(No longer applicable) The numeric scores are translated to letter grades as follows: [90-100] = A, [87-90[ = B+, [80-87[ = B, [77-80[ = C+, [70-77[ = C, [67-70[ = D+, [60-67[ = D, [0-60[ = F.
Some quizzes will be based on the assigned readings. Many quizzes are actually in-class exercises, based on the material just covered in class. The first purpose of quizzes and in-class exercises is to encourage attendance and class participation, because any student who attempts all quizzes gets full credit for them. A student can make up a correctly answered quiz for a missed quiz, up to a small number (typically 3-4) that depends on how many quizzes are given. The second purpose is to make people aware of a key issue discussed in the lecture.
Homework must be turned in typed; exceptions will be made for assignments requiring figures or unusual formatting. Homework turned in late is subject to a 4% per day penalty , subject to the provision that no credit is given to homework turned in after the beginning of class following the one when the homework is due.
Absence from more than two scheduled classes, whether excused or unexcused, is excessive and may result in a grade penalty, consistently with the University Attendance Policy. Student who expects to miss class for any reason must contact the instructor by email as soon as possible.
Each student must follow the University Honor Code and turn in his or her work. You are encouraged to discuss the material you study, but you must do your homework individually, unless an assignment is explicitly designated as a team assignment. The minimum grade penalty for a violation will be a zero on the work involved. In addition, an honor code violation will be subject to the sanctions described in the USC Community Handbook and Policy Guide. The following paragraph, written by Professor Duncan Buell, clarifies the distinction between "learning from a discussion" and "turning in someone else's work": If, after having participated in a group activity, you can walk away, put the books down, have lunch, and then come back afterwards to re-create from your own head the material and techniques you discussed as a group, then you can legitimately say that you have learned from the group but the work you turn in is your own.