Frequently Asked Questions about Prof. Levi-Aland's Classes

Textbooks, etextbooks & why are they required…

Q - Why do you have a textbook, let alone an etextbook?

A great deal of the artwork is copyrighted and some of the best zoomable images, 360 degree views, ways to examine and manipulate an important artwork can only be consistently found in etextbooks.
Additionally, some primary resources and excerpts are only easily found in the textbook collection.
With an online course, my discussion time with you is limited. An etextbook that allows you to interact with the text, allows for integrated study guides, personalized highlighting & notecards, and shows me the time spent within the text is a key component of your participation grade.
I am restricted to specific publishers, books & editions. I do pick the one that best fits the demands of the class and will be the best fit for your learning experience.

Q - Do I have to use the etextbook/textbook listed in your Syllabus?

Q - Are you sure I cannot use a different edition, book or just not have one?

You need to use the required etextbook/textbook listed in the Syllabus. Many of my courses have an etextbook that has a separate grade for going through the chapters. If you choose not to purchase a book you will miss somewhere between 25-40% of your overall grade.

Q - Can I buy my book somewhere else?

I can only guarantee it is the correct book if you purchase it from the Winter Park Campus bookstore for my Valencia classes or the Laurel Ridge Campus Bookstore for my Laurel Ridge classes.
The etextbooks are available to be purchased directly through your Canvas course. This option is not normally covered by financial aid.

Q - I bought/rented my book from Amazon or DirectTextbooks, etc – the page numbers are different can you help me?

Q - Do I really need the book/etextbook?

YES! And yes, I know I repeat this in multiple places, in multiple ways but every semester, several times a semester I am asked this. Please, just buy the (e)textbook.

Email policy
Q - How often do you respond to emails?

I check my email once a day during the week and once over the weekend - so roughly every 24 hours. Life does happen, I have a family & other commitments but I do make answering emails a priority. If I will be unavailable for an extended period of time I typically put an announcement and/or send an email.

Q - Can I email you my files?

No. Due to a high number of viruses that run through college systems, I do not accept files as an email attachment. Please only use your college email and indicate which course you are in (a full CRN) if you want a complete response.

Administrative stuff
Q - Do you have a late work policy?

Yes, please see your Syllabus for more details. Please note - the end of term deadline for assignments is firm.

Q - I am having this technical difficulty…can you help?

Unfortunately, I cannot. There are a lot of small settings that change how the technology used in an online course works. Please contact your college’s help desk and/or the textbook publisher’s help desk. All contact information for the help desk services are listed in your Syllabus.

Q - Why do you care about grammar & spelling? You do not teach English.

You are correct, I do not teach an English class but clear writing is a valuable life skill. I expect collegiate level grammar and spelling that stays true to your voice. Do not just pull out a thesaurus and use it willy nilly, I can tell.

Q - When is something due?

Read your Syllabus and Course Schedule. The entire semester is laid out for you in those documents. Please note the due date and time. All assignments are due on an EST schedule.

Creativity
Q - Why do all your classes have a creative element?

I feel that one of the most effective ways to learn about something is to do it. Play with paint, photography, mosaics, collages, etc. and you can understand what pushed an artist to manipulate a medium in a certain way. When you get your hands dirty and try to splatter your own paint on a canvas, you realize it is a little trickier than what you thought and maybe Pollock’s work were not created by a 5 year old. Projects allow students the chance to explore concepts in a different way from a traditional paper or posting format.

Q - So, do I need to be an artist to take your class?

Not at all! I do not judge on skill but on creativity. Creativity (how you approach a question and present your answer) is not dependent on skill. Some of my favorite projects were completed by students who thought “they were not creative.” You have it in you!

Q - Do I need to spend a lot of money on supplies? I am a poor college student.

No. These classes do not require you to spend a lot of money on supplies or mediums to create the projects. Inexpensive supplies can be found at dollar stores, the dollar spot or discounted at craft stores. Be creative in your choice of mediums – paint does not have to come only in a box but sometimes can be found in small bottles you use on your nails.