The writeups account for 25% of the grade. This page gives information about the writeups.
The word limit for each writeup is 500 words and students are encouraged to use a word counter. You can also use wc or this python script to test submissions (*.txt files) for appropriate word count (chmod 755 counter.py and then ./counter.py <input_file>). Submissions exceeding the word count will be automatically rejected by our scripts. We expect concise, thoughtful, and creative submissions. These writeups should ideally build towards the papers and should help you in writing the papers later on. Most writeups will be individual, but some will be in groups.
All writeups are due at 11:59pm EST, unless instructed otherwise. No late submissions are allowed.
Writeups will be graded on four metrics:
Most of your assignments will be graded by one of the two TAs. If you feel that there has been an error, or you disagree with your grade, you can request that it be regraded. The essay will then be read by both TAs, and possibly JP. If you exercise this option, you must send an email to the original TA who graded your assignment within one week of recieving your grade. In the email, you should explain why you feel you deserve a higher grade. This is a "two strike" system. If you request a regrade, and we don't change your grade, then you have one strike. However, if we agree with your appeal, it does not count against you. (i.e. If this is your first appeal, you continue to have two appeals remaining) Once you have two strikes, we will no longer regrade your assignments.
Writeups should be submitted as plain TXT files using the appropriate links below:
| Writeup | Submission Link |
| Writeup #1: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 3/3 |
| Writeup #2: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Fri 3/7 |
| Writeup #3: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Fri 3/7 |
| Writeup #4: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 3/10 |
| Writeup #5: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Fri 3/14 |
| Writeup #6: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 3/17 |
| Writeup #7: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 3/24 |
| Writeup #8: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Fri 3/28 |
| Writeup #9: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 3/31 |
| Writeup #10: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Fri 4/4 |
| Writeup #11: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 4/7 |
| Writeup #12: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Fri 4/11 |
| Writeup #13: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 4/14 |
| Writeup #14: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Fri 4/18 |
| Writeup #15: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 4/21 |
| Writeup #16: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 4/21 |
| Writeup #17: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Fri 4/25 |
| Writeup #18: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 4/28 |
| Writeup #19: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Fri 5/2 |
| Writeup #20: | Submit by: 11:59PM on Mon 5/5 |
| Writeup #21: | Submit by: 5:00PM on Tue 5/13 |