Units, Grades, Procrastination

• The course has 6 units or modules, each designed to be completed in a 1-3.5 week period if a normal pace is followed, with the number of points credited from mastery of each unit keyed to the amount of work (i.e., 10 points for units taking 1 week, 20 points for 2.5 weeks - see syllabus for details).
• The grading plan given in the syllabus gives students flexibility regarding amount of work, but less work (i.e., fewer units completed), or a poorer showing on the project or final, will result in a lower grade. Thus there is nothing arbitrary in the grading, and anyone should be able to get a course grade of A, if an adequate amount of work is performed.
• To complete a unit, a student must demonstrate mastery. This is done by passing a quiz, where a grade of 90% or higher is required. Quizes are graded as soon as possible, and students may request re-consideration of the grading. This is one situation where tutoring takes place - students must convincingly explain and justify their answers to receive credit, but otherwise will be referred to further reading or exercises aimed at improving comprehension.
• Students who do not pass a unit quiz can take an alternative quiz on another day; there will be a total of 3 quizes available for each unit. If none of these are mastered, the student must pass an oral examination given by the instructor in order to complete the unit. A student's grade in the course is not lowered because of taking multiple quizes for units.
• The Honor Code is in effect in this course. All quizes, oral examinations, and the final must reflect individual effort. Open books and open notes are allowed, since comprehension as opposed to memorization is called for at the senior level. Note however that students should learn course material well, since quizes and the final will be timed. Unless otherwise indicated in writing, other work for this course can be carried out in groups, since at the senior level it is important to learn how to work with your colleagues on research problems, and employers favor good collaboration and discussion skills. If homework or other exercises are turned in on paper or electronically, as the result of efforts by several people, please be sure to give the names of all students who contributed.
• Discussions with the instructor or GTA about quizes should be deferred to times and locations that assure privacy. Quiz question and answer booklets or electronic files should not be shared with others, and will be retained by the instructor when not in use.
• Procrastination is the number one danger with DLPSI. You should target completion of each unit soon after the days for that unit have passed. The instructor will maintain a chart showing unit completion of all students in the class, so you can compare your progress. You will be warned if you are falling behind, by email. Please, please talk with the instructor if you have any problems! Do not be afraid to discuss these matters, or any special problems that arise. However, procrastination is a bad habit that must be broken, so the instructor will generally refuse to give any unit exams after the last day of classes. No work turned in after the final will be counted. Further, the instructor plans on only one sitting for the final, at the assigned time.