General Policies and Procedures
Math 213-003
Spring 2009
Study Suggestion
While I realize that you have only a limited amount of time available
for this class, the following strategy has proven very successful in
studying for math classes, and I strongly advise its use: Prepare for
the lecture by reading the scheduled section(s) in the textbook; even
if you do not understand everything, you will have an overview of what
to expect in class. At this point, you should review any section,
which might be needed as background for the new material. Then attend
the lecture and take your own notes. Afterwards, you should review the
textbook and your notes as much as necessary to understand the
material; test yourself by working out the examples in the text! At
this point, you are ready to do the homework problems for this section
as a final test of your understanding. You should realize that this
approach actually saves time over the whole semester, since it is
easier to do homework problems right after studying the material, and
thus reinforcing the lecture.
The purpose of homework is to reinforce concepts introduced in class.
Mathematics can only be learned by applying these concepts yourself.
Only as a secondary purpose is the homework designed to help your
self-evaluation and to prepare you for the tests! The homework
problems are not collected, but you should do all homework problems
and ask about those you have difficulty with.
Additional help is available in the Mathematics Tutoring Center,
located in the Johnson Center room 344. Hours are posted on the
Tutoring Center website.
Grading Policies
There will be three one-hour tests and one comprehensive final exam.
See the syllabus for the dates and times,
as well as the material covered by each of them. All
tests and the final exam will be closed book. The use of
calculators is not allowed. No make-up tests will be
given. If you miss a test due to a legitimate reason, the final
exam will be used in its place. For this, you have to contact me
immediately (i.e., on the day of the test!) via phone or e-mail, and
provide documentation upon your return. Also, do not arrange to leave
before the final exam and expect to take it early.
According to university policy, attempts at cheating are considered a
serious offense against the student honor code and will be looked upon
seriously. The right is reserved to check a picture identification
during any of the exams.
Your final grade will be determined from your performance in the three tests and the final exam. Weights for
the various items will be distributed approximately according to the
following schedule:
| Test 1
| Test 2
| Test 3
| Final exam
|
| 100 points
| 100 points
| 100 points
| 200 points
|
The assignment of your course grade is based on the percentage of
total points earned out of these 500 points. The following grading
scale may serve as a guideline, although changes are possible:
| Score above
| 90%
| 80%
| 70%
| 60%
| otherwise
|
| Letter grade
| A
| B
| C
| D
| F
|
Both the weight distribution and the grading scale are subject to
change by announcement in class.
Thomas Wanner, January 15, 2009.