in a two-page, double-spaced, 12-point font,
type-written essay with 1-inch margins. In these papers, the student will be asked to discuss some aspect of
the readings. These papers must have and support a thesis. All writing assignments will be evaluated
according to the following rubric:
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Reading Worksheets:
Students will complete a total of eight brief reading worksheets throughout the semester. Detailed
instructions are available in Canvas.

Attendance:
Zoom attendance in this class is not only mandatory but also very important. Your contributions will be
invaluable and you need to be in each meeting. You will be allowed two unquestioned absences. After the
second absence, each additional absence will result in a full letter-grade reduction (10%) of your attendance
grade. Obviously, this is a serious matter, so try to plan ahead. Unquestioned absences include sickness, job
interviews, personal matters, etc. Therefore, if you anticipate having to miss class at any point during the
semester, please plan accordingly. If a University activity will cause you to miss more than two classes
please see your instructors. Students who anticipate being absent from class due to a religious observance
are requested to inform us by the second class meeting of such absences.

Participation:
Reading assignments are clearly listed below. All students are expected to have read the assigned material by
the beginning of class. Partial completion of an assignment is unacceptable; coming to class unprepared will
result in a full letter-grade reduction (10%) of your participation grade. On the other hand, please
understand that while we expect you to have read the assigned readings, we do not necessarily expect you to
have mastered them. Like all readers, you will have questions and perhaps even occasional problems with
these texts. That’s part of the reading process. In such cases, please be sure to bring those problems and
questions to class so that we can discuss them as a group. We strongly suggest that you take notes on each
text while you read it, focusing on its central ideas, characters, and plot points. Such careful reading will
prepare you for discussion, a vital part of this class. Also, be sure to plan ahead. Because of scheduling
constraints, reading assignments are not always evenly divided. The participation grade also includes active
participation in the group project at the end of the semester.

A note on lateness:
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of the class meeting. If you come in late, it is your responsibility
to make sure that your name has been recorded on the role. Repeated lateness indicates a lack of respect for
your colleagues and professors; to avoid showing such disrespect, please be on time or you may be denied
entry.

A note on academic honesty:

Any sort of unauthorized aid such as copying or loaning homework assignments, talking or the use of notes
during tests or quizzes, will not be tolerated. Plagiarism, the unacknowledged use of another person’s
language or ideas, will not be tolerated. If you cheat on anything in this class you will receive an “F” for the
course. If you are unsure of what constitutes cheating in this class, see the University document at the end of this
syllabus. Ignorance of the rules will not be tolerated as an excuse for cheating.

A note on the University Writing Center:

Located in BUS 202, the UT-Tyler Writing Center provides professional writing tutoring for all students in
all disciplines. If you wish to use the Writing Center, you should plan for a minimum of two hour-long
tutorials per assignment: the first to provide an initial consultation and drafting plan, and the second to
follow up. Be prepared to take an active role in your learning—you will be expected write and/or discuss
your work during your tutorial. While Writing Center tutors are happy to provide constructive criticism and
teach effective writing techniques, under no circumstances will they fix your paper for you. Appointments:
565-5995. For more information: www.uttyler.edu/writingcenter.
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A note on student absence due to religious observance or athletics:

Any student who will miss any class days during the semester because of religious observance or
participation in University athletics must inform the instructors of this course no later than the second day
of class.

N.B. Please read carefully the final sheet of this syllabus which contains university-wide policies on
disability services, emergency procedures, etc.

###############################################################

Schedule/Assignment List: (Please note: This schedule is subject to revision)

Week 1: (8/25–8/27)
T: Course introduction, syllabus, and introductions
R: Conversation: Sterken and Stith--Thinking like a Lifelong Scholar: Politics, History, and Philosophy;
Reading: Begin Cicero, "Introduction," pp. 7-44; "Discussions at Tusculum," pp. 49-116 (available on
Canvas)

Week 2: (9/1-3)
T: Conversation: Contextualizing Cicero, Rome, and "The Good Life"; Reading: Continue Cicero,
"Introduction," pp. 7-44; "Discussions at Tusculum," pp. 49-116 (available on Canvas)
R: Conversation: Questioning Cicero's Good Life; Reading: Cicero, "Discussions at Tusculum"
continued

Week 3: (9/8–10)
T: Conversation: Questioning Cicero's Good Life; Reading: Finish Cicero, "Discussions at
Tusculum"
R: Conversation: The Age of Complacency in The Path pages 5-14.

