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Homework. Practice problems will be assigned daily (you'll find them on the web). They will not be collected but your work will be evaluated through quizzes. You should come to class each day having attempted the practice problems for the section covered in the previous class. You should be ready to ask questions about those you have not been able to solve.
Quizzes. There will be a 5-10 minute quiz 2-3 times a week. The purpose of the quizzes is to ensure that you keep up with the homework. Most of the time the quiz problems will be taken from the list of practice problems assigned for daily homework. The score of the lowest quiz or two may be dropped.
Mathematical Writing. I expect you to write in complete sentences. This rule also applies to all formulas (e.g., if a formula does not have an "=" sign, the "sentence" lacks a verb!).
Exams. There will be three 50-minute exams in equal intervals. The exams will be almost entirely based on the practice homework.
Final Exam. It will be comprehensive and cumulative.
Grading Policy. Individual problems will be graded as follows: A - 10 or 9 points, B - 8 points, etc. I will give partial credit if you've made meaningful progress in the problem (e.g. you have given relevant definitions). Providing explanations is crucial. A correct answer with insufficient explanation will give you only a small partial credit. An incorrect answer with no explanation (and no opportunity for me to see what kind of mistake you've made) will earn you no credit. The scores for exams and quizzes will be combined according to the formula provided in the syllabus. The total score will then determine your letter grade according to the table below. I assign grades only for individual problems in quizzes and exams; my spreadsheet does the rest. The scale A: 90-100, B: 80-89, C: 70-79, D: 60-69, F: <60 may be adjusted (very slightly) after all scores are in. There will be no curving.
Missed Assignments and Exams. There will be no make-up quizzes or exams. However you can recover the points lost provided you have a valid reason (illness, death in the family, approved institutional activity) and submit an explanation in the form of an e-mail (later you may be asked to provide a note from a relevant authority). The procedure is as follows. I will use the corresponding part of the next exam to assign a score for a missed quiz. I will use the corresponding part of the final exam to assign a score for a missed exam. In other words, your score will be deferred until the next, bigger test.
Attendance. There will be a sign-in sheet, so you should make all efforts to be there. You should also arrive on time, but if you are late try not to disturb the class and take a seat next to the door. Expect a high degree of "continuity" from one period to the next, so that if you miss a class (for any reason) next time you may feel lost unless you work out the lesson at home.
In Class. During lectures, feel free to interrupt me at any time if you want to ask a question, or if you feel that I am moving too fast. In fact, I expect you to participate in class work by asking questions, answering questions, correcting mistakes, making suggestions, comments, possibly solving problems on the board, etc. Immediate feedback will be greatly appreciated! To ask a question, you don't have to raise your hand, just go ahead and ask (you can attract my attention by saying "Question!" or "Peter!"). Bring the book!
Getting Help. Come see me during my office hours. You can ask for help with homework problems that YOU HAVE TRIED (bring your work), explanations, hints, etc., but not for the actual solutions.
Calculators. You can use graphic calculators (such as TI-83).
READ THE BOOK!! I encourage you to read the section of the text to be covered on a given day before coming to class. Class activities should help clarify what you have read, but you will have to read it a second time after class. This is not unusual. Reading a math book takes time, practice, and patience. Don't expect to understand something the first time through it. Sometimes you may need to read something three or more times before fully getting it. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at home for each hour in class. Read this note: General Advice for students.
Academic integrity. Cheating will result in the zero grade for the assignment.
In conclusion I would like to add a few rules about what NOT to do, simply because it has happened in my classroom: