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|
 |
|
|
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• |
• |
• |
• |
Project |
20% |
|
Grade Breaks |
|
|
|
|
Exam 1 |
20% |
|
93%+ = |
A |
|
77-79.99% = |
C+ |
Exam 2 |
20% |
|
90-92.99% = |
A- |
|
73-76.99% = |
C |
Final exam |
25% |
|
87-89.99% = |
B+ |
|
70-72.99% = |
C- |
Exercises/Quizzes |
15% |
|
83-86.99% = |
B |
|
60-69.99% = |
D |
TOTAL |
100% |
|
80-82.99% = |
B- |
|
< 60 percent = |
F |
Please note that students find the exams in 396 very challenging - last year the mean on the two midterm exams were around 75 and the mean on the final was 72. The year before none of the means were higher than 74.
Will be posted here after the first midterm exam.
1 . Lecture time is at a premium, so it must be used efficiently. You cannot be “taught” everything in the classroom. It is your responsibility to learn the material. Most of this learning must take place outside the classroom. You should be willing to put in an hour and a half to two hours outside the classroom for each hour of class.
2 . The instructor’s job is primarily to provide a framework, with some of the particulars, to guide you in doing your learning of the concepts and methods that comprise the material of the course. It is not to “program” you with isolated facts and problem types, nor to monitor your progress.
3. You are expected to read the textbook for comprehension. It gives the detailed account of the material of the course. It also contains many examples of the concepts, and these should be used to supplement those used in the lecture. The textbook is not a novel, so the reading must often be slow-going and careful. However, there is the clear advantage that you can read it at your own pace. When reading the textbook, it is up to you whether to use a highlighter and/or paper and pen for taking notes.
4. As for when you engage the textbook, you have the following options:
a. [ recommended for all students] Read for the first time the appropriate section(s) of the book before the material is presented in lecture. That is, come prepared for class. With preparation the faster-paced lecture will make more sense.
b. If you have not looked at the book beforehand, try to pick up what you can from the lecture (absorb the general idea and take thorough notes) and count on sorting it out later while studying from the book outside of class.
5. Basic rules of courtesy will be followed, we will be here on time, and assignments will be turned in on time. For scholarship to thrive, everyone must be treated with dignity and respect. Behaviors that are disruptive to learning, or create a hostile, offensive or intimidating environment will not be tolerated
6. Finally, the instructor’s responsibilities include helping you achieve your goals. Especially if you find yourself falling short of your goals, please talk to the instructor – the earlier the better.