Grading
Assignment grading structure
This course will use specifications, or “specs”, grading. Instead of receiving a numerical grade, problem sets will be graded complete/incomplete. The instructions and rubric for each problem set will clearly describe the completion requirements for that assignment. Your submission must satisfy all of the requirements on the rubric for a problem set to be marked “complete”. This doesn’t mean you have to get everything right on the first try every time! The rubrics will have some room for flexibility, and you will be able to submit revisions for full credit (see below).
Problem sets must be submitted on time to be eligible for a “complete” grade. Problem set deadlines are designed to help us maintain a sustainable pace of work (you for completing assignments, me for grading and preparing feedback) as we progress through the semester. Thus, late submissions will not be accepted, but deadline extensions are available using tokens (see below).
Because of their scope, the exams will be graded according to a rubric with multiple levels, not as complete vs. incomplete.
Revisions
Should you receive an “incomplete” grade on a problem set, you will receive feedback detailing revisions you can make to bring your submission to the “complete” mark. You may submit revisions promptly after receiving feedback to earn full credit on an assignment, contingent on addressing all of the points in the feedback you received. Full-credit revision deadlines will be announced for each assignment along with on-time submission deadlines. Revisions will not be accepted for assignments without initial submissions.
Tokens
Student schedules are incredibly busy, and sometimes you may need some flexibility with deadlines. This class will use a token system, so you will be able to choose when to take that extra leeway. Every student will receive four tokens at the beginning of the semester.
Over the course of the semester, you may spend one token on any problem set for a 48-hour deadline extension (for on-time submissions or for revisions). You may spend two tokens on a single 48-hour deadline extension for either the midterm or the final exam. (You may not spend double tokens for a longer extension on any one assignment. I need those assignment deadlines to help me return feedback to you promptly!)
You may also choose to spend two tokens on a single problem set for a free drop, where that submission will be marked “complete” even if you are unable to submit anything. (You may not spend any tokens to drop either of the exams–you must complete those!)
Tokens may be claimed on Canvas anytime before the original deadline of the assignment you wish to spend them on.
Overall grade
Final course grades will be given as letter grades. Your overall letter grade (A, B, C, D, F) will be determined by the total number of assignments marked “complete” that you have accrued over the course of the semester. Each complete problem set will count for one point. The midterm exam will count for up to three points and the final exam will count for up to four points, with more points assigned for higher rubric scores. Eighteen points are possible across all assignments (eleven problem sets, one three-point midterm exam, and one four-point final exam). Letter grade breakdowns will be as follows:
- A: 17-18 pt
- B: 14-16 pt
- C: 11-13 pt
- D: 9-10 pt
- F: 0-8 pt
Pluses and minuses will be determined by the percentage of complete weekly problem sets marked “complete” after the first submission. Plus letters will be assigned when two-thirds or more of complete problem sets are marked “complete” after the first submission. Minus letters will be assigned when two-thirds or more of complete problem sets are marked “complete” after revision. For example, a student submitting a successful revision for every assignment, and earning full marks on both exams, would earn an A- with 18 points.