The form of assessment and the basis for grading will generally be provided in the syllabus, which is usually handed out on the first day of class. To compute a grade point average , grades are translated into a numeric score. The percentage that is required to earn a particular grade can vary considerably from course to course, and is at the discretion of the professor. The General Announcements and the Schedule of Courses contain brief descriptions of most courses. However, more detailed information about particular courses can be obtained from professors and from other students.
Most professors distribute a course syllabus in the first class.
It will contain a description of the course, the topics covered, and the assessment. Also, as the first class is often an overview of the course it is a useful way of finding out more about the content of the course. Looking at the assigned textbooks for a course might also help you get a feel for a course. Talking with upper classmen will give you a lot of information about what a course is like, in terms of workload, professor's teaching style, classroom atmosphere and assessment. In addition, you can examine course evaluations to learn how students view particular courses and professors.