I have decided to stop doing a quiz every time we meet and to assign and collect homework instead. (I feel that the quizzes were not working well and were taking up too much valuable class time.)

Expectations:

• You are permitted to consult the solutions manual (for odd-number problems) and to consult other people including your classmates.
• What you submit should be your own work. You should understand what you write. You should not simply copy from the solutions manual or from another student. I should not get two assignments that look the same (e.g. including the same algebra mistakes!).
• Late work: I generally won't accept late work unless you let me know before or during class of your need for an extension to complete the assignment due that day. I don't like grading late work separately, and I tend to start grading immediately after section.

Comments:

• You should do at least the assigned problems. In particular, you may need to do some of the (easier) odd problems at the beginning of each section before you are ready to tackle the assigned problems.
• I will post recommended readings with each assignment. I suggest that you try reading each section before and after each lecture. I recommend that in the pre-read you focus on the basic definitions and theorems (i.e. the bold face terms and theorems), and that in the post-read you focus on getting the details. The purpose of the pre-read is to prepare you for the lecture so that you understand its context and purpose. This can involve little more than taking a few minutes to skim over the chapter. The post-read should help you consolidate your understanding and should help you identify any points you don't understand that you may want to bring up in discussion.
• I may post assignments before giving them in class. You are encouraged to start working on the problems as soon as we have covered the material in lecture. I reserve the right to change the assigned problems when I give the assignment in class, but if I remove a problem from the assignment that you have already done, show it to me at the end of class and I will grant you credit at least commensurate with the work you have done. I believe in rewarding -- not punishing -- diligence and promptness.