Class Policy _____

Class Policy

Examinations
The purpose of the examinations is to demonstrate your ability to solve problems by the techniques discussed in the course. It is not enough to get the correct answer. In fact, the correct answer obtained by error or by a trivial method is worthless. On the other hand, an incorrect answer, because of a trivial error, may be worth nearly full score if obtained by the appropriate method.

Exams are given at the appointed hour only.
No make-up exams are available. The grade of an exam that is missed for a acceptable reason, e.g., a required class field trip or a medical emergency (a doctor's note is required), will be the average of the other exams. Otherwise, the grade for a missed exam is zero.
A large blue book will be provided for taking each examination.
Do not tear pages out of the blue book. Instead, draw a diagonal slash through material that is not to be considered part of your answer.
If you want to change a number, erase it and rewrite it, or write a slash through it and put the new value above. However, do not write the new number on top of the original.
Homework
The purpose of the homework is to learn how to pass the examinations. There is a good correlation between homework scores and exam scores.

Homework is due at the beginning of the next class after it is assigned.
Homework solutions are posted outside my office immediately after class.
Homework relates to the lesson at hand. Therefore, it is not accepted late.
Each homework problem is graded 1, 1/2, or 0. However, at midterm, total homework scores greater than 50% are increased to 100%. Similarly, at the end of the semester, total homework scores for the second half of the semester that are greater than 50% are increased to 100%.
Computer Programs

Don't just turn in the computer printout. Rather, start with a cover sheet that describes the problem and shows the steps leading to the solution. Then attach the computer printout.
Computer printout must show your name and date.
See separate web page on Computer Problems for ES Classes.
Course Grade

The semester grade is generally determined by the sum of the midterm examinations, the homework, the computer problems, and term papers if any. Alternatively, the final examination is available for those who need another chance. Then, the final examination is 100% of the score exclusive of computer problems and term papers.
A score of 90% or better is an A while a score of 50% or less is an F.
The break between the grade of A and B may be dropped below 90% so that at least 25% of students receive an A.
Attention Deficit

Please see the article ¤ Former Student Loses Disability Case published December 2, 1998 Albuquerque Journal.