MA125 Mathematics in the World Fall 2010
Instructor
Dr. James Rauff, Professor of Mathematics
Shilling Hall 203J Office Phone: 424-6249
Office Hours: MW
1-3; TTH 9:45-10:45, 1-2; F 11-12
Textbook
For All Practical Purposes (8e) by COMAP Freeman, 2009) 978-1-4292-0900-7
Catalogue Description
Surveys
and explores a broad spectrum of mathematical topics with an emphasis on
observing the many practical uses of mathematics in our modern society. Concentrates on mathematical literacy, not manipulative techniques.
Topics have included voting methods, apportionment, money, paths and networks, tilings and polyhedra, fractals,
codes, game theory, environmental mathematics, and ethnomathematics.
Prerequisite: ACT Mathematics subscore 22 or higher or
placement score of at least 3. This
course does satisfy the QR requirement, but does not count as a prerequisite
for any other mathematics or QR course. Therefore, only students who do
not intend to take additional mathematics courses should choose this option.
Assessment
Your grade will be based upon exams (three 50-minute exams, one 2-hr final) and seven quizzes. Your grade will be computed as a percentage of total possible points earned. A: 93 -100%, A-: 90-92%, B+: 86-89%, B: 83-85%, B-: 80-82%, C+: 76-79%, C: 73-75%, C-: 70-72%, D+: 66-69%, D: 60-66%, F: below 60%. Each 50-minute exam is worth 100 points, each quiz is worth 20 points, and the final comprehensive exam is worth 200 points. All exams and quizzes are “open note.” Exams and quizzes may not be made up, but they may be taken early under special circumstances. See Moodle site for assignments.
Learning Goals - This course addresses the following MPSL goals for quantitative reasoning:
(1)
use deductive reasoning in a formal, symbolic,
axiomatic system, and
(2)
apply the theorems of the system to solve appropriate
problems.
Academic Honesty Policy
All students are expected to uphold professional standards for academic honesty and integrity in their research, writing, and related performances. Academic honesty is the standard we expect from all students. Read the Student Handbook for further details about offenses involving academic integrity at: http://www.millikin.edu/handbook/. Staley Library also hosts a web site on Preventing Plagiarism, which includes the complete university policy. It is located at: http://www.millikin.edu/staley/services/instruction/Pages/plagiarism-faculty.aspx. Visit and carefully read the Preventing Plagiarism web site.
The Faculty has the right and the responsibility to hold students to high ethical standards in conduct and in works performed, as befits a scholar at the university. Faculty members have the responsibility to investigate all suspected breaches of academic integrity that arise in their courses. They will make the determination as to whether the student violated the Academic Integrity Policy. Should the faculty member determine that the violation was intentional and egregious, he or she will decide the consequences, taking into account the severity and circumstances surrounding the violation, and will inform the student in writing, forwarding a copