Re: Grading schemes

[Richard Tarara <rtarara@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

BUT......according to what is written below, the student can get ZEROs on
both the midterm and the final and still get a C--as long as they show up!
Is this really any different from not showing up at all?  Again, no
criterion on the homework and paper, just turn it in.  Seems to me I could
get a C in that course with only a few hours of time invested--maybe three
hours showing up for the two exams (do I have to stay the whole time?) and
an hour or two scribbling some nonsense for the homework assignments and the
paper.  I surely hope that the actual requirements include some minimal
performance criteria for the exams, homeworks, and paper.


Rick

----- Original Message -----
From: Roger Freedman <airboy@PHYSICS.UCSB.EDU>
> I took a peek at the syllabus for this course (available on-line at
> http://www.physics.ucla.edu/class/99F/10_Cowan/syllabus.html) and
> discovered that the requirements for the course are rather more demanding
> that Wes Davis states. Here's the statement from the web page:
>
>    Final Exam (You must take the final exam in order to pass the
>    course!!!)-30%, you may drop your lowest midterm - the remaining
>    midterm will be worth 30%, homework - 20%, and the report will
>    be worth 20%.
>
>    Guaranteed passing grade of C: You will be guaranteed a passing
>    grade, i.e., a C, if you do the following: take the final exam
>    (you must take the final exam in order to pass the course!!!),
>    take at least one of the two midterms, turn in 60% of the homework
>    assignments, and turn in the previously mentioned four page report.