Grading
25% Paper commentaries
Students should submit short commentary of each reading using the online submission system. Commentaries are due by 1:00am the day of class; late commentaries will not be accepted.
Commentaries will be graded on a check-minus/check/check-plus scale by the discussant leaders. These scores correspond to 3, 4, and 5 points.
We will ignore the two lowest-scoring commentary grades. This implies that each student may opt to pass on four commentaries (two days x two papers per day). You may pass for any reason (e.g., personal or family matters, conflicting deadlines). There are no exemptions beyond this. These exempted commentaries should be specifically noted as being passed on.
5% In-class contributions
In-class participation grades are based on whether you productively contribute to the classroom discussions. These discussions occur in the second part of each class day.
10% Co-leading one class discussion
You and several others will lead discussion for one class day. For details on the assignment, go here. On their discussion day, students should submit their materials instead of their commentary using the online submission system.
60% Research project
Students will complete a quarter-long mini-research project in groups of three. We encourge students to choose projects that are related to their own research or another research project on campus. Leveraging ongoing research increases your speed and ability to find define a good project, and enables you to leverage existing software and hardware infrastructure.The grade for this portion will be broken up as follows:
- 4% Project Ideas (Round One)
- 4% Project Ideas (Round Two)
- 4% Project Abstract Draft
- 8% Project Abstract Revision
- 4% Project Faire (Round One)
- 6% Project Faire (Round Two)
- 10% Final Presentation
- 20% Final Project+Paper
In general, both members of the team will receive the same grade. However, if there is a significant contribution disparity, that will be reflected in the grade.
Late Policy
Late commentaries will not be accepted, as you can already pass on two grades.
For all other assignments, there will be a 10% penalty of the total grade for each day you are late.