Policies
(or otherwise the small print)
- Work:
Homework: Weekly homework assignments will be due at the
beginning of class each Tuesday starting May 29th, and will be posted on my website each Monday starting the
first day of class. If you cannot get the homework to me by the
beginning of class on the due date, please contact me ahead of time to
make other arrangements (for example, like emailing it to me if you're
trapped on a desert island with internet access.)
Homework must be stapled and with your name clearly written on the
top. Consider the pieces of paper you turn in as a final copy:
written neatly and straight across the page, on clean paper, with nice
margins, lots of space, and well organized. If I can't read it, I
won't grade it. I highly recommend that you get into the habit of
playing around with the problems for a while, then working out all
your solutions on scratch paper, and then writing up your final
copy. This way you can avoid lots of eraser work. If your
handwriting is naturally illegible, then consider typing up your
papers, as you would for your English class. Where appropriate, write
in paragraphs, complete sentences, and English words, complete with
punctuation and transitional words and phrases to clearly delineate
your thoughts and flow of idea.
Late Homework: I do not accept late homework, where late is
defined as after I have finished grading it. Please don't abuse this
system. Religious obligations, severe illness, and family emergencies
are valid excuses, to the extent that your length of absence will not
disqualify you from receiving a passing grade in the course.
Quizzes: There will be a 20 minute "quiz" at the end of class
every other Wednesday starting May 30th.
Activities: Part of class on Thursday will be devoted to an
activity, usually conducted outside. A small worksheet will usually
go along with the activity, to be turned in at the end of class.
Final Paper: Near the end of the course, I'll announce the
possible topics for a final paper or project.
- Grade breakdown
| homework | 40% |
| quizzes | 20% |
| activities | 20% |
| final paper | 20% |
| extra credit | + |
This course is not graded on a curve! Extra credit problems will
appear throughout the course and may be handed in at any time, some
will be fun and others may be quite subtle and/or challenging.
- Group work, honestly
Working with other people on mathematics is not only allowable, but is
highly encouraged and fun. You may work with anyone
(absolutely anyone) on your homework problems. If done right, you'll
learn the material better and more efficiently working in groups. The
golden rule is:
you may work with anyone on solving your homework problems,
but you must write up your final draft by yourself.
Writing up the final draft is as important a process as figuring out
the problems on scratch paper with your friends. Mathematical writing
is very idiosyncratic - I will be able to tell if papers have been
copied - just don't do it! You will not learn by copying solutions
from others! Also, if you work with people on a particular
assignment, please list your collaborators somewhere on the top of the
paper. Make the process fun, transparent, and honest.
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