Grading
"TBD" Grades: Sometimes students misread a question, or get started in the wrong direction, or make a simple mistake that leads to the wrong conclusion. Such assignments will receive a "TBD" grade (i.e., to be determined), allowing you to get back on track to earn a 100% score if you meet with Dr. McCarthy within one week to discuss your work and arrange to improve it.
Course Grade:You have two options for calculating your course grade. Grades will be derived from the following categories with the indicated percentage weights.
OPTION #1 (Default): Daily homework (25%); Essay on the probability of intelligent life in our galaxy (20%); In-class work: Written responses, quizzes, collaborative activities, etc. (15%); Participation (see description below) (10%); Three exams, including the final exam (10% each).
OPTION #2 (Negotiable by September 24): You may negotiate with Dr. McCarthy the percentages of homeworks and exams.
"Participation" includes attending class regularly, completing assignments, in-class quizzes, asking relevant questions during class, seeking help during study sessions and office hours, helping to lead discussions, etc.
Final course grades will be assigned as follows: A (90-100%); B (80-89%); C (70-79%); D (60-69%); E (<60%). Borderline grades, such as B+ (>87%), will be rounded to the next letter grade only if the student completed extra-credit work as discussed below.