RequirementsRequirementsThese are some things that you need to know if you want to succeed in this course.
There will be 2 tests roughly evenly spaced through the semester, and a final exam. The tests and the exam will all be cumulative. These are worth a total of 45% of your grade. Given that homeworks are worth just as much as all the tests combined (45%), it is important for you to take care with your written assignments. They will be graded carefully. Clearly presented answers, and well-reasoned short essays will be greatly rewarded; unclear presentation and murky reasoning will be penalized.
Homework assignments will generally be due by class time on Tuesday and will be returned in discussion sections. Homework must be handed in on time, or you will receive no credit for it. You may submit homework either in hard copy or via email (send to your discussion section leader), but we cannot be held responsible for the foibles of the email systems. There will be no make-ups for exams.
The scores below will guarantee you at least the letter grades indicated (note, see page on figuring grades for specific targets)
| A | 92-100% | C+ | 77-79% |
| A- | 90-92% | C | 73-77% |
| B+ | 87-89% | C- | 70-72% |
| B | 83-86% | D | 60-69% |
| B- | 80-82% | F | below 60% |
You will get far more out of this course, both in terms of learning and grades, if you participative actively in the course. By actively thinking and talking about the topics covered in the course your likelihood of remembering and understanding is greatly increased. The participation component of the course grade is an opportunity to receive credit for taking this initiative in your learning. It is not a stick to beat you with for not showing up at class, nor is it automatic credit.
Active participation involves:
Only officially recognized absences will be accepted: according to university policy these include Religious Observances, death or serious illness in the student's family, or serious illness of the student. Excused absences must be recorded within one week, or they will affect your participation score.
OK, so that's enough regulations and admonitions. We now know where we stand. However, we want you to benefit from this course, and are committed to helping you with that. So if you are having problems in the course, or if you are having other problems which are interfering with your doing well in the class please contact us, and do so early - it is easiest to solve problems as and when they arise. You can contact either the instructor or the TA, by phone or email, or by coming to office hours.