Instructor: Karen E. Donnelly. Office: 2nd Floor Computer Center

Office Phone: 6297 Home Phone: 866-8997 email alias karend
 
 

Office Hours:

Course Web Page URL: www.saintjoe.edu/~karend/m111

Text: Bennett and Briggs, Using and Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasonsing Approach

Some outside readings will also be assigned.

Course Objectives:

1. To gain an understanding and appreciation of mathematics in ancient and modern culture.
2. To continue to develop mathematical problem-solving skills and to apply these skills to mathematical modeling of real-world problems.
3. To continue to develop the ability to read and communicate mathematics effectively.

The focus of this course is mathematics in our culture. We will have a interactive, cooperative, hands-on classroom experience. This will include experiments, discussions, and some outside speakers as appropriate. Assignments will include writing about mathematics as well as traditional problem assignments. The final student project will be an in-depth investigation of a particular mathematical topic ( of the student's choice ) as it applies in our culture.

General topics to be explored ( but not necessarily in this order ):

Statistical Reasoning (Prolog, Chapter 2 )

Probability: Living with the Odds (Chapter 8)

Putting Statistics to Work (Chapter 9)

Uses and Abuses of Numbers in the Media (Parts of Chapter 1, 4)

Mathematics of Finance ( Chapter 5)

Mathematical Modeling (Chapter 6 and 7, parts of 11)

Mathematics and the Arts (Chapter 10)

Assignments, Quizzes: 35%

Three Exams: 40%

Final Project: 15%

Attendance - Participation: 10%

Expectations and Requirements:

Special Note: If you are a student with a disability, please meet with me immediately to discuss the accommodations you will need during class activity, examinations, and out of class assignments in order to participate fully and demonstrate your abilities.

1. Academic Honesty: Plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty on any assignments, tests, or quizzes will not be tolerated. If the instructor finds that a student has engaged in dishonesty, the student may be referred to the Dean of Academic Affairs for appropriate action.

2. Quizzes and Exams: Students are expected to be present for all exams. No exams or quizzes may be made up unless the student has contacted the instructor and received permission prior to the date of the original exam or quiz. This includes students participating in athletics who must arrange to take the quiz or exam on or before the scheduled date.

3. Assignments: Assignments, unless otherwise specified by the instructor, are to be completed individually. While students are encouraged to consult each other for ideas for assignments, the solutions should be completed individually. Any help one student gives another should be instructional help only. If the instructor feels that a student has not completed an assignment individually, the instructor may question the student on that assignment. The student should be able to explain how he/she worked the problem and should be able to work similar problems. Late assignments will not be accepted without permission. In such cases an appropriate late penalty will be assigned.

4. Class Preparation and Participation:

a) Keep up with reading assignments. To receive the maximum grade on attendance and participation the student must read assignments prior to class and be prepared to ask questions and participate in discussions.

b) Take good notes and review notes on a regular basis as well as promptly begin and continue work on assignments as they are assigned.

c) Attendance is required. If you must miss class due to illness or other valid excuse (e.g. athletic event) please send me email or telephone with an explanation.

5. Getting Help:

Students who do not understand a concept should do the following:

a) Ask questions in class. (More than likely other students do not understand as well.)

b) Seek individual help from the instructor. I am more than willing to give you the extra help you may need. Come in during office hours or make an appointment. Tutoring (free) can also be arranged.

c) Share with me any concerns you may have or any suggestions you have for the class structure that will help you learn more effectively.

The above content and requirements are tentative and subject to change according to time constraints and other factors as determined by the instructor.