CPS 4
Spring 2001

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Grades

View your current grades online through CourseInfo here.

Grading is done on an absolute, but adjustable scale. This means that there is no curve. Anyone earning 90% or more of the total number of points available will receive a grade in the A range; 80% or more guarantees a grade in the B range, 70% or more guarantees a grade in the C range, 60% or more guarantees a grade in the D range. This scale may slide down, but it will not go up.

There will be several types of assignments during the term, each contributing to your final grade by approximately the following percentages:

  • 10% - classwork
  • 20% - group projects
  • 20% - final project
  • 15% - quizzes
  • 35% - exams

The classwork grade includes your participation in group activities during class. These activities may involve some preparation work before class.  Each group should turn in only one copy of the assignment that includes each group member's name.

The group projects will be open-ended, providing a lot of room for you to express some creativity and go beyond the basic specification. To receive a grade in the A range on these projects you are expected to complete all of the assignment's basic specifications as well as use good style so your program "looks" nice. Any extra credit features that you add will not be counted unless you get the basics working first.

The final project will be a large group project that will be assigned instead of a final exam. This final project must be completed and handed in before the course's scheduled exam time. Additionally, you must meet with the professor as a group to demo your project and discuss its details.  Plan on this demo taking approximately a half-hour --- everyone in the group must attend this demo.

There will be approximately a quiz a week, given out either via the web or in class. Quizzes are due at the beginning of the class following the one they were assigned.  No quizzes will be accepted late.  If you come late to class, turn it in as soon as you come in. This may sound overly harsh, but since we may spend class time on quizzes, it would be unfair to do it any other way.

The in-class exams will be closed-book. An exam handout will be given with material from the class to minimize the amount you need to memorize. Exams will be held during the course's meeting time and in the course's meeting room.

  • Exam 1 - Wednesday, February 14
  • Exam 2 - Wednesday,  April 4
  • No final exam

There may be several optional assignments that can earn points towards raising your grade.

Late Assignments

Assignments turned in on time receive no penalty. Assignments turned in late will incur a 10% penalty for each day. Sunday, being the day of rest, will not be counted in calculating the late penalty. Assignments will not be accepted after one week has passed from the due date. It is not possible to make up missed quizzes or in-class work. Individual extensions will be granted only for medical reasons or other circumstances beyond your control.  In these cases, you should mail the professor and provide an official excuse.

It is important that you do not get behind in this class, its pace is too fast to allow you fall behind.  The secret to successfully surviving this course is to start early and work steadily; it is not possible to cram or skim in Computer Science classes. If you are having trouble, be sure to see a UTA and preferably the professor in charge of the course as far before the due date as possible. Do not give up, ask for help.

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