15-213/15-513/14-513 Introduction to Computer Systems: Assignments

There will be weekly written assignments, starting in the first week of classes. Each written assignment consists of 1-3 questions that require students to write single paragraph answers. They are released and collected via Canvas.

Written assignments are always due at 11:59pm (Pittsburgh time). No late submissions are accepted. Canvas will generally accept only one submission.

Written assignments (other than W5, see below) are graded by your peers: three other students will read what you wrote and provide short, constructive feedback and a score (1-10).

Each assignment is worth 30 points, total. You receive the maximum of your peers’ scores (up to 10 points), 10 points for doing the assignment, plus 10 points for completing the peer reviews you are assigned.

The Midterm written W5 will be graded by the TAs out of 30 points.

There will be 11 written assignments in all. One of these (W5) counts double, so let's denote it as W5a and W5b. Out of {W1, W2, W3, W4, W5a, W5b, W6, W7,W8, W9, W10, W11}, we will drop your two lowest scores. The 10 remaining are each worth 2% of your course grade.

Schedule

We will provide you with a model solution and a grading rubric after an assignment is due, to guide you in your peer reviews. This two-part (writing and evaluating) sequence has been shown to improve student learning. As your peers are grading these anonymously, you are not required to include your name either in your submission or feedback. If you disagree with the feedback from your peers, you can make a private post on Piazza within 7 days, as per any other regrades in the course.

If the feedback you received is offensive or otherwise not in support of a welcoming and inclusive climate, please email your Professor.