Programming Assignments (8 of them) (Handed in thru OWL online tutoring system) |
30% |
Weekly OWL Exercises (12 of them) (Handed in thru OWL online tutoring system) |
20% |
Embedded E-book Exercises (150 of them) |
8% |
Midterm Exam | 17% |
Final Exam | 25% |
The lowest of the eight Programming Assignment grades and the lowest two of the twelve
Weekly OWL Exercise grades will be dropped from their respective averages.
(This policy is intended to provide some allowance for sick days or other unavoidable events, not to allow you to skip an assignment you had trouble with. Completion of all 8 Programming Assignments and all 12 Weekly OWL Exercise assignments will count toward "extra credit," which will be used to adjust letter grades at the end of the semester. The exact effect of extra credit will depend on the final grade distribution.)
As you can see the weekly homework assignments make up the largest single portion of your grade. You learn best by doing, not just listening and reading. Stay on top of the homework, and don't get behind! They come fast--right on top of one another. Keep up with the homework and starting the assignments early. Then: (a) you will have more fun when you aren't under time pressure, and you'll learn more; (b) you will then also understand the lectures better, (c) you will finish the assignment more easily because you will have the context and the support of your peers and TAs, (d) you'll be well on your way to a good grade. It's hard for your instructor, TAs and peers to be sympathetic and helpful to someone who didn't put in the effort to get started before the last minute.
If you feel that a homework assignment or exam has been misgraded, you should bring this to the attention of a TA or the instructor. Assignments will be open for regrading for two weeks after their due date, up until the day of the final exam.
Regarding the ethics of what you may or may not discuss with other students:
Personally, I would only refer to the E-book, and not search for anything on-line. Then you will be in safe territory.
When in doubt about whether it is ethical to ask or answer a question of another student, ask a TA or the instructor.
Any acts of cheating, plagiarism or breaking the above rules will be reported to the University Academic Honesty Board. You are responsible for knowing, and will be held to, the University Academic Honesty Policy. This policy is available online at http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/code_conduct/acad_honest.htm
By enrolling in the class you are accepting all the above policies.
If you have questions about these policies please talk with the instructor.