Is there some rule that requires assigning and grading homework? Seems to
me that the tests would indicate how well a student has learned. As to
having the test solutions, I can see where this would be an issue with
multiple choice, but problems can be modified, and it is unlikely that a
student can memorize all possible permutations of problems (keeping in mind
that most students see problems as all being different whereas we know they
fall into only a couple of general categories).
As stated earlier on, this simply reflects our (US) society. The wise and
learned person found in some cultures is here the bumbling, absentminded,
socially inept dork. Little reverence for learning as an end in itself.
Reverence instead for the person who can get the better of others by dint of
being craftier, more ruthless, etc. No surprise that we see this in our
students.