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Quizzes. There will be a 5-10 minute quiz several times a week (in the beginning or the end of the period). 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 especially applies to formulas (e.g., 2+2 4 is a "sentence" that misses 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. It will be a multiple choice exam common for all sections of MATH 127/130.
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. Providing explanations is crucial. A correct answer with insufficient explanation can earn 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 zero 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 scale A: 90-100, B: 80-89, C: 70-79, D: 60-69, F: <60. I assign grades only for individual problems in quizzes and exams; my spreadsheet does the rest. The scale 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 if 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 documentation). The procedure is as follows. I will use the score of the next exam to come up with a score for a missed quiz. I will use the score of the final exam to come up with a score for a missed exam. In other words, the make-up test is the final.
Attendance. I will be taking attendance, 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. All graded assignment will be returned during the next period. After that they will be kept in the office and can be picked up during office hours. The attendance sheet will help to determine final grades in "border-line" cases.
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!"). Participation will earn you extra credit. Bring the book!
Getting Help. Come see me during my office hours. You will get help with homework problems that YOU HAVE TRIED (bring your work), but not simply the answers.
Tutors. Math tutors will be available in the Math Help Room, Smith Hall 526. Here's a good way to use their help: first ask to show you how to do a particular type of problem, then do a couple under their supervision, then do several entirely on your own and ask to check your 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: