I use grades to reflect how well you are able to demonstrate the understanding of the underlying knowledge base for the course and the application of that knowledge to software engineering problems. Grading is not a perfect science. I try to be fair and consistent. You are free to question your grades at any point. The grades will be based upon the following distribution:
Your project, and some other assignments will be done as a member of a team. I will normally give one grade to the team for such assignments. Each team member gets the same grade. Exceptions are when I determine that one or more team members are not doing their share of the work. There are several ways I might obtain this information. As members of a team, it is your responsibility to ensure that each member does their share. If there are problems, you need to inform me as soon as they arise and not wait until the last minute for them to be resolved.
Spelling and grammar count. While they will not add extra credit to your grade, they can take away a couple of points from any assignment. I fully expect you to be able to use the spelling checker in your word processor and take the time to communicate clearly.
In order to receive a grade for this course, you must take both exams and turn in a project. If you miss any of these milestones, and have documented proof of an emergency through the appropriate WPI office, I will hand out an incomplete grade. If you miss any of these milestones and do not have documented proof of an emergency, you will receive an NR.
Unless you have documented proof of an emergency (as above), late assignments, makeup exams, or projects will not be accepted.
You are encouraged to collaborate by forming study groups, working on your projects in groups, and on some homework assignments that are specifically specified as ones that you may collaborate on. You are not allowed to collaborate on exams and other assignments. If you are in doubt about whether you may collaborate with other students, ask the professor.
Violations of this policy on any assignment or exam will result in an NR for the course and a referral to the Student Life Office, in accordance with WPI's academic honesty policy.
If you are unsure whether an activity would constitute cheating, ask the professor.
I normally do not check attendance. However, if I notice attendance falling off, I reserve the right to check attendance and, if you miss more than two classes without an approved excuse, your grade will be lowered.
Students requiring accommodation on exams or assignments due to disabilities must speak with the professor at the start of the term (and at least two weeks before the assignment due date or exam in question) to work out appropriate arrangements. Such arrangements require documentation from the Disability Services Office (DSO). Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class should contact the DSO (Daniels Hall, (508) 831-5235) to initiate the necessary paperwork.
Modified:
15-Mar-2004
Gary Pollice