Listed below are the course policies that are shared by all Cinema Studies undergraduate courses for the 2024/25 academic year. For course specific information, including Email Policy, Assignment Due Dates, and Extensions, please refer to the course syllabus provided by the instructor.
Attendance
Students are expected to be punctual and attentive for all in-person and online class meetings, and to stay current with all course materials, including screenings. Failure to do so will affect your final grade. All lectures, screenings, and tutorials are mandatory; students may not enrol in courses with conflicting or overlapping meeting times. Missing more than 50% of class meetings is grounds for failure. Please note that as of Fall 2023, the University has updated its procedures around absences. Students may self-declare one weeklong absence per term (7 calendar days) using the ACORN self-declaration form. Additional absences require a Verification of Illness form, a Registrar’s Letter, or communication from Accessibility Services. More information is available from the Faculty of Arts & Science. You are responsible for contacting your instructor or your teaching assistant to request special academic considerations related to course absences.
Late Work
Assignments submitted late lose 2% of the grade per calendar day of lateness, weekends included, up to a maximum of 14 days (28% of the assignment grade).
Accessibility Needs
The University of Toronto is committed to accessibility. Students with diverse learning styles and needs are welcome in the Cinema Studies Institute. In particular, if you have a disability or health consideration that may require accommodations, if you are not yet registered with Accessibility Services, contact their office as soon as possible to register. The Accessibility Services staff is available by appointment to assess specific needs, provide referrals, and arrange appropriate accommodations. The sooner you let them and your instructor know your needs, the more quickly we can assist you in achieving your learning goals. Once you are registered with Accessibility Services, please ensure that your instructor receives a letter of accommodation. Feel encouraged to approach your instructor with any concerns or questions about accessibility accommodations at any point in time during the term; the sooner, the better.
Respect for Personal Identity
The University of Toronto understands the concerns some students may have regarding implementation of personal data in Quercus, including discrepancies between the identifiers in one's University of Toronto account and those implemented by the students in Quercus and in everyday life. Students can change the first name displayed in various online U of T services including Quercus and integrated tools.
Academic Integrity
The University of Toronto considers academic honesty and integrity to be important to your education. Any conduct that violates the University's academic integrity standards—such as plagiarism or cheating—will result in serious disciplinary action. See the University of Toronto website on Academic Integrity. All suspected cases of academic dishonesty will be investigated following procedures outlined in the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters, sections B1 and Appendix A. If you have questions or concerns about what constitutes appropriate academic behaviour or appropriate research and citation methods, please reach out to your instructor.
Artificial Intelligence
The work you submit in this course is expected to reflect your own original thought and intellectual effort. To promote your learning and intellectual development in this course, and to help you reach course learning outcomes, the use of artificial intelligence tools and apps is strictly prohibited in all course assignments unless explicitly stated otherwise by the instructor in this course. This includes, but is not limited to, generative AI large language models, such as OpenAI ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, Google Bard, as well as auto-summarizing software such as Resoomer, QuillBot, or TLDRThis. Use of artificial intelligence tools in course written assignments may be considered use of an unauthorized aid, which is a form of cheating. For more information on academic integrity and AI, see Using ChatGPT or other generative AI tool on a marked assessment.
Copyright Considerations
Students may not record any portion of a lecture without the prior and explicit written permission of the course instructor. Provostial guidelines on the Appropriate Use of Information and Communication Technology state that:
The unauthorized use of any form of device to audiotape, photograph, video-record or otherwise reproduce lectures, course notes or teaching materials provided by instructors is covered by the Canadian Copyright Act and is prohibited. Students must obtain prior written consent to such recording. In the case of private use by students with disabilities, the instructor’s consent must not be unreasonably withheld.
Research Support
University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) provides access to a vast collection of online and print resources. Get help navigating UTL and web resources and developing research skills for your course work:
- Contact the Cinema Studies Librarian Kate Johnson with questions or to set-up an online meeting.
- Use ASK Chat with a Librarian online service.
- Stream films and media through UTL.
- See the Cinema Studies Research Guide including eBooks, articles, and streaming film collections.
Writing Support
The University of Toronto expects its students to write well, and it provides a number of resources to help you.
- U of T Writing Advice including Using Sources, which features "How Not to Plagiarize"
- Innis College Writing Centre and A&S St. George Campus Writing Centres
- English Language Learning
- Writing Plus
Technical Support
To find information on navigating Quercus, accessing your courses, and downloading mobile apps. Students requiring technical support with respect to Quercus should visit the Quercus (Canvas) Support centre. Information Commons, help.desk@utoronto.ca, 416-978-4357.
Vital Support and Safety
In order to engage in rigorous and adventurous thought, one should be nourished and feel safe.
The University of Toronto Students' Union Food Bank provides students with food essentials free of charge.
The St. George Campus Free Store offers free clothing, shoes, furniture, books and office supplies to U of T students, staff and faculty.
TravelSafer on the St. George campus is a reliable and safe alternative to walking alone at night. Student staff working in mixed gender pairs will escort you anywhere on campus or to a subway station. Staff carry photo badges and wear distinctive jackets while on duty. TravelSafer staff are available 24/7 and 365 days a year. Call 416-978-SAFE (7233) to arrange a walk.
For further student health and wellbeing resources and support, please see Student Life and Safety & Support.