CISC 4090: Theory of Computation

General information

Faculty: Dr. A. G. Werschulz
Office: LL 610D
Phone: (212) 636-6325
Email: agw AT dsm DOT fordham DOT edu

Office hours:

• Mondays: 11:30am to 12:30pm
• Thursdays: 11:30am to 12:30pm
• Thursdays: 4:00pm to 5:25pm
• or by appointment

Class meetings: Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00am to 11:15am, Room 311
Note that the class scheduled for Monday 17 February will be moved to Tuesday 18 February, since the University is closed for Presidents' Day.

Class email list: theory-comp AT dsm DOT fordham DOT edu. This can be used for both announcements and discussion.

Text and Readings

Michael Sipser, Introduction to the Theory of Computing, Third Edition (Cengage Learning, 2013). The author has a website for the text, containing errata for the text.

Grading

• Homework: 50%
• One midterm exam: 25%
• One final exam: 25%

Attendance

Learning is an interactive process that begins in the class room, continues at home, and picks up back in the classroom. Attendance is necessary to accomplish the objectives of this course. You are limited to four excused absences. If you wish an absence to be excused for anything other than a true emergency, you must contact me before class (phone or email); in case of an emergency, you will need to contact me as soon as possible. Additional absences or unexcused absences will result in a marked decrease in your final grade.

Electronica

You may not use laptop computers, tablets, or mobile phones during class meetings.

Examinations

There will be one midterm examination, which will be held on Monday 2 March (new date), taking up the entire class period. The final exam will be at 9:30am, on Thursday 7 May (note the special time!!). Both exams take place in the usual classroom.

Homeworks

I will assign homework problems for each chapter. Each assignment will be posted on the class website. These assignments will be due at the beginning of the class session indicated on the homework handout. I hope to return your papers in the following class session, along with a complete set of solutions.

Please read this note on how to prepare homework solutions.

Additional Remarks

• Here's the class syllabus.
• Before we cover each of this book's chapters during lecture, I'd strongly advise you to print out the handout version of the overhead slides for said chapter. This will allow you to jot down additional notes concerning each slide.
• Academic integrity statement
• Makeup exam policy
• If you believe that you have a disabling condition that may interfere with your ability to participate in the activities, coursework, or assessment of the object of this course, you may be entitled to accommodations. If so, please schedule an appointment to speak with me immediately or you may go to the Office of Disability Services (x6282). Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, all students, with or without disabilities, are entitled to equal access to the programs and activities of Fordham University.