EVALUATION AND FEEDBACK

Evaluation would focus on understanding and not just on memorization. Evaluation and feedback would try to encourage independent and critical thinking, a solid grounding in grass-roots realities and a good grasp of theoretical tools. Classroom discussions and participation will be appreciated. Projects and assignments would be also be part of this process.

WEIGHTAGE


The following weightage scheme would be followed:

Classroom and tutorial participation - 20
1 Mid-Semester exam / Assignment - 20
Project - 20
End-Semester - 40 OR End-Semester 20 and Assignment 20 (only for those with high levels of participation)

GRADING SYSTEM


The grades would reflect the following assessment:

F: Not satisfactory. Not understood basic concepts.
D: Rarely given - only in borderline cases where I am unsure whether or not the student has understood the basic concepts or not.
C: Satisfactory. Understood the basic concepts and able to apply them.
B: Good. Understood the basic concepts and able to apply them and able to discuss the issue in a discerning and critical manner.
A: Excellent. Understood the basic concepts and able to apply them and able to discuss the issue in a discerning and critical manner and and has done extra readings that add significantly to the understanding.

WHY THIS SYSTEM OF GRADING?

This feedback system rests upon a certain understanding of what it means to be educated. To be educated does not mean being able to give quick and superficial replies. It means learning the ability to think about questions at some depth. For this, it is also necessary to acquire the habit of reading what various people have to say about a question. Especially, the habit of seeking out scholarly and reflective texts and critically examining their arguments. I hope to encourage the development of such attitudes and habits by our grading and feedback system.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS!


In this course, threshold grading is followed, not relative grading. So there would be no limit on the number of 'A' grades given. The standard for getting an A grade is high. But it would give me great pleasure to have a final situation where each and every student is getting an A. 

In the final grades, normally no D would be awarded. If a student is consistently in a situation where one cannot make out whether or not s/he has understood the basic concepts, then the overall performance is not considered good enough to pass.


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