Professor:

Stephen B. Robinson

Office: Calloway, room 305

Phone: X4887

Email: robinson@mthcsc.wfu.edu

Homepage: http://web.mthcsc.wfu.edu/~robinson/

Office Hours:

One of the most pleasant parts of my job is working with students one-on-one outside of class. I know that it helps me improve my teaching, and I believe that it helps the students as well. Please feel free to drop by for help during my office hours. You do not need to make an appointment. I am also happy to talk to you at other times, but it is a good idea to call ahead or check with me in class to see if I am available. Check my Daily Schedule for office hours.

Text:

Real Analysis, Third Edition, by H. L. Royden

Content:

Chapters 3-6 will constitute the heart of this course. On occasion I will supplement these chapters with additional material.

Homework:

Each Friday you will be responsible for turning in well written solutions for two problems that were assigned on the previous Friday. I will use your solutions and those of your classmates to assemble a journal that contains most of the problem solutions for our text. Occasionally I will ask for volunteers to present their solutions in class. If the volunteer is well-prepared, then they will automatically recieve full credit for that problem.

Although the two problems that you turn in each week should give me plenty of opportunities to read and comment on your work, it is extremely important that you solve many more problems. I suggest that you attempt all of the problems in our text before consulting your classmates' solutions.

Your total homework score will be worth 100 points.

Exams:

There will be two exams worth 200 points each. These exams will be part in-class and part take-home. The in-class portion is intended to test your knowledge of standard definitions, examples, and theorems. The take-home portion will include problems that require some depth and creativity. The first exam will cover chapters 3 and 4 and will probably be distributed during the first week of March. The second exam will cover chapters 5 and 6 and will be distributed during finals week.

Grades:

There are a total of 500 points available on homework and exams. Although I allow myself the option of adjusting the grading curve, you can use the following as a rough guideline: The lowest C will be 300 points, the lowest B will be 375 points, and the lowest A will be 450 points.

The secret to earning a C is consistent hard work and good study habits. I have tried to set up my homework policy and exams so that this is a clearly attainable goal, and a grade to be proud of. To earn a B or an A you must reach beyond the standard statements and definitions. You must be able to explain the ideas behind the definitions, prove the theorems rigorously, and extend the ideas to new situations.

* You should note that the homework and exam policies have been changed.