This page addresses the following topics:
1. Grade Calculation
2. Grade Scale
3. Extra Credit
4. Redos and Revisions
5. Questions about Your Grade
6. Negotiating for a Higher Grade
1. Grade Calculation
I calculate the overall course grade by averaging the following: 1) participation grade; 2) paper grade; 3) project grade; and 4) post grade. For more detailed descriptions of how each of these categories are evaluated and/or the assessment rubrics for individual assignments, please refer to the relevant assignment pages on this site.
2. Grading Scale
The official Grading Scale for the School of Arts & Sciences is as follows:
94-100—A
90-93—A-
87-89—B+
84-86—B
80- 83—B-
70-79—C
< 70 — F
The above scale is the scale with which I will determine your final grade. However on assignments during the semester, I will use the slightly revised scale. The purpose is so that if you find yourself in the 60-79 range, you can have a more accurate sense of your standing.
94-100—A
90-93—A-
87-89—B+
84-86—B
80- 83—B-
78 -79—C+*
74 -77—C*
70-73—C-*
65-69—D**
< 65 — F
*Please know that three C steps listed in Blue, all equal a C in the final grade.
**Caution the D step is only applicable for individual assignment assessment. The D step will be converted to an F in the final grade sent to the registrar at the end of the semester.
3. Extra Credit
The question: Is there extra credit? The answer: yes. There is a variety of extra credit mentioned throughout the assignment descriptions. For your convenience, those opportunities have been listed together on the “Extra Credit” page found on the class site, under the “Assignments” menu
4. Redos and Revisions
The question: If I get a grade I’m displeased with can redo the work for a higher grade? The Answer: Certain assignments cannot be made up like quizzes or check-ins. While the post will be late, I will technically accept posts for the first half of the semester up until midterms and posts for the second quarter up until the first study day for final exams. Final projects cannot be made up. Papers may be revised on a case by case basis. If you think you are a good candidate for revision, you must contact me no later than two days after you received your grade. If I grant permission for a revision, we will work out a revision plan. Usually I require a pre-revision exercise to be turned in at an earlier date in order to make sure 1) that you start the revision well in advance of the due date and 2) that you receive some feedback from me about the direction you’re heading post our discussion about your draft.
5. Questions about Your Grade
The question: If I’m confused or concerned about the grade I received on my assignment, what should I do? The answer: In more than one place on this course website, you can find detailed breakdowns of how I calculate grades both for the course as a whole and for individual assignments. If you are not sure how I calculated grades, you should first refer to one of the relevant pages on the course site. Read the description of the assignment and the explanation of the rubrics for assessment (i.e. the categories by which I evaluate your assignment). If this information does not resolve your confusion and/or if it raises additional questions, you should come to office hours or make an appointment with me to discuss your questions further.
You have a right to know what your grade is and how it was determined. Keep in mind though that this right to know what your grade is and how it was determined is not the same thing as the right to negotiate with me for a higher grade. If you sincerely believe that I am in error (according to the rubrics of assessment which I have outlined) or that I missed some portion of your completed assignment (which you turned in properly and on time), you should let me know in a clear and respectful manner. Please know that I am very willing (happy even) to acknowledge any error on my part especially when doing so benefits you.
On negotiating, arguing, begging, wishing, pushing, etc. for a higher grade
The question: I understand how the grade was calculated, but I still think I deserve a higher grade, what should I do? The answer: First, take a deep breath. Second, take a moment to honestly reflect on what you mean by “deserve.” Third: Understand that I am very sensitive to the fact that your GPA is important and that grades anxiety is real especially with all the competing and sometimes contradicting demands of college life. Please know that I have designed this course (including the assignments and how I grade) with that reality in mind. But being sensitive to these real concerns in no way means that I can compromise my expectations for the type and quality of work you should be doing in this class. To do so would not only compromise the quality of education you receive but also insult the value of your time and your potential. Thus while you always have the right to ask for clarification about your grade, and I am willing and happy to correct any errors on my part, I am not willing (and certainly not happy) to entertain explicit and/or implicit attempts to negotiate for a higher grade.
The course is designed so that no individual assignment grade will prevent you from making a high mark in this course. Additionally there are several opportunities for revisions and extra credit. My hope is that you will do your best to trust me and the process, but I understand that grades are stressful. So please, come talk to me if you’re feeling anxious about your progress or any other aspect of the course. Within reason, I will do all that I can to help alleviate those concerns by making sure you are aware of your standing in the course; pointing out opportunities for improving your grade in future assignments and/or extra credit opportunities; and helping you think strategically about where best to focus your efforts going forth.
Of course, the best way to do better in the course (and perhaps also to manage anxiety) is to focus on doing the work and improving your knowledge and skills. I am more than happy in office hours to further discuss how you might improve your thesis; engage the text more closely; or develop a more effective research method; or grow in any other skill exercised in this course. When in doubt, come to office hours and/or reach out by email.
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