Grading Scale and Policies

Grades will be assigned on the usual A-F basis. Grading will be absolute; there will be no "curve". Achieving a 90% will guarantee an "A", 80% a "B", and so on. However, when the final grades are given, it could be the case, for example, that an 85% gets an "A". Do not confuse this with a curve, however. If everyone does A work (as I hope), everyone will get an A. If everyone does C work, everyone will get a C. So that you know your grade at all times, four fictitious students will be given grades for each assignment and exam. These students will be named "Min A", "Min B", etc., indicating the minimum score for each grade.

Grading will be divided as follows:

Grading Timeliness

I take seriously deadlines and expect you to turn everything in on time. In return, I will adhere to the following grading return policies. Requests for incomplete (I) or withdrawal (W) must be made in accordance with University policies, which are available here and here, respectively.

Important: Your grade will be the one you earn.  If you need this class to graduate, I suggest that you earn a good enough grade.    Under no circumstances will your graduation or visa status affect your grade.  This includes situations such as: (1) your parents are coming for graduation, (2) your relatives are flying in from halfway around the world for your graduation,  (3) you have a job lined up and have to start immediately, (4) you got all A's up to this point, and you have never received a grade below an A, and/or (5) you will have to leave the country if you do not achieve a certain grade.