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Grades will be determined by a strict percentage of the 600 points possible, distributed as follows:
The syllabus for Summer semester is the same as Fall or Spring semester. This same material which is covered in 15 weeks during Fall or Spring semester is covered in just 8 weeks during Summer semester. We will essentially cover one section per class day, with breaks for exams and the July 4 holiday. Obviously the pace is much quicker during summer. It is absolutely crucial that students budget their time wisely and keep up with the coursework daily. Simply put, to fall behind (even just a few days) is a sure way to fail. In order to reinforce the importance of attending class and keeping up, the following policy will be used:
Attendance will be taken (via homework - see below) every day. Any students with more than two unexcused absences will have their grade lowered one letter grade.
Homework will be assigned each day and will be due the next class period. We will use the list of suggested homework problems from the Spring 2011 semester up through the midterm exam. After that (starting on Tuesday, July 12) we will use this list of exercises. For example, on Tuesday June 14 we will be covering section 2.2 in class, so the homework listed for section 2.2 will be that day's homework assignment due the next day, June 15.
Experience has shown that, while diligently doing your homework day in and day out doesn't guarantee success, not doing it ensures failure. On the other hand, you are supposedly learning the material when you do the homework, so it seems (to me at least) inappropriate to grade your homework on anything other than your effort. What works best is for you to do the homework, turn it in on time, have it checked for errors, and have it returned back to you promptly so that you get timely feedback on your progress. In view of this, we will adopt the following policy on homework:
Any students missing more than two assignments at the end of the semester will have their grade lowered one letter grade.
Your homework will also serve as your record of attendance. Please hand in assignments which are neatly written up, with exercise numbers clearly labeled and separate sheets held together either with a staple or a paper clip. You will most likely need to first do the exercises on scratch paper and then rewrite your solutions on a final draft. It is expected that you will have difficulty with some exercises. You will not be penalized for this, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions the following day concerning exercises you were unable to complete.
The "grade" for your homework will be determined via a short (10-15 minute) quiz to be given each week on Wednesday. These quizzes will be on material covered the previous four classes, and will consist of a few selectively chosen homework problems already assigned. No makeups will be given.
There will be a midterm exam given during class on Monday, July 11. It will be over material we've covered up to that point in the course (in other words, through chapter 4). The final exam takes place on the last day of class (Thursday, August 4) and will cover material since the midterm. There will be NO makeup exams. Do not miss them for any reason!
Last update: May 31, 2011