Week 4: (9/15–17)
T: Conversation: The Age of Philosophy pages 15-22.
R: Conversation: On Relationships: Confucius and As-If Rituals (Paper 1 due 11:59pm on Friday)

Week 5: (9/22–24)
T: Conversation: Cicero's Future: Thinking about Cicero's Thoughts through the Age; Reading: Begin
Cicero, "On Duties," pp. 117-171;
R: Conversation: Questioning Cicero's Good Life; Reading: Continue Cicero, "On Duties"

Week 6: (29/10-1)
T: Conversation: Questioning Cicero's Good Life; Reading: Finish Cicero, "On Duties"
R: Conversation: On Decisions: Mencius and the Capricious World pages 55-
86.

Week 7: (10/6–8)
T: Conversation: On Influence: Laozi and Generating Worlds, pages 87-118.
R: Conversation: On Vitality: The Inward Training and Being like a Spirit, pages 119-140.
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Week 8: (10/13–15)
T: Conversation: On Spontaneity: Zhuangzi and a World of Transformation, p. 141-161
R: Mid-Semester Check-In

Week 9: (10/20-22)
T: Conversation: Francis Bacon in Historical and Philosophical Context; Reading: "Introduction," in
Bacon's Essays, pp. 13-45.
R: Conversation: Religion and Spirituality across Time and Space; Reading: "Of Truth," pp. 61-63; "Of
Unity in Religion," pp. 67-71; "Of Goodness and Goodness of Nature," pp. 96-98; "Of Atheism," pp. 108-
110; "Of Superstition," pp. 111-112.

Week 10: (10/27-29)

T: Conversation: Harnessing Human Emotion; Reading: "Of Revenge," pp. 72-73; "Of Envy," pp. 83-87;
"Of Love," pp. 88-89; "Of Friendship," pp. 138-144; "Of Suspicion," pp. 158-159; "Of Ambition," pp. 173-
174; "Of Nature in Men," pp. 177-178; "Of Praise," pp. 215-216; "Of Vainglory," pp. 217-218; "Of Anger,"
pp. 226-227.
R: Conversation: Wisdom; Reading: "Of Death," pp. 64-66; "Of Adversity," pp. 74-75; "Of Boldness," pp.
94-95; "Of Cunning," pp. 126-129; "Of Wisdom for a Man's Self," 130-131; "Of Dispatch," pp. 134-135;
"Of Seeming Wise," 136-137; "Of Discourse," 160-161; ""Of Youth and Age," 187-188; "Of Studies," 209-
210.
(Paper 2 due at 11:59pm on Friday)

Week 11: (11/3-5)

T: Conversation: On Humanity: Xunzi and Putting Patten on the World, pages 163-174.
R: Conversation: On Humanity: Xunzi and Putting Patten on the World, pages 174-181.

Week 12: (11/10-12)

T: Conversation: The Age of Possibility, pages 183-192.
R: Conversation: The Age of Possibility, pages 192-198.

Week 13: (11/17-11/19)

T: Day of Preparation for Performances
R: **Performance Day 1: Groups 1 & 2**

Week 14: (11/24–26)

T: No Class—Thanksgiving Day Break
R: No Class—Thanksgiving Day Break

Week 15: (12/1-12/3)

T: **Performance Day 2: Groups 3 & 4**
R: Analysis and response to performances
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Class sessions may be recorded by the instructors for use ONLY by students enrolled in this class.
Recordings that contain personally identifiable information or other information subject to FERPA
shall not be shared with individuals not enrolled in this course unless appropriate consent is
obtained from all relevant students. Class recordings are reserved only for the use of students
enrolled in the class and only for educational purposes. Course recordings should not be shared
outside of the class in any form without express permission.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT MUST APPEAR IN EACH

COURSE SYLLABUS

UT Tyler Honor Code Every member of the UT Tyler community joins together to embrace: Honor and integrity that will not
allow me to lie, cheat, or steal, nor to accept the actions of those who do. Students Rights and Responsibilities To know and
understand the policies that affect your rights and responsibilities as a student at UT Tyler, please follow this link:
http://www.uttyler.edu/wellness/rightsresponsibilities.php

