Revised syllabus

This new syllabus describes the expectations for our course, during the pandemic.

It can’t be how it was.

This course was designed with the idea that we could spend a lot of time together, collaborating on and talking about the ideas of the course. Although we will offer lots of office hours and one-on-one help, we know that we simply don’t have the same support structure that we did at the start of the semester: talking with peers, grutors, and professors will be harder. Focused time to work on PLs may be more scarce.

The course must adapt to the circumstances. We will have fewer requirements, so that we may focus more directly on the key learning goals of the course.

It can still be great.

There is refuge in this discipline. There is beauty, order, design, accidents, abstraction, practicalities, and big ideas—something fun, distracting, and challenging for you when and if you need it.

Structure is helpful.

When things are uncertain, structure and clarity can be helpful. That is why we are still having class (via pre-recorded videos), regular assignments with deadlines, and an exam. We believe the (scaled-back) rhythm of this course is best for learning the material.

Flexibility is required.

Flexibility makes sure that structure does not tip from helpful to harmful. Realistically, many of us will not always be able to focus as much as we would like. Circumstances and resources may dictate our timeline more than we would like.

For that reason, we will be flexible with deadlines: everyone gets an automatic Euro (late day) for all remaining assignments, and if you need more time to work on an assignment, let us know; we will work things out with you. Similarly, we have modified the grading policies to provide you with as much flexibility and choice as possible.

Community is valuable.

We’re all in this together. We (your professors) are here to support your learning and do right by you. We will always look to extend you grace and find the humane and generous way for you to navigate this course. We ask that you do the same with your classmates, grutors, and with us. As we did when we were together: Let’s all offer help when we can, ask for help when we need it, and work together for the rest of the semester.