Course Objectives:
This capstone course is a seminar course which investigates mathematics
from a historical perspective, including the mathematics of ancient, classical,
and modern worlds.
We will investigate the development of certain mathematical concepts
and the role mathematics and mathematicians have played in culture and
society over time.
Course Outline:
Since this is a seminar, to a certain extent, the content will be driven
by the interests of the students. Students will take turns developing
and giving classroom presentations and leading discussions.
As appropriate, problems based on the mathematics being studied will
be assigned.
Each student will be required to maintain a portfolio of their work
in this course, which will include:
Responses and reflections on presentations
Short assigned writings.
Problem solutions.
Paper and materials used for presentation(s).
The final project will be a paper and brief oral presentation on a
topic of the presenter's choice.
Course topics will be predominantly taken from:
Grading Scale:
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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.
For problem assignments, write out complete answers NEATLY and CLEARLY.
You must show your work! Partial credit is given when work is shown even
if the answer is incorrect. However, correct answers without any work shown
will in general be given no credit. Start homework early and see me for
help with problems you don't know how to work! It is inappropriate to ask
how to do a problem in class the day it is due!!!! Staple your pages
together before submitting.
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, be prepared to ask and respond to questions, and be an actively
engaged participant in class.
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 prior to the class date.
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 either through
me or through counseling services.
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.