Grading Policies

Gradescope Assignments

There will be 4 assignments containing a mix of theoretical and coding questions.

• Coding Component (Python):
  • 80% — Program functionality (implementation, model building, evaluation on metrics)
  • 20% — Code quality (clean, well-written, well-designed)
• Written Component:
  • 70% — Accuracy of content
  • 30% — Clarity of explanation

Projects

• Goal: Design and implement a simple NLP system using existing tools. More details will be shared later.
• Work is done in pairs (two undergrads or two grads, no mixed pairs).

Research Study (Graduate Students Only)

Graduate students (and interested undergraduates) will conduct a research reproducibility project due the week before finals.

• Can be done individually or in pairs.
• If paired: submission must include a signed statement describing each student’s contribution.

Breakdown:

• 10% — Presentation
• 20% — Report
• 10% — Source code

Evaluation Principles

• Your grade is based on the points you earn, not on comparison with other students.
• There are no quotas for letter grades.
• Assessment is designed to be comprehensive, fair, and equitable.

Point Breakdown

Undergraduate Students

• Assignments: 50% (12.5% each)
• Project: 50% (25% each deliverable)

Graduate Students

• Assignments: 40% (10% each)
• Project: 20% (10% each deliverable)
• Research Study: 40% (10% presentation, 20% report, 10% code)

Letter Grades

Regrading Policy

• Requests must be made within one week of the assignment being returned.
• Arithmetic errors: Attach a note explaining the mistake → points corrected before semester ends.
• Other grading concerns:
  • Write a short note explaining why you believe more points should be awarded.
  • Attach it to the front of your assignment and give it to your TA.
  • Keep a photocopy for your records.
  • These requests will be reviewed at the end of the semester after final grades are calculated.