Math 135 SyllabusSection 10646, James Williams Mission: This course seeks "to introduce the reader to a view of mathematics entirely different from the traditional algebra-geometry-trigonometry-finite math curriculum which so many people have learned to dread and fear." Through the study of the following topics, you will learn that mathematics pervades our culture, and will see that, both now and in the future, moderate effort can greatly enhance your effectiveness in dealing with work and with life. Website:
http://nutmeg.easternct.edu/~williamsjam Required Text: Excursions in Modern Mathematics: Custom Edition for Eastern Connecticut State University, by Tannenbaum, Barnett, Ziegler, and Byleen, 2nd edition, © 2008. This is a customized selection of chapters from two books by the above authors. Notice that the chapters are numbered 1,2,5,6,10,13,14, and 3 in that order. Required Calculator: Texas Instruments, TI‑83, TI-83+, TI-84, or TI-84+. For information on how to use the calculator, visit these online tutorials:
http://calculator.maconstate.edu/calc_topics.html
http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/kenny/papers/ti.html Prerequisite: MAT 101 or placement at this level. Course Content(1) Voting Theory (chapters 1, 2). The study of the various ways societies and organizations can make collective decisions. (2) Financial Mathematics (chapter 3). Simple and compound interest, annuities, sinking funds, and amortization. The TI-83/84 will be essential in this part of the course. (3) Statistics (chapters 13, 14). Populations, surveys, sampling concepts and terminology; graphical descriptions, statistical summaries. The TI-83/84 will be essential in this part of the course. See the course schedule for details. Assignments and GradesAttendance: Be present on time for each and every class; bring your completed homework with you. If you should miss a class, find out what you missed from a friend. One point will be deducted from your final grade for each absence, beginning with your fourth. Homework is assigned at the end of each class. It will not be collected, but will be discussed in the next class. Plan on 5-6 hours of study and homework per week. Failure to do homework will result in your quickly falling behind, perhaps irretrievably. Pop quizzes: One question at start of class every Tuesday (10 points per quiz). Only the 10 best scores will be counted, for a total of 100 points. Hour exams are tentatively scheduled for September 24 and October 29. Each of the two hour exams counts 100 points. There is no opportunity to make up missed exams. However, if you miss an exam for a documented valid reason, the score on the final will be substituted. The final counts 200 points. The final for Section 10646 is Tuesday December 15 from 3 pm to 5 pm. The course grade will be based on the percent score of the 500 point total. I do not grade on a curve. How to get helpI encourage you to come see me during my office hours, especially if you are having difficulties with the subject matter. Remember: there is no such thing as a dumb question! I also encourage you to use the support offered by the Mathematics Achievement Center, which is part of the Academic Services Center located on the ground floor of the Library next to the coffee shop. Tutoring and supplemental Advising Services are available at the following times: Sun. 2-9; M.-Th. 9-9, Fri. 9-5. (Closed Sat.) If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, contact the Office of AccessAbility Services at 465-0189 as soon as possible. Please note that I cannot provide accommodations based upon disability until I have received an accommodation letter. Intellectual Integrity and Personal ConductViolations of academic integrity will be penalized in one of the following ways: repeating an assignment, failing grade on assignment, failing grade in course, and/or student meeting with department chair. There is to be no sharing of information (or calculators) on quizzes and exams. Cell phones and all other audio/video devices must be turned off in class. You are expected to be attentive and respectful of your fellow students while in class.
Jim Williams, ECSU |