Course Procedures

Mathematics 333---Differential Equations

Instructor: Carol S. Schumacher

Text:  Introduction to Matrices and Linear Transformations, 3rd Edition by Daniel T. Finkbeiner II. Dover Publications, Inc. Mineola, NY, 1978.

Grading: The grade will be calculated based on 5  components:

In addition, regular class attendance and class participation are expected. Due to the nature of the course, a failure to fulfill these expectations will result in a lower course grade.

Homework Assignments: For every section that we cover, I will assignl practice problems for you to work on. The only way to truly learn mathematics is by doing mathematics. For this reason, the homework problems are probably the most important aspect of the course. On some assignments, I may grade a selection of the problems and give completion credit for the rest. I encourage you to come to my office hours to discuss any questions that you have regarding the problems.

Beyond just providing practice, the problems are meant to be extend and deepen the understanding you have gained from the reading and the class period. The problems are not always easy, but the thought that goes into them always pays off in the long run. All of this means that much of the learning you do will be done outside of the classroom, but it doesn't mean that when class is dismissed you are on your own. I strongly recommend that you discuss concepts and solution techniques with your fellow classmates. Furthermore, I hope that you do not consider office hours to be a last resort. Office hours are an important part of any class, and I plan to make myself available to you whenever possible. There is much that can be done to explain material on a one-on-one basis that is just not possible in large group setting.

Guidelines for submitting your homework

1. Homework is due at the start of class on the assigned due date, unless I specify otherwise. Late homework will not be accepted. If you know that you will be missing class for some reason, (for example, sporting events, your sister's wedding, religious holidays, etc.) you should turn in assignments beforehand or have someone turn them in for you. Assignments that are not turned in due to an unexpected emergency absence will be dropped, provided the absence is excused.
2. The homework packet should have your name clearly written in the upper right hand corner of the first page and it should be stapled in the upper left hand corner. There is not a stapler available in the classroom, so plan ahead.
3. Your homework will be evaluated on neatness, completeness, and correctness. Homework solutions should be legible and presented in a logical fashion, with the problem number clearly indicated. Problems should be turned in in the proper order.
4. Working with your fellow students is encouraged, but assignments must be written up individually unless you are told to turn in a group assignment. If you did work with other students on the problems, you should indicate this on your paper. (This will not cost you any credit; it is simply a matter of academic honesty.)

Projects: Expressing your ideas in writing is essential in any discipline, including mathematics. There will be two class projects this semester. Each project has two major components. The first is to work out the mathematical details of the problem that you are assigned. The second is to make sense of those mathematical details and to organize them into a coherent narrative. The paper may very well include symbols, computation and graphs; however, these will need to be accompanied by generous verbal explanations that explain the mathematical ideas. You will be expected to write clearly and coherently, using correct mathematical and English grammar.

Writing math papers:  Write as if your intended audience was a fellow student in the course who has not considered the question you have been asked to write on.  In other words, the instructor is not your intended reader; you are writing to a student of Linear Algebra who knows only what you knew when you began to work out the details of the topic on which you are writing. The essay must not assume your reader has access to a statement that defines the problem.  You thus need to provide introductory material and diagrams that set up the problem as well as explaining the solution to it. 

Quizzes: Periodic quizzes (about 15 minutes each) will be given throughout the course. In addition, the instructor reserves the right to give a pop quiz at any time during the course. No makeup quizzes will be given. Quizzes will be reflective of examples done in class and homework problems. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.

Tests: You will have two major tests during the semester. The second will concentrate on material that has been covered since the first test. However, you will be responsible for all the material covered in the course in as much as it relates to the topics being tested. The following test dates are approximate. I reserve the right (with some notice) to move them by a day or two to accomodate the material being discussed in classs.

Test dates

The final examination will be a cumulative three hour final held at the time specified by the registrar for period 2.

Academic honesty: Though you are encouraged to work with other students on outside assignments, it is understood that every piece of written or computer-generated work that you submit must finally be your own. In any case, if you work with a fellow student or students, you should make a note of this on your paper. (There is no penalty for this! It is merely a matter of academic honesty.) If the assignment is a group assignment, the members of the group should contribute equally to writing the final product---in other words, don't put your name on a paper written by others.

Collegiate Statement on Academic Honesty: Kenyon College is, at the core, an intellectual community of scholars – students and faculty – engaged in the free and open exchange of ideas. Critical to this lively exchange and deep engagement with ideas is the academic integrity of our work, both inside and outside the classroom.

At Kenyon we expect all students, at all times, to submit work that represents the highest standards of academic integrity.  It is the responsibility of each student to learn and practice the proper ways of documenting and acknowledging those whose ideas and words they have drawn upon (see Academic Honesty and Questions of Plagiarism in the Course Catalog).  Ignorance and carelessness are not excuses for academic dishonesty.  If you are uncertain about the expectations for this class, please ask for clarification.

Resources for help: Prof. Schumacher is the primary source for help with the course. Do not hesitate to ask questions in or out of class.Other students in your class can also be a source of help. It is well-documented that having one or more classmates with whom to work and talk regularly about classwork improves performance in mathematics courses.

Disabilities: Students who anticipate they may need accommodations in this course because of the impact of a learning, physical, or psychological disability are encouraged to meet with me privately early in the semester to discuss their concerns. In addition, students must contact Erin Salva, Director of Student Accessibility and Support Services (740-427-5453 or salvae@kenyon.edu), as soon as possible, to verify their eligibility for reasonable academic accommodations. Though I am happy to help you in any way I can, I cannot make any special accommodations without proper authorization from Ms. Salva. Moreover, it is the responsibility of individual students to follow up in advance with me to arrange for extra time on tests or other accomodations that require coordination.