Stephen,
I would also characterize the syllabus as too ambitious -- by far. Your
students are probably scared of statistics, and overwhelming them will only
make it worse. Unless you see a special need for it, for example, I'd omit
time series in a first course!
You might want to look at Morris and Rolph's "Introduction to Data Analysis
and Statistical Inference" if you can find a copy. In general, I'd tone down
the theory and emphasize applications. Motivate everything you teach with real
examples, so that the students will see some point in learning the material.
And I wouldn't ban computers. If you don't want to start out on a stat
package right away, maybe have them do some computations in Excel spreadsheets;
that will let them understand where the numbers come from without generating as
much resentment about having to work things by hand.
Also, remember you're producing consumers of statistics, not
statisticians. Examples of good and bad practice would be a good idea.
Steve Albert
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