LIN389C is a research course for students who work in computational
linguistics. It is aimed at students with advanced knowledge in natural
language processing and machine learning techniques who are doing
research in the area. In the course, we discuss current research by
course
participants, review foundational knowledge that is relevant to
participants' research, and talk about big-picture issues and current
research in field. General information about the course
This is an online course. Zoom links for all meetings will be posted on Canvas. Course PurposeTo teach about, encourage, and give students time for research. Also to encourage discussion and collaboration among students interested in the same subfield. Course OrganizationThere are six constituencies who will not be treated exactly equally in the course because their needs are different:
Course ComponentsThe course consists of two main parts: a research seminar, and discussion of ongoing student research.
Requirements
Grading policyGrading will be based on the course requirement listed above. This course does not have a final exam or midterm exam. The course will use plus-minus grading, using the following scale:
Safety and Class Participation/MasksWe will all need to make some adjustments in order to benefit from in-person classroom interactions in a safe and healthy manner. Our best protections against spreading COVID-19 on campus are masks (defined as cloth face coverings) and staying home if you are showing symptoms. Therefore, for the benefit of everyone, this is means that all students are required to follow these important rules.
If a student is not wearing a cloth face-covering properly in the classroom (or any UT building), that student must leave the classroom (and building). If the student refuses to wear a cloth face covering, class will be dismissed for the remainder of the period, and the student will be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the university’s Institutional Rules/General Conduct 11-404(a)(3). Students who have a condition that precludes the wearing of a cloth face covering must follow the procedures for obtaining an accommodation working with Services for Students with Disabilities. Sharing of Course Materials is prohibitedNo materials used in this class, including, but not limited to, lecture
hand-outs, videos, assessments (quizzes, exams, papers, projects,
homework assignments), in-class materials, review sheets, and additional
problem sets, may be shared online or with anyone outside of the class
unless you have my explicit, written permission. Unauthorized sharing of
materials promotes cheating. It is a violation of the University’s
Student Honor Code and an act of academic dishonesty. I am well aware of
the sites used for sharing materials, and any materials found online
that are associated with you, or any suspected unauthorized sharing of
materials, will be reported to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in
the Office of the Dean of Students. These reports can result in
sanctions, including failure in the course. FERPA and Class RecordingsClass recordings are reserved only for students in this class for educational purposes and are protected under FERPA. The recordings should not be shared outside the class in any form. Violation of this restriction by a student could lead to Student Misconduct proceedings. COVID guidanceTo help keep everyone at UT and in our community safe, it is critical
that students report COVID-19 symptoms and testing, regardless of test
results, to University Health Services, and faculty and staff report to the HealthPoint Occupational Health Program (OHP) as soon as possible. Please see this link
to understand what needs to be reported. In addition, to help
understand what to do if a fellow student in the class (or the
instructor or TA) tests positive for COVID, see this University Health Services link. Notice about students with disabilitiesThe University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. Please contact the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Services for Students with Disabilities, 5121-471-6259. Notice about missed work due to religious holy daysA student who misses an examination, work assignment, or other project due to the observance of a religious holy day will be given an opportunity to complete the work missed within a reasonable time after the absence, provided that he or she has properly notified the instructor. It is the policy of the University of Texas at Austin that the student must notify the instructor at least fourteen days prior to the classes scheduled on dates he or she will be absent to observe a religious holy day. For religious holy days that fall within the first two weeks of the semester, the notice should be given on the first day of the semester. The student will not be penalized for these excused absences, but the instructor may appropriately respond if the student fails to complete satisfactorily the missed assignment or examination within a reasonable time after the excused absence. Emergency Evacuation Policy
Occupants of buildings on The University of Texas at Austin campus are
required to evacuate buildings when a fire alarm is activated.
Alarm activation or announcement requires exiting and assembling
outside. Familiarize yourself with all exit doors of each classroom and
building you may occupy. Remember that the nearest exit door may not be
the one you used when entering the building. Students requiring
assistance in evacuation shall inform their instructor in writing during
the first week of class. In the event of an evacuation, follow the
instruction of faculty or class instructors. Do not re-enter a building
unless given instructions by the
following: Austin Fire Department, The University of Texas at Austin
Police Department, or Fire Prevention Services office. Information
regarding emergency evacuation routes and emergency procedures can be
found
at http://www.utexas.edu/emergency. Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL)If you are worried about someone who is acting differently, you may use the Behavior Concerns Advice Line to discuss by phone your concerns about another individual's behavior. This service is provided through a partnership among the Office of the Dean of Students, the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD). Call 512-232-5050 or visit http://www.utexas.edu/safety/bcal |