Grading and Homework Policy
Grades
Grades will be computed using the following weights.
- 33% Final project
- 33% Paper presentations and discussion leading (including summary documents)
- 34% Preparation and participation (reading, homework, discussion documents, discussion groups)
Grades are assigned using the following standard ranges, after rounding.
| ≥ 93% = A | 90–92% = A- | |
| 87–89% = B+ | 83–86% = B | 80–82% = B- |
| 77–79% = C+ | 73–76% = C | 70–72% = C- |
| 60–69% = D | ||
| ≤ 59% = F |
Overall grades will not be curved. However, scores on individual components (e.g. a project document) may occasionally be adjusted upward by a constant factor for the entire class.
Homework
The goals of the out-of-class homework (including programming assignments and discussion documents) are to encourage individual study and support the in-class discussions.
The discussion groups will hopefully be lively and highly collaborative. However, each student should complete the homework independently and submit only their own work. This is important for two reasons:
- It ensures we will have a diverse set of artifacts to discuss.
- You will get more out of the discussion if you struggle with the paper or problem on your own first.
Since homework is not graded strictly for correctness, there is minimal incentive to do otherwise. :-)
You will work on projects and supplementary paper presentations in small teams. Obviously you are allowed and strongly encouraged to work closely with your teammates! You are also welcome to seek help from other class members on these team projects. I only ask that you inform me of any non-team member students who contribute significantly to your work (e.g. in the project document).
Please note that late homework may not be accepted. Be sure to submit your assignments and discussion documents on time!