There will be several programming assignments, each spanning 1-2 weeks. There will be no exams. Your grade will be based mostly on your assignments, but your understanding of the material as evidenced in class discussions or other interactions may also affect your grade.
I like to be able to discuss questions on completed assignments in class. as a result, late assignments will not be accepted without prior consent of the professor. Extensions will be granted only in the event of unforseen and documentable emergencies, or extenuating circumstances that you discuss with the professor well in advance.
You may discuss how to approach homework problems with your classmates, but you may not share code or key insights into how to solve the problems. Most assignments (after the first one) require you to think hard about the problem for a while (writing the code is usually much easier than figuring out what that code needs to do). These insights that let you write the code are what you cannot share with other students.
As examples, each of the following scenarios would constitute cheating (this list is not exhaustive!):
If in doubt as to whether something violates this policy, ask!.
Violations of the collaboration policy on any assignment or exam will result in an F for the course and a referral to the Student Life Office, in accordance with WPI's academic honesty policy. Exceptions to this rule are possible only if you admit your violation to me (the professor) before I detect the violation (this gives you a chance to pass the course if, for example, you cheated in desparation the night an assignment was due, then felt guilty about it in the morning). You can safely assume that I will not begin grading an assignment before noon on the calendar day after the assignment is due.
Students requiring accommodation due to disabilities must speak with me at the start of the course (and at least two weeks before the assignment in question) to work out appropriate arrangements.
Students requiring accommodation for religious observance must make alternate arrangements with me at least a week before the date in question.
In the event of a medical or family emergency, talk to me for appropriate accommodation.