Grades: Your grade will be based on the written homework, two papers, reading responses, class participation, the midterm, and the final exam. The percentage totals are as follows:
Written Homework: 20%
Papers: 15%
Reading Responses: 10%
Participation: 5%
Midterm: 25%
Final Exam: 25%
Reading/Responses: There will be frequent reading assignments, usually reasonably short. However, reading mathematics is not like reading other subjects. The exposition can be quite dense and will often require a second or even a third pass before some of the ideas come together. Please take the time to do this, preferably not just by reading a chapter two or three times in a row.
To reassure me that you have done the reading for a particular class, I'll ask you to write an e-mail to me by 9:00 am on the day that the reading assignment is due. Please include the following in each e-mail:
This e-mail need only be a few lines (though you are welcome to write more), and will not be assigned a grade individually. A tally of the number of reading responses you submit will constitute your reading response grade.
Participation: Although I will sometimes introduce topics in a lecture format, my hope is that we can spend much of our time in discussions of the reading and in activities which illuminate some of the ideas we will explore. For that reason, coming to class regularly and prepared is essential. Regular attendance in class will be a portion of your participation grade.
Written Homework: There will be about 10 sets of homework problems throughout the semester. They will be graded principally on completeness and apparent effort, though a portion of the grade will also be based on the correctness of the work.
Papers: There will be two short (~5 and ~10 pages) papers for the class. I will say more about guidelines for length and content in class.
Late Work: You will be allowed to turn in one written homework assignment one class period late without penalty. No other late work will be accepted, unless it is due to an unanticipated officially excused absence (severe illness, death in the family, etc.). If you will be missing class due to a planned excused absence, you must submit any work due that day before class.
Tests: There will be a midterm (currently scheduled for 29 October) and a non-comprehensive final exam (effectively a second midterm (1:30 p.m. on Thursday 18 December).
Academic Honesty: In general, the rules set forth in the current Course of Study apply. Presenting the work of others as your own is strictly prohibited. In the case of homework, you may collaborate with others in discussing how a problem may be solved, but your write-up must be your own. If you submit work that contains the ideas or words of someone else, then you must provide proper citation. Assistance may not be given nor received (other than by the instructor) on any exam associated with this course, except where explicitly allowed by the instructor.
Learning Disabilities: If you have a disability that requires an accommodation in this class, please feel free to discuss your concerns with me, but you should also consult Ms. Erin Salva, coordinator of disability services, x 5453, as soon as possible. Ms. Salva, in consultation with the L.E.A.R.N. committee, has the authority and the expertise to decide on the accomodations that are proper for your disability. Though I am happy to help you in any way I can, I cannot make any accomodations for learning (or other) disabilities without proper authorization from Ms. Salva.