Environmental Design Studio 1 and 2
Grades
| Major design submissions will receive a letter grade. The criteria to be used in grading will be explained in the project statement. It is very important that students understand the nature of the project, what is expected, and how to address the issues of each assignment before spending time on the project. Feel free to ask questions and discuss ideas that arise during introductions of projects. There are no stupid questions. |
| All projects must be turned in complete and on time. Late projects will be penalized by as much as one letter grade per day. The exact penalty for incomplete work will depend on the discretion of the studio instructor--students should ask about this if it is not made clear. |
| Each letter grade carries a specific meaning: |
| A means outstanding work. The work shows innovation and a significant depth of understanding of the project requirements. The project has been fully developed and well communicated graphically. Generally there has been an unusual or unique concept employed which enhances the solution. The full potential of the problem has been demonstrated. |
| B means good work. Project solutions have exceeded all requirements of the project statement and show an above average depth of understanding. The project demonstrates an above average clarity of idea, execution and presentation. |
| C means average work. The project solution adequately satisfies the project statement but generally lacks some depth of understanding and development. The overall project lacks innovation and craft is just adequate. |
| D means poor work. The problem solution is extremely weak and lacks depth, understanding and innovation. Craft is weak and inappropriate to the class expectations. |
| F means unacceptable work. The project does not resolve the problem statement. The work shows a lack of understanding and demonstrates skill inappropriate to this class. |
| To pass the course, the students must demonstrate competency in the semester's main topics and issues. |
| Academic Honesty |
| Any form of dishonesty or unprofessional conduct during the course will result in a failing grade for the project and/or course and potential suspension respectively from the College of Human Ecology or the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design. University policy states: "Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on the exam, paper or project, failure in the course and/or expulsion from the University." The new KSU Honor System includes the following implied pledge, whether or not it is stated, "On my Honor, as a Student I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work". The honor system is described at Honor System.
In the design studio the issue of creativity and originality is often raised by students. Some students become concerned that ideas and forms did not spring spontaneously from their minds. In design, what has come before (ideas and forms) is most often the material out of which the designer will constitute his current proposals. This implies the study of and use of precedent. The fine line between plagiarism and original work can be found where students fail to absorb and understand precedents in such a way that they can be transformed and integrated into the particularities of new circumstances. |
