ARCT 231 Commercial Methods & Materials
2 Credits
This course is a continuation of study for construction methods, terminology, and use of construction materials with an emphasis on commercial construction. Students will write a research report on specific construction materials as assigned. This course will also introduce basic mechanical and electrical equipment, their functions and space requirements as they relate to commercial construction. Students may visit job sites to examine the latest methods of commercial construction
ARCT 133
Textbooks and Software and Other Materials
Required: Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods,
4th Edition
Edward Allen, Joseph Iano, ISBN: 0-471-21903-7, ©2004
Contact Coleen at the NDSCS Bookstore for the most current textbook information (1-800-342-4325, ext 2239 or coleen.thoe@ndscs.nodak.edu). You may also visit the Bookstore web site at http://www.ndscsbooks.com/ and search for book information by class by clicking the "Textbook" tab.
Software: Microsoft Word is needed for all online classes. If additional software is needed for a particular course, it will be indicated in the online course schedule.
Email: Students taking online classes from NDSCS also need a working email account. Be sure email address is updated in student record in PeopleSoft system.
Internet Access required. High speed Internet service is highly recommended. If students are unable to get high speed service, an alternate site may be needed to view some of the course components.
The Objectives for this course are:
Grading Policy
Your performance in this class will be based on the quality and accuracy of your sketches and answers on assignments, quizzes, and tests. Assignments that do not meet the deadlines given by the instructor will be reduced 10% per day.
Grading Scale
Letter grades will be awarded as follows:
100.00% to 90.00% = A
89.99% to 80.00% = B
79.99% to 70.00% = C
69.99% to 60.00% = D
Below 60.00% = F
Students should estimate approximately three hours of course work per credit per week for NDSCS classes. For example, a three-credit class may require approximately nine hours of work time a week for the student. This amount may vary by class and by student.
Policies and Procedures
Assignments are given in the course for completion in your textbook as well as other appropriate projects. Please follow the order of chapter completion as presented in the Schedule. Assignments within each unit are due within the time frame listed in the Class Schedule. Assignments not completed by the specified deadline may have 10% of grade points deducted at the instructor's discretion.
Participation in threaded discussions ARE REQUIRED. When a threaded discussion is posted you will have a specific time period in which to participate. Make sure to make a posting relevant to the discussion topic - and then respond to other students. Discussions will be closed on a specific date, so make sure to participate in the discussion before it closes. Points will be earned in the gradebook for your participation in the assigned discussions.
NDSCS online students should be aware of various policies and procedures such as those listed below.
Attendance - Students are expected to log into their online classes frequently during each week of the semester and to submit course work on time to meet due dates set by the instructors. Attendance and class participation is monitored and students not submitting work in their online classes may be dropped from the class. Review the Attendance Policy for further details.
Computer Access - It is the student's responsibility to maintain access to a working computer and Internet connection to keep up in online class assignments. Because computer problems do occur, students should have a plan for alternative computer access in case of computer problems. Students will be able to access their online classes from any computer with an Internet connection.
Refund Policy/Withdrawal Refund Schedule
Academic Calendar - Online classes follow the same calendar as regular on-campus classes. They begin with the semester begins and students do not need to log in at specific days/times but instructors do set due dates for assignments and exams to be submitted so there is structure to the classes. Online classes are not self-paced but do provide flexibility in that they are accessible 24/7 to allow students to work around other commitments when doing their course work.
Academic Integrity - Integrity is an NDSCS core value and there is an expectation that all students, as members of the college community, adhere to the highest levels of academic integrity.
Dishonesty in class, laboratory, shop work or tests is regarded as a serious offense and is subject to disciplinary action by the instructor and dean of the respective division. For more information, refer to the NDSCS Student Planner or College Catalog under College Policies and Basic Regulations of Conduct.
Types of Misconduct
Disabilities and Special Needs
If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Disability Support Services Office, 225 Mildred Johnson Library (phone 701-671-2623, 800-342-4325, ext 32623) as early as possible in the term.
Other College Policies can be found in the Catalog.
Student-Instructor Communications
While an online class is available 24 hours a day and offers greater flexibility for the student and instructor, keep in mind that your instructor will not be available 24 hours a day. I will check my email, voicemail, and Cyber Office messages on a regular basis, but there may be times when I am unavailable due to other commitments and job responsibilities. I will respond to email, voicemail, or Cyber Office messages as time allows. As a general rule, you can expect your direct question to be answered within 24 hours during week days.
When sending an email, please include your full name so I know to whom I'm responding. Often, the email address does not indicate who is sending the message.
Exams are done online. Instructors may require a proctor be present for online exams. When the semester begins, check your course information for the proctor form and proctor criteria.
Online classes follow the same academic calendar for start and end dates as regular on-campus classes. While there is no set time for students to be logged into a class each day, instructors do set due dates for assignments and exams. Students should lot into classes frequently to keep up with announcements and to keep up with course work. Online classes are not self-paced.
You may want to print the NDSCS Academic Calendar reference during the year. It includes semester start and end dates, final days to add/drop classes for each semester, vacation dates, etc.
Instructors may vary from semester to semester.
