What questions about the course do you have that are not answered by the web site?

Will the course require a calculator?: Nope. (But there's one on the MathLAN systems should you find you need one.
I see we will be working with GIMP. Is there any hope of working with any audio applications (e.g. Max/MSP)?: That is a great idea! I'm not sure if we'll get to it in this go-around (especially since the programs must be scriptable). Matlab is some software on the MathLAN system that allows you to program some audio signal processing if you are interested once you get a handle on some programming basics (it doesn't Scheme, but its own language).
What is a checkmark worth?: Very roughly, a check would be about 90% (a B+/A-), while a check+ would be 105% (A+), and a check- roughly 75% (or a C).
What are "suitable arrangements" for excused absences?: Usually this just means notifying me a week in advance.
Why are we using Scheme?: Great question! Scheme can be viewed like the layers of an onion, and it will allow us to focus on some simpler things at the outer layers, while ignoring complexities of the inner layers. This can help prevent basic mistakes and confusing error messages that can be extremely counterproductive.
Is there any special software that we need for future programs and homeworks? Can I operate the software on my own mac or do I have to use the pc in the lab?: There are instructions in the reading on using GIMP (scroll to down "Obtaining GIMP").
Are there any other versions of the scheme editors/programming software for platforms such as windows and mac that you would recommend in case we needed to work on it on our own computers?: As above, you can download the course software to your own computer. If you want something even more general, please let me know.
Should we submit every homework by email or will there be more instruction when future homework assigned?: In general, most homework assignments will be submitted by email.
I am not sure about the homework section. I was wondering if you could elaborate on how to earn the most possible checkmarks?: A check+ might be given for work that is especially elegant or creative. Something that goes above and beyond
Also, what is the requirement for each assignment?: This will be spelled out in each individual homework.