Campus Carry We respect the right and privacy of students 21 and over who are duly licensed to carry concealed weapons in this
class. License holders are expected to behave responsibly and keep a handgun secure and concealed. More information is available
at http://www.uttyler.edu/about/campus-carry/index.php

UT Tyler a Tobacco-Free University All forms of tobacco will not be permitted on the UT Tyler main campus, branch
campuses, and any property owned by UT Tyler. This applies to all members of the University community, including students,
faculty, staff, University affiliates, contractors, and visitors. Forms of tobacco not permitted include cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water
pipes (hookah), bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco, and all other tobacco products.
There are several cessation programs available to students looking to quit smoking, including counseling, quitlines, and group
support. For more information on cessation programs please visit www.uttyler.edu/tobacco-free

Grade Replacement/Forgiveness and Census Date Policies Students repeating a course for grade forgiveness (grade
replacement) must file a Grade Replacement Contract with the Enrollment Services Center (ADM 230) on or before the Census
Date of the semester in which the course will be repeated. (For Fall, the Census Date is Sept. 12.) Grade Replacement Contracts
are available in the Enrollment Services Center or at http://www.uttyler.edu/registrar. Each semester’s Census Date can be found
on the Contract itself, on the Academic Calendar, or in the information pamphlets published each semester by the Office of the
Registrar. Failure to file a Grade Replacement Contract will result in both the original and repeated grade being used to calculate
your overall grade point average. Undergraduates are eligible to exercise grade replacement for only three course repeats during
their career at UT Tyler; graduates are eligible for two grade replacements. Full policy details are printed on each Grade
Replacement Contract.

The Census Date is the deadline for many forms and enrollment actions of which students need to be aware. These include:
 Submitting Grade Replacement Contracts, Transient Forms, requests to withhold directory information, approvals for taking
courses as Audit, Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit.
 Receiving 100% refunds for partial withdrawals. (There is no refund for these after the Census Date)
 Schedule adjustments (section changes, adding a new class, dropping without a “W” grade)
 Being reinstated or re-enrolled in classes after being dropped for non-payment
 Completing the process for tuition exemptions or waivers through Financial Aid State-Mandated Course

Drop Policy Texas law prohibits a student who began college for the first time in Fall 2007 or thereafter from dropping more
than six courses during their entire undergraduate career. This includes courses dropped at another 2-year or 4-year Texas public
college or university. For purposes of this rule, a dropped course is any course that is dropped after the census date (See
Academic Calendar for the specific date). Exceptions to the 6-drop rule may be found in the catalog. Petitions for exemptions
must be submitted to the Enrollment Services Center and must be accompanied by documentation of the extenuating
circumstance. Please contact the Enrollment Services Center if you have any questions.
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Disability/Accessibility Services In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) the University of Texas at Tyler offers accommodations to students with
learning, physical and/or psychological disabilities. If you have a disability, including a non-visible diagnosis such as a learning
disorder, chronic illness, TBI, PTSD, ADHD, or you have a history of modifications or accommodations in a previous
educational environment, you are encouraged to visit https://hood.accessiblelearning.com/UTTyler and fill out the New Student
application. The Student Accessibility and Resources (SAR) office will contact you when your application has been submitted and
an appointment with the Assistant Director of Student Services/ADA Coordinator. For more information, including filling out an
application for services, please visit the SAR webpage at http://www.uttyler.edu/disabilityservices, the SAR office located in the
University Center, # 3150 or call 903.566.7079.

Student Absence due to Religious Observance Students who anticipate being absent from class due to a religious observance
are requested to inform the instructor of such absences by the second class meeting of the semester. (Revised 05/17)

Student Absence for University-Sponsored Events and Activities If you intend to be absent for a university-sponsored event
or activity, you (or the event sponsor) must notify the instructor at least two weeks prior to the date of the planned absence. At
that time the instructor will set a date and time when make-up assignments will be completed.

Social Security and FERPA Statement It is the policy of The University of Texas at Tyler to protect the confidential nature of
social security numbers. The University has changed its computer programming so that all students have an identification number.
The electronic transmission of grades (e.g., via e-mail) risks violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; grades
will not be transmitted electronically.

Emergency Exits and Evacuation Everyone is required to exit the building when a fire alarm goes off. Follow your instructor’s
directions regarding the appropriate exit. If you require assistance during an evacuation, inform your instructor in the first week of
class. Do not re-enter the building unless given permission by University Police, Fire department, or Fire Prevention Services.

