Introduction to the Theory of Computation
Michael Sipser
Course Technology, Inc.

• Exams: Three exams, each worth 20% of the final grade. Each exam focuses on material in the preceding segment of the course (the part since the previous exam, or the beginning of the course).
• Assignments: 40% of the grade. There will be 6-8 problem sets. Cooperation policy: Permitted, but if you do cooerate the solutiopns must be written up individually (not copied). Using course bibles or other outside or online materials is not permitted. An optional programming assignment may be done for extra credit.

There will be 6-8 problem sets during the semester. Cooperation policy: Permitted, but if you do cooperate the solutiopns must be written up individually (not copied). Using course bibles or other outside or online materials is not permitted. An optional programming assignment may be done for extra credit. Assignments and due dates are included in the Schedule. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the indicated dates.

No late assignments are accepted under any circumstances.

Assignments will be graded along the following lines:

• 0 = didn’t do anything
• 1 = incomplete or incorrect.
• 2 = not correct but you are coherent and give a statement about where you are incorrect; or might be correct but is muddled in the argument.
• 3 = correct logic and written coherently. Might have a missing step or two.
• 4 = wow! I think you really get it.

Note that strong effort as you get better will make up for poorer performances in previous weeks. Full solutions to all problems will be posted on the Schedule after they are handed in.

In computing the final grade, the two lowest assignment grades will be dropped, thus allowing for the occasional catastrophe that interferes with handing an assignment in on time.

PLEASE NOTE: Neatness counts! Two points (on the 0-3 scale) will be automatically deducted from any assignment that does not meet the following requirements:

• Staple sheets together in the top left corner.
• Put your name and the assignment number / page number at the top right corner of all pages–e.g., “Assn. 1/1”, “Assn. 1/2”, etc.
• Indicate your final solution clearly.
• Show all the steps used to arrive at your solution.
• Write legibly.
• Hand in clean copy–i.e., don’t hand in messy work where bits have been crossed out, etc.
• Do not hand in paper with frayed edges torn from a notebook.
• Hand in assignments on 8”x11” lined paper.

You are encouraged to hand in assignments produced using the typesetting language LaTeX. To get started, you can reference Getting Started with Latex, go to this list of LaTeX tutorials, or simply enter “latex tutorial” in Google to see many other links. A LaTeX assignment template is also available.

Three exams will be scheduled during the semester. Each will cover lectures and readings from the course segement preceding the exam. Exams may be scheduled an agreed-upon time outside of class time. Exams are graded on a 100 point scale.

Note that you are responsible for all assigned readings (see Schedule), whether or not the material is covered in lectures.

Academic accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities. Please schedule an appointment with the instructor early in the semester to discuss any accommodation that may be needed for the course. All accommodations must be approved through the Office of Disability and Support Services (ext. 7584) as indicated in their accommodation letter.