Course Syllabus, Part 3

Information and Policies for All Courses

David W. Lyons
Spring 2020

updated 10 April 2020

Note: Course policies are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

Course Goals

The primary goal of the course is mathematical intellectual growth through the understanding and mastery of mathematical concepts. Student learning objectives include the following.

reading skills
analysis and problem solving skills
clear, concise communication skills

Achievement of course goals and learning objectives requires desire for learning, willingness to work hard, time (at least two hours on homework outside of class for each hour in class), and persistence.

Homework

Homework is the most important part of the course because the process of reading, thinking, solving problems, and writing is the only way to achieve real understanding and skills. No one else can read, think, or write for you. It can be very helpful to watch other people solve problems and explain ideas in class or in a study group or in a tutoring session, but that is no substitute for homework that you do yourself.

The time expectation for homework is two hours outside of class for every hour of class meeting time. Plan your homework time in your weekly schedule.

The quality of your homework translates directly into success. Low effort or too little time spent on homework guarantees lack of success in the course; consistent high quality homework guarantees a positive learning experience. Here is an outline of the homework process.

BEFORE each class meeting
- Read the text section(s) indicated on the course calendar.
- Write vocabulary and facts from the new text section. Make vocabulary study cards.
- Solve at least a few of the low numbered problems from the new text section.
- Note your questions, problems, and difficulties. In the reading, where, precisely, do you have trouble understanding? With the problems, what, precisely, is obstructing you from completing a solution?
AFTER each class meeting
- Reread text sections listed for previous class meetings.
- Solve more problems. Complete the list of homework problems from text sections for previous class days. Prepare complete written solutions, using complete sentences.
- Revise and update your vocabulary and fact note cards after a second round with each section of text.
EVERY WEEK
- Assess your progress and mastery. Have you addressed all the questions and difficulties noted previously?
- Follow up on any questions or gaps that remain.

Class Engagement

The purpose of class meetings is to pursue understanding and mastery of the course material. This requires mental presence, engagement with the subject, and participation. Class meetings presume respect, politeness, and kindness among all those in attendance. In consideration for the learning environment, please observe the following.

No food in class.
Use electronic devices only for engaging with the course material. For example, note-taking, calculating, and looking up facts related to the class discussion are positive activities; text messaging and web surfing are rude behaviors that distract everyone from focusing.
Except for emergencies, please do not leave the room once class begins. If you need to leave before the end of class, please inform the instructor before class begins.

Makeup Assignments, Makeup Exams, and Extra Credit

There are no makeup assignments, makeup exams, or extra credit assignments.

Attendance

Class attendance is expected, but it is understood that sometimes there are reasonable circumstances for absence. Some examples are sports team events, music tours, illness or injury, and unsafe driving conditions. There is no grade for attendance or participation, but it is expected that each student will exercise good judgment for choosing to miss a class.

Except for exam days, excuses for absences are not required. Absence from an exam may be excused, at the discretion of the instructor, for certain events planned in advance or for emergency or illness. Here is the procedure to follow if you wish to have an exam absence excused.

Send the instructor email notice of your exam absence as far as possible in advance of the missed exam, with a complete explanation for the purpose of your conflicting event.
In the case of illness or emergency where advance notice is not possible, send an email message as soon as it is practically possible. Collect documentation (doctor's notes, etc) to present to the instructor when you return to class. Except for extreme circumstances, your email notice is due by 5pm on the day of the missed exam.

Absence does not change the due date for any graded work.

Collaboration versus Plagiarism

You are encouraged to collaborate with classmates and ask questions of the instructor or consult any source for homework and out-of-class writing exercises. You must work hard to avoid plagiarism, which is presenting someone else's ideas or work as your own. The work you submit must be your own. Your writing must be your own voice and your own understanding. You must use proper academic citation for any material created by others. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense; penalties range from failing the course to expulsion from the college.

Honor Policy

It is expected that each student in this class will conduct him or herself with academic integrity. Instances of academic dishonesty will be pursued as described in the College Catalog and Student Handbook.

Email

Some course announcements will be sent to your LVC email account.

Gradebook

Please ignore the averages and grades calculated by Canvas; the gradebook calculations in Canvas are not your actual course cumulative average and grade. The only reason you can see the Canvas gradebook is because it is impossible to turn off. The gradebook in Canvas is not used in this course because it is not flexible enough to implement the course policy that allows for the possible dropping of one grade (see Syllabus part 5). You will receive your actual grade record in regular email grade update reports from the instructor.