Student Standards of Academic Conduct: ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who engages in scholastic dishonesty, including, but not limited to,
cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to
another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to
commit such acts.

i. “Cheating” includes, but is not limited to:

 copying from another student’s test paper;
 using, during a test, materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
 failure to comply with instructions given by the person administering the test;
 possession during a test of materials which are not authorized by the person giving the test, such as class notes or specifically
designed “crib notes”. The presence of textbooks constitutes a violation if they have been specifically prohibited by the person
administering the test;
 using, buying, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of an unadministered test, test key, homework
solution, or computer program;
 collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test or other assignment without authority;
 discussing the contents of an examination with another student who will take the examination;
 divulging the contents of an examination, for the purpose of preserving questions for use by another, when the instructors has
designated that the examination is not to be removed from the examination room or not to be returned or to be kept by the
student;
 substituting for another person, or permitting another person to substitute for oneself to take a course, a test, or any course-
related assignment;
 paying or offering money or other valuable thing to, or coercing another person to obtain an unadministered test, test key,
homework solution, or computer program or information about an unadministered test, test key, home solution or computer
program;
 falsifying research data, laboratory reports, and/or other academic work offered for credit;
 taking, keeping, misplacing, or damaging the property of The University of Texas at Tyler, or of another, if the student knows
or reasonably should know that an unfair academic advantage would be gained by such conduct; and
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 misrepresenting facts, including providing false grades or resumes, for the purpose of obtaining an academic or financial benefit
or injuring another student academically or financially.

ii. “Plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the appropriation, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s
work and the submission of it as one’s own academic work offered for credit.

iii. “Collusion” includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing academic
assignments offered for credit or collaboration with another person to commit a violation of any section of the rules on scholastic
dishonesty.

iv. All written work that is submitted will be subject to review by plagiarism software.

VIOLATION OF THESE STANDARDS will be reported to the University Disciplinary Committee and you will fail
the assignment and/or the course.

UT Tyler Resources for Students

 UT Tyler Writing Center (903.565.5995), [email protected]
 UT Tyler Tutoring Center (903.565.5964), [email protected]
 The Mathematics Learning Center, RBN 4021, this is the open access computer lab for math students, with tutors on duty to
assist students who are enrolled in early-career courses.
 UT Tyler Counseling Center (903.566.7254)

Important Covid-19 Information for Classrooms and Laboratories

Students are required to wear face masks covering their nose and mouth, and follow social distancing guidelines, at all times in
public settings (including classrooms and laboratories), as specified by Procedures for Fall 2020 Return to Normal Operations.
The UT Tyler community of Patriots views adoption of these practices consistent with its Honor Code and a sign of good
citizenship and respectful care of fellow classmates, faculty, and staff.

Students who are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or a higher than normal temperature will be
excused from class and should stay at home and may join the class remotely. Students who have difficulty adhering to the Covid-
19 safety policies for health reasons are also encouraged to join the class remotely. Students needing additional accommodations
may contact the Office of Student Accessibility and Resources at University Center 3150, or call (903) 566-7079 or
email [email protected].

Recording of Class Sessions

Class sessions may be recorded by the instructor for use by students enrolled in this course. Recordings that contain personally
identifiable information or other information subject to FERPA shall not be shared with individuals not enrolled in this course
unless appropriate consent is obtained from all relevant students. Class recordings are reserved only for the use of students
enrolled in the course and only for educational purposes. Course recordings should not be shared outside of the course in any
form without express permission.

Online Learning Student Privacy & Related Issues FAQ

This document is intended to provide general guidance regarding frequently asked questions related to online learning environments.
This guidance does not supersede institutional policies. Questions regarding specific scenarios or technology should be directed to
your institution’s office of legal affairs and/or IT office or other appropriate institution offices, including the Provost or your
department.

