Exams
Three equally weighted exams, the third given during the final exam period.
Homework
There will be a 14±2 homework assignments, mostly problems from the textbook.
There will be no programming assignments.
The homework will involve solving mathematical problems and writing proofs.
All homework must be either typeset using Word, LaTeX, or some other software,
or handwritten very neatly. I reserve the right to deduct up to
20% from your grade for work that is not clear and neat.
For diagrams, etc., there are various programs you can use.
In particular, you can use JFLAP
for some of your assignments. In order to do so, you can create your
diagram/etc., and print it to a PDF, which you can then import into
Word.
CutePDF Writer
is a program that allows you to print to a PDF file from any application.
If you don't already have it, I recommend getting it--it's free!
Because of the nature of this course, I am going to allow you to
discuss homework with one another more than I normally would. That is, you
are allowed to talk about the specifics of the homework assignments
with each other. However, you must not copy each other's answers and you are responsible to fully understand every solution you submit.
The goal is to learn the material, and if working together helps you
do that, good. But in the end, you must be able to do every problem
on your own.
Think about it this way: If you work too closely with others, there are two possibilities:
If you get caught, you will fail the entire course.
If you do not get caught, you will not understand the material well enough and you will not do well on the exams and your overall grade will suffer.
Neither outcome is good.
Please review the relevant sections of the Policies
page for additional details about my expectations for homework assignments.
Miscellaneous
There are five main criteria, not necessarily equally weighted:
Preparation. I expect you to prepare for every class, usually by reading one or
more sections from the textbook. If I get the impression that you are not doing so, points will be deducted.
Classroom discussion and activities. This includes attendance, how engaged you are during class,
whether you are contributing to a positive learning environment or causing distractions, etc.
Getting help when needed (Office Hours, etc.).
Contrary to what some students may believe,
it is a good thing to ask your professors questions when you get stuck.
Thus, I want to encourage you to do so.
If you are struggling with the material, whether or not you come to get help
will be reflected in this part of your grade.
Colloquium attendance. You must attend at least 75% of the colloquiums to not get marked down.