There are several opportunities to receive extra credit in my classes. All opportunities, however, will require thinking.  Also, since the organizations that accredit the university want to see writing involved in the course work, most will require some type of essay.

If you choose to write an essay - Rough drafts must be turned in prior to the mid-term break!  Period! No exceptions!

5 Point Questions

If I have not stated so in class, I am an ordained minister.  I have two reasons that I teach in the classroom in lieu of preaching behind a pulpit.  I will give 5 points extra credit for each correct answer.   The rules governing this form of extra credit are:

1. You must send me an e-mail with your answer.
2. I will not entertain guesses in the classroom.  This is to be a thinking exercise for all students, not just for several people in the classroom.
3. If you do have the correct answer, you will be sworn to secrecy about the answer.  Once again I emphasize that this is to be a THINKING exercise for all students.

Hints:

• The first reason you should be able to determine from observations in the classroom.
• Regardless of what they say, all people do what is most important to them. For a long time, I did jobs that I hated because what was most important for me was to feed and take care of my family.
• You cannot see the forest for the trees.
• For the second reason, you will have to read some of the readings I have posted under the "Students Cannot Live by Calculus Alone" Section on the home page of this site.
• Both reasons will require you to THINK.

You may also answer these questions for 5 points each. Submit your answers to me by e-mail.

1. Who is this politician? (Click for quote describing him)
2. What is this political party? (Click for quote describing it)

Essays

The requirements on essays are very general and are listed below.

1. This is a math course and any essay should be a mathematical argument and should include the following:
• A statement defining the problem you are addressing.
• Statements in favor of your position.
• Statements against your position.
• Conclusions.  Your conclusions must be well-supported by your statements.
2. I am not an English teacher and I don't care about the specific format. However, everyone does have access to a word processor with spell check and grammar check features. Mispelled words and bad grammar are unacceptable.
3. Use footnotes and references. Give credit to the people who helped forulate your ideas. Once again, I am not concerned with specific formats for footnotes and references. Just give enough information that I can find the material that you are using. Inline web links are acceptable, provided they work.
4. A paper copy and an electonic copy shall be submitted.  The electronic copy will be posted on this web site.
5. Possible subjects are listed below.
   Satirical essays such as the one done by Ms. Myranda Taborn are also acceptable.
   There are two things that I want to emphasize when choosing a subject, which must be approved by me.
1. I have to read the essay so the subject should be something that I am interested in or would enjoy reading, such as Ms. Taborn's essay.
2. It should be controversial and challege your thinking and mine.

Possible subjecs:

• It is often said that the USA is built on Judeo-Christian principles.  It is stipulated that we have a Judeo-Christian culture, but is the government of the USA actually built on Judeo-Christian principles?  Do not make the mistake of prior students by doing a quick internet search, finding the Wikipedia artible that says that the USA is built on Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian principles, and then explaining why we have a Judeo-Christian culture.  The question is NOT about our culture.  It is about the principles upon which our government is founded.
• The Wall of Separation Between Church and State.  A lot has been said about the wall of seration between church and state.  Is there a wall?  If there is, what is it and is it good or bad?
• Gays in the military.  Bill Clinton signed an executive order establishing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.  Could he have done more?  The gays and lesbians are now demanding that Obama do more.  Can he?  Explain the issues legally.
• Eugenics (and leading the lambs to slaughter)
• I'll add more as I think of them.