Guidelines for Readings

For each homework reading, prepare to share aspects that surprised you, that you found interesting, disagreed with, had a question on, and/or relates to something in your own life.

There will also be more formal presentation requirements. In addition to the presentations at the end of the semester, each member of the class must present information or lead a discussion during the semester on information related to one of the readings.

Guidelines for Reflections

Many of the reflections can be short, such as 1/2 page. However...

  • At least 1 reflection must be a collaborative effort.
  • At least 1 reflection must be an imaginative work of your own in the form of a poem, song, video, newspaper interview or story.
  • At least 1 reflection must contain references to related research from the library or library database.
  • At least 2 reflections must be 2-3 page typed papers.
  • At least 2 reflections must contain a detailed description of related mathematics (in your own words).

    Numerous criteria can be satisfied in the same reflection.

    Your comments and explanations need to distinguish your work as your own. Submitting someone else's work as your own (PLAGIARISM) is a serious violation of the University's Academic Integrity Code, so be sure to give acknowledgement to any references where it is due.

    All work that you turn-in should be of collegiate quality: neat and easy to read, well-organized, and demonstrating mastery of the subject matter. We expect complete sentences, proper grammar and spelling, and correct units. Future employers and teachers will expect this quality of work. Moreover, although submitting homework of collegiate quality requires "extra" effort, the effort you expend in clearly explaining your work solidifies your learning. In particular, research has shown that writing and speaking trigger different areas of your brain. By communicating your ideas to others - even when you think you already understand them - your learning is reinforced by involving other areas of your brain.

    If your reflection is written, be sure that it is typed. If it is a movie file, turn in a cd or dvd (or bring us a copy via a USB pen drive in office hours).