Class Notes on Attendance and Language History

Attendance and Classroom Management

Attendance Issues
- Initial problems with attendance were acknowledged as a "disaster".
- Full points were awarded for attendance during the first week to alleviate concerns.
- From this point forward, attendance will be taken more seriously.
- Instructor believes improvement has been seen in their sections regarding attendance.
- Students are reminded to check in with their assigned Graduate Employee (GE) if they missed the attendance sheet.
Packing Up Before Class Ends
- Packing up ten minutes before class results in disruptive noise that hinders the ability to hear closing remarks.
- Recommendations to avoid packing up until one minute before class ends to minimize disruption.
- Reassurance that it is acceptable to stay engaged until the class officially ends.

Significance of Language
- Language is defined (or derivatives of the act of speaking) as a crucial aspect of communication.
- Writing serves multiple purposes, and it is important to recognize its role in preserving thoughts beyond one's life.
Historical Context of Writing
- Writing originated at various points in different cultures, emphasizing that it has historical and geographic significance.
- Notable examples of writing include:
- Egyptian Hieroglyphs: Found in tombs, these exhibit cultural hierarchies and continuity.
- Ancient Chinese Writing: Dating back to around 200 BCE, it showcases a universal numerical acknowledgment:
  - Regardless of language or pronunciation, symbols for numbers such as one, two, three, and four would be consistently recognized as such, illustrating a common understanding of numerals across cultures.