The final grade for the course will be based on your THREE exams, 6 (out of 7) pop quizzes, short writing assignments, and a group project.
Summary of points for the course:
Exams 120 (40 pts x 3 exams)
Pop-quizzes 60 (10 pts x quiz)
Writing Assignments 60
Group Project 60
__________________________________
Total 300
Grades will be assigned according to the following point breakdown:
300 possible points:
270-300 points A- to A (90-100%)
240-269 points B- to B+ (80-89%)
210-239 points C- to C+ (70-79%)
180-209 points D- to D+ (60-69%)
179 points and below F (Below 59%)
I will assign + and – letter grades when students are within 1 percentage point of the cutoff score. Therefore, for example, a B+ = 88-89% (264-269 pts.) and a B- = 80-81%. (240-245 pts.)
A. Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
B. This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
C. This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
D. This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material. Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included. In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
F. This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged. If you miss a lecture, you miss almost 20% of the material that will be covered on the next exam (so you can expect to get at least one grade lower than if you had come to class!). Moreover, some material - such as videos, in-depth description of studies, and examples – will only be presented in class.
Please do not arrive late and/or plan to leave early. It will be disruptive to everyone. In addition, you’ll be missing important information that is usually given in the first and last minutes of lecture.