Thursday, September 09, 2004

When did I become a Lawyer

Today I wrote fine print:



Grading

The semester grade will be broken down by the following percentages:

Homework/Projects 59%
Mid-Term Exam 10%
Final Exam 15%
Participation 16%

The rating of participation is completely at the discretion of the instructor. Evaluation of participation includes attendance, attention, contribution to classroom discussions, and ability to process and integrate feedback.

A verbal evaluation of the semester may be done at semester reviews. Any student who feels they are not receiving adequate feedback or wants a private evaluation may make an appointment to receive one at any time during the semester.

Grading for this course will be ABCDR as shown in the School of Drama handbook. For this course, the SOD Conservatory grading scale is as follows:

100% - 92% A
84% - 91% B
76% - 83% C
68% - 75% D
74% and Below R

Please note that as a core PTM course, a grade of C or below may trigger an academic action for PTM students.

Exam scores should be evaluated on the same scale listed for semester grades listed above. Students will be informed at the time exams are returned if the scores will be curved.

Individual homework assignments will typically be assessed on a 10 point scale. Work submitted acceptably presenting everything as required by the assignment instructions will likely receive a score of 7 or 8 depending on presentation. A 9 will be awarded for excellent work. To receive 10 out of 10 a student will have to demonstrate something special, a dimension to their work, presentation, or improvement that was exceptional and unexpected. It is not completely unheard of for a submission to receive 11 out of 10 for truly special work, although the occurrence is rare. As you can see from the scale above, Drama students are expected to regularly earn 9 out of 10 points on homework. This grading can be pro-rated for assignments of differing value.

Any student not understanding any grade they have received is encouraged (all but required) to make an appointment to discuss the work, the expectations, and their performance.

Up to date semester grading is usually available throughout the semester. Students are encouraged to keep tabs on their performance as they go.



So when exactly did it come about that to be able to teach a class, to write a syllabus, that one should have to study contract law? Can't I just say "you'll get the grade I gave you, and you'll like it!"

RRR

1 comment:

Peg said...

"Take the grade you earned, and like it" is no more, as you've amply demonstrated. It fell by the wayside when the entire populace of the U.S. came down with an incurable case of It's Not My Fault, followed immediately by And You Owe Me. They're never going away. Lawyers would never allow it. In any case, glad to see that you hold your students to a high standard. As a student I'd be insulted if you did anything less. The "I GOT an A vs. He GAVE ME an F" mindset still prevails in the minds of the It's Not My Fault And You Owe Me sufferers.