All privacy laws, particularly FERPA, carry potential penalties for non-compliance, including loss of federal funding or other
sanctions. The Department of Education has generally indicated a flexible approach where necessary to address the increase in the
use of online courses in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. While it is unlikely that inadvertent FERPA errors will result
in loss of federal funding or other sanctions, all UT System institutions and their employees are required to comply with federal and
state laws and institution policies. Compliance with laws and policies is distinguishable from best practices, which provide suggested
methods of compliance and implementation. It is important to confer with your institution’s Provost, department heads or legal
offices for any further issues or questions related to the use of online learning platforms.
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1. Can a student refuse to participate in online class or provide their name or email address during an online
class?
No, it is legal and reasonable to require a student to provide a name or email address for participation in an online class without
resulting in a violation of law or policy. While students continue to maintain FERPA rights and protections while enrolled in online
classes, students do not have the right to be “anonymous” whether classes are in person or online, or for online courses, live
(synchronous) or recorded (asynchronous).

Even if a student has opted out of allowing release of their FERPA “directory information,” this opt-out cannot be relied on to
refuse providing a name, institutional email address, or other identifier in a course in which the student is enrolled. However, in
instances involving specific concerns regarding personal safety, you are encouraged to confer with your institution’s Title IX and/or
Legal Affairs offices for guidance regarding possible solutions to address student concerns. Additionally, students with
accommodations may have specific technological requests. In those instances, contact your institution’s office for student disability
services and accommodations and/or legal affairs to ensure access to online learning tools and to avoid creating barriers for students
requiring accommodations.

2. Can I reuse a course recording from a prior course (including a live synchronous course) or save a course
recording to use in a future course? Can I give access to class recordings to non-students or students not
enrolled in the class? Can non-students or students not enrolled in a class observe a live online course?
Provided you follow FERPA and institution policies it is not unlawful to reuse a course recording in a future course, give access to
course recording to individuals not enrolled in the course, or to allow individual not enrolled in the course to observe a live online
class. To use course recordings in future courses, you must determine whether course recordings contain student personally
identifiable information. Course recordings that do not contain student personally identifiable information may be re-used in a
future course offering without obtaining consent or editing the recording. To the extent recordings contain student personally
identifying information, you must obtain consent or ensure recordings are de-identified prior to use. Additional requirements for
the ongoing use of a previously recorded course or the outside use of a recorded course may be required by your institution. Please
work with your Provost or legal affairs department.

Non-students or students not enrolled in a course can be given access to class recordings only if the recording does not contain
student personally identifiable information or all students whose personally identifiable information or other education records are
captured in a recording have provided appropriate consent. To the extent you would like to allow a non-student or student not
enrolled in a class to observe a synchronous online course, please follow your institution guidelines regarding course observation,
which may necessitate student consent if student personally identifiable information, including student interaction, may be observed
during the class.

For courses in which student participation is not integral to the learning experience, instructors could plan courses such that only
instructor lecture portions of the course are recorded. To the extent a recording is only from the perspective of the host (course
instructor), provided student names or other identifiers are not visible in the chat or other functions, the recording is unlikely to
contain information protected by FERPA. Depending on the course platform and technological capabilities, course recordings may
also be edited to omit or de-identify students participating during the synchronous course. Please note recordings of student voices
are considered personally identifiable information under FERPA, so image blurring and voice alteration may be required to de-
identify a recording without completely removing student participation portions of the recording. Students could also be given
notice that the recording may be used in future courses or otherwise posted publicly to allow them to edit their screennames after
attendance is taken but prior to the start of recording so that they are not identifiable in the video recording and/or to load an
unidentifiable image/background so they are not identifiable in the video recording. Many of the options may be dependent on the
technology being used. To the extent you wish to ensure use outside the current course, you may consider recording the reusable
portion of course material outside of the class session to eliminate the risk of students being identified and avoid the necessity for
consent and/or editing.

Institutions may have specific FERPA consent forms for course recordings, which might be built into an online platform. FERPA
requires specific consent language, so a non-FERPA specific release in software (such as one TEAMS may utilize) is unlikely to
satisfy the legal requirements for release. If your institution or department does not have a specific FERPA recording consent form
or built-in platform for collecting the consent forms, your department or institution legal affairs office can assist in providing you
with a consent form that students can download and submit electronically.

