As we begin the semester, I think that most of you are probably wondering "What exactly is discrete mathematics?" If you look up the word "discrete" at the website www.dictionary.com, one definition found is "consisting of distinct or unconnected points." Another, more mathematical definition is "defined for a finite or countable set of values; not continous."
In the words of your textbook author, Susanna S. Epp,
One of the most important things we will do in this course is study logical reasoning and its application to the construction of mathematical proofs. Although the first few chapters of the text address the topic of logical reasoning explicitly, this will be a recurrent theme throughout the course as we study specific discrete mathematics topics such as sequences, set theory, number systems, elementary number theory, functions and relations.
Your final average will be computed using the following percentages. (These percentages are subject to slight
modification as the course progresses.)
| daily grades (includes quizzes, class work, homework) | 20% |
| 3 tests | 60% |
| conprehensive final exam | 20% |
Regular class attendance is required. You will be held responsible for all material covered in class and assigned sections in your textbook. If you must miss a class, you should arrange to have a friend in the class take notes for you.
The daily grades portion of your grade will be calculated by dividing the number of daily grade points you earn by the total number of daily grade points possible. This category includes quizzes, class work, and homework grades.
The plus/minus grading system will be used in assigning course grades as follows:
| GRADE | AVERAGE |
| A | 92.5 -100 |
| A- | 90 - 92.5 |
| B+ | 87.5 - 90 |
| B | 82.5 - 87.5 |
| B- | 80 - 82.5 |
| C+ | 77.5 - 80 |
| C | 72.5 - 77.5 |
| C- | 70 - 72.5 |
| D+ | 67.5 - 70 |
| D | 62.5 - 67.5 |
| D- | 60 - 72.5 |
| F | below 60 |
You MUST notify me IN ADVANCE if you must be absent on the day that a test is given. Make-up tests will be considered on an individual basis. Test dates have not been determined at this point, but will be announced well in advance.
A comprehensive final exam will be given
Virginia Wesleyan College recognizes, and is sensitive to, students with special needs. In order to use accommodations, students must first register with the college's disability services coordinator, Fayne Pearson (455-3246), and provide the college with appropriate, professional documentation. If you need accommodations in this course because of a documented disability, or if you have emergency medical information to share, please make an appointment to see me during my office hours.
Each student should be familiar with the Honor Code of Virginia Wesleyan College as described in the Student Handbook. Class work and homework assignments that are turned in for a grade should reflect the student's own work unless otherwise announced by the instructor. Violations of this policy are punishable by a grade of zero on the assignment in question. Repeated violations may result in automatic failure of the course.
Of course, any misconduct during quizzes, tests and exams is considered cheating and may result in automatic failure of the course.