Homework will be scored according to three criteria: (i) evidence of conscientious effort on your part to work all problems completely and correctly, (ii) the clarity of the work, and (iii) the correctness of the work. Regarding point (ii), you should resist the urge to simply write endless strings of computations with no explanation of the thought process behind your work. Include transitional phrases and explanations such as, "Now we must find the eigenvalues of this matrix." The habit of sprinkling sentences through your write-up will carry over to exams, which is very important, because when we grade exams, the only way we can tell what was going on in your mind is by looking at what you've put on the paper. So use the homework as practice for writing up very clear work.
Collaborative effort on homework is strongly encouraged, because (i) the chance for you to articulate mathematical ideas to your peers (as you help them with problems) is effective in concretizing your understanding of the concepts, and (ii) you are likely to benefit from the insights of your peers, who may reveal connections that you had not made. However, each student should individually write up his or her own work, and you should never give your pals access to the final version of your homework write-up. In cases where two or more homework papers are clearly the work of one mind, the score due will be split equally among those involved.
Officially, late homework is not accepted, but if you feel that your situation is exceptional, you must personally bring the matter to me. I only accept late homework with a face-to-face explanation, or you can email me in advance of the assignment being due, to request an extension.
If you hand in all homework assignments and score at least 60/100 on each one, you will earn the Homework Bonus (see below).
It is recommended that you save all returned homework and exam papers until you have actually seen your final grade for 21-241. Occasionally errors occur and a homework score does not get recorded. (Perhaps your paper gets "stuck" to the one above it as I am, or a grader is, processing a stack of papers.) In case a discrepancy results, the matter is more easily rectified when you can produce the returned paper as evidence.
Questions regarding the grading of exams or of homework must be brought to me at my office, outside of class. No such issues will be addressed in the lecture room. If you have a question or concern, please come during office hours or email me to make an appointment.
AFA Grade
90-100 A
80-89.999 B
70-79.999 C
60-69.999 D
0-59.999 R
Your AFA is equal to your Unadjusted Final Average (UFA), plus three points
if you earn the HOMEWORK BONUS. Otherwise, AFA = UFA.
Your UFA will be determined by whichever scheme below is more favorable
to you:
Method A Method B
-------- --------
Exam 1 18% Exam 1 15%
Exam 2 18% Exam 2 15%
Exam 3 18% Exam 3 15%
Final 36% Final 25%
HW 10% HW 30%