3. What requirements should be considered for recording and posting recordings of online classes?
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If the recording of a class does not disclose student personally identifiable information, FERPA does not prohibit recording the
live course for use by other students regardless of if they are enrolled in the course. If the recording does contain personally
identifiable information from student education records, such as identifiable students asking or answering questions or giving
presentations, FERPA does not prohibit making the recording available to other students enrolled in the same course, but best
practice would be to provide notice to the students, such as a statement on the course syllabus. Your legal affairs office may have
preferred boilerplate language. Otherwise, a simple statement such as the one below may serve to put students on notice of possible
recordings of the class. It is important to note that a statement such as the one below is a notice to students and should not be
considered consent from the students.
Class sessions may be recorded by the instructor for use by students enrolled in this class. Recordings that contain personally identifiable
information or other information subject to FERPA shall not be shared with individuals not enrolled in this course unless appropriate consent
is obtained from all relevant students. Class recordings are reserved only for the use of students enrolled in the class and only for educational
purposes. Course recordings should not be shared outside of the class in any form without express permission.
Generally, if the course recording simply includes the captured image of students as part of the background and does not make any
particular student the focus of the recording, such a recording would not be considered directly related to a particular student and
would therefore not be the student’s education record. However, because FERPA is highly contextual and varies case by case, the
best practice is to either exclude students identifying information from course recordings or obtain consent from all students
enrolled in the course. Obtaining consent may seem daunting for larger courses; therefore, consider providing an affirmative consent
statement at the time of providing the course syllabus or at the time of enrollment for the course.

Controlling the transmission and distribution of video recorded classes may also provide compliance with FERPA and prevent
unauthorized access to courses. It is recommended that faculty and staff communicate with the institution’s IT or information
security department for additional resources and trainings on the functionality of online course technology. Some online course
platforms allow posting of course recordings for streaming access only without the capability of downloading, which can help
provide technological control of the online course. Such tools and functionality may include the ability to add closed captioning or
allow students to produce human-based captioning of course lecture recordings. Your institution’s office for student disability
services and accommodations can assist with these tools and situations.

4. Some students have expressed concern about the invasiveness of live proctoring. What should I tell them?
Live proctoring is not unlawful. Institutions may have various technological options for live proctoring of tests and exams, including
Proctorio (no live observation), Respondus Monitor, or ProctorU. Some students have expressed specific concerns regarding
religious beliefs about photographs and recordings or may require additional testing accommodations for disabilities; such questions
should be directed to your institution’s office for student disability services and accommodations. Your institution or department
most likely has required or suggested language to include on your syllabus depending on the live proctoring services utilized. To the
extent your institution or department does not have suggested language, a general notice may look something like:
NOTICE: Your enrollment in this course requires the use of [program name] for online assessment proctoring.
[description of the tool – electronic test proctoring via webcam and other tools without live review by a person,
live video and other monitoring, and/or lockdown browser]. YOUR ACTIVITIES ARE RECORDED
WHILE YOU ARE LOGGED INTO OR TAKING YOUR ASSESSMENT(S). THE RECORDINGS
SERVE AS A PROCTOR AND WILL BE REVIEWED AND USED IN AN EFFORT TO
MAINTAIN ACADEMIC INTEGRITY. You can find more detailed information on [program name] at
[institution or department website regarding the tools].

5. Some students don’t have webcams, and for that reason, institutions have developed alternative methods for
live proctoring, including using students’ cell phone camera to record/stream their test taking. Is this allowed?
Are there any best practices for handling these one-off approaches?
It is not unlawful to allow alternatives to your institution’s usual methods of live proctoring, including use of a student’s cell phone
camera. Where students do not have a webcam or have poor internet connectivity, use of a cell phone camera to record and/or
stream test taking is a viable work-around. Consult with your department and available institution resources to ensure compliance
with institution policies and to address specific student requests for alternatives to live proctoring. Encourage students to log onto
the online testing platform at least 30 minutes prior to an exam to ensure there are no technology issues. Teaching Assistants or
department administrative staff can assist instructors with checking access to online tests at least 24 hours in advance to allow time
to address any issues with instructor or institution technology. Instruct students to contact you in advance of tests if they anticipate
needing an alternative to live proctoring. Additionally, because technology issues are often unplanned, communicate any alternatives
with students before-hand and consider being available or having a Teaching Assistant or other employee available for contact
during the scheduled test window. Having a plan for acceptable alternatives or an alternative time for students who encounter
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technological issues and communicating these resources to students can help provide clarity on how to address problems. Your
department and institution may have existing guidance and procedures for these situations.

6. Can I require a student to show his or her webcam during a live online course?
It is not unlawful to require a student to show his or her webcam during a live online course. Generally, we do not suggest requiring
students to use their webcam during synchronous online courses. A better approach is to give students the option to use their
webcam or to upload an avatar where the lecturer and/or other students can view participants. However, some specific departments
or courses may require use of a webcam during live online courses. If a course requires the use of a webcam, prior to the start of
the course and within the syllabus you should provide notice of the requirement and links to resources such as institution IT
departments and student emergency fund webpages to enable students without such tools to prepare for the course requirements.

7. If I do not require students to show their webcam, how will I take attendance for class participation?
Some institutions have recommended for courses in which flexibility is possible, instructors reconsider “attendance” as including
asynchronous learning involving the viewing of course recordings and materials outside of regularly scheduled course times as
necessary. Answering quizzes or submitting comments regarding recorded lectures and posted materials could be used to constitute
“attendance.”
For courses requiring “attendance” during synchronous classes, instructors can utilize a platform’s chat function to require students
to “check in” and/or answer questions during the class. Additionally, some online learning platforms create log-on rosters and other
data instructors can utilize to confirm attendance. For evaluation of participation in class, similar tools to those used during in-
person classes can be adapted to the online format, including quizzes, discussion groups, student presentations, and questions and
answers. Your institution likely provides resources to assist with the transition to online teaching. Your department or the Office
of the Provost may assist you identifying resources.

8. What if a student discloses sensitive or protected information during a synchronous course that is being
recorded and posted for later viewing? Do I need to edit this information out before posting it?
Students sometimes share sensitive or otherwise confidential information during class discussions. Where the recording will be
available only to other students enrolled in the course, this information does not need to be edited before posting. Housing recorded
lectures within a protected Learning Management System (“LMS”) environment will assist in protecting the sensitive information.
To the extent you feel this information does not add to the course or you prefer to remove the disclosure as a courtesy or at the
request of the student, editing the portion out of the lecture or de-identifying the student’s image and voice can help protect the
student’s privacy.

9. Can I post a video of a class to my own or another non-institution website?

Some institutions may allow this with approval and compliance with Intellectual Property guidelines and other policies. However,
please note that as with sharing recordings containing student personally identifiable information with anyone not enrolled in the
current course at issue, any student whose personally identifiable information or other education records are contained in the
recording must either provide appropriate consent or the recording must be edited to omit or de-identify the student, as discussed
above.

OTHER FERPA ISSUES & BEST PRACTICES

Privacy issues that apply to in-person classes also apply to online learning, including:
 Ensuring grades are not posted publicly or for all students to access if identified by name, ID number, or other linkable
information.
 Use of student personally identifiable information on personal devices, at home in hard copy, or on University
equipment at home must comply with policies and procedures to protect personally identifiable information.
 Sharing of student personally identifiable information or other Education Records must be for official University
purposes or other exceptions to disclosure, unless a student provides valid consent in accordance with FERPA.
 FERPA does not have specific security or technical requirements for use of apps or software, but institutions and UT
System have policies regarding best security practices and requirements. Check with institution information security
offices and/or department IT contacts to ensure the product you want to use is approved or meets policy requirements.
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 If sharing your screen or recording a course lecture, consider logging out of your email and/or disabling email alerts
to ensure no confidential or personal information is visible to students.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Institution IT and FERPA resources
UT Arlington https://oit.uta.edu/support/ https://www.uta.edu/legalaffairs/
UT Austin https://it.utexas.edu/ https://legal.utexas.edu/
UT Dallas https://www.utdallas.edu/oit/ https://www.utdallas.edu/legal/
UT El Paso https://www.utep.edu/technologysu https://www.utep.edu/chief-ostaff/legal-
pport/ affairs/
UT Permian Basin https://www.utpb.edu/university- https://www.utpb.edu/university-
offices/information- offices/compliance-and-
technology/index accommodations/index
UT Rio Grande Valley https://www.utrgv.edu/it/ https://www.utrgv.edu/legalaffairs/index.htm

UT San Antonio https://www.utsa.edu/oit/ https://www.utsa.edu/legalaffairs/

UT Tyler https://www.uttyler.edu/it/ https://www.uttyler.edu/legal-affairs/

UT System Office of General Counsel – Cynthia Tynan available via [email protected]

Department of Education Student Privacy Policy Office and Privacy Technical Assistance Center resources for Online Learning
and COVID-19 Privacy issues available at https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/. Separate IP FAQs address questions regarding
ownership and use of course materials.