Procedures:
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The required textbook is
Introduction to the Theory of Computation
by Michael Sipser.
The recommended textbook for the course is
Theory of Computational Complexity
by Dingzhu. Du and Ker-i Ko.
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The best way to learn the material is by solving problems. You are
encouraged to work in pairs, because the best way to understand the subtleties
of the homework problems is to argue about the answers. Each of you should
look at all the problems independently, and not just divide the list in
two parts each time. Don't be a leech and let your partner do all the work.
Unless you learn how to solve problems, I promise that you will
get burned on the exams and thus for your final grade.
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The partner system relies upon a certain maturity among the students.
If you don't have a partner, tell me and I will hook you up with one. If
you are having trouble with your partner and want a divorce, tell me and
I will set you up with a new one. I will act as a broker but not
as a counselor. I do not want to hear what a louse your old partner is,
and you will get a dirty look from me when you demand a divorce regardless
of who was at fault.
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Both solutions should be handed in STAPLED TOGETHER. The top
solution will be graded and the bottom will not. Indicate properly
which one you want graded.
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Your solutions should be very neatly written. If your solution
is unclear, sloppy, or if your solution is hard to understand, you will
have points deducted even if your solution is correct. One of the
best way to make your solutions clear is to include pictures and
examples.
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Homeworks will be worth approximately 18% of the grade, the
midterm will be worth approximately 35% of your grade, and final
will be worth
approximately 47% of your grade.
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I reserve the right to modify these numbers uniformly in the class by 5%
each. I reserve the right to de-emphasize the homework grades
if these is evidence of students who copy instead of doing the homework
themselves.
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Homework assignments will be due at the beginning of class and
I will hand out the solutions immediately. Late assignments will
not be accepted because the solutions will be available.
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It is extremely important that you start homework assignments
early. The homeworks are very hard, and if you get behind in your work,
you may find it too difficult to catch up. I strongly encourage you
to attend the office hours. This will almost certainly improve your performance
in the course.
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If your solutions are too sloppy to read, then they will be
marked wrong regardless of correctness.
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Because a primary goal of the course is to teach professionalism,
any academic dishonesty will be viewed as evidence that this goal has not
been achieved, and will be grounded for receiving a grade of F. (See CEAS
Procedures and Guideline Governing Academic Dishonesty, 1/81.)
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If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability
that may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, I would
urge that you contact the staff in the Disabled Student Services office
(DSS) in the ECC building (where the Computer Store used to be), 632-6748v/TDD.
DSS will review your concerns and determine with you what accommodations
are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation of disability
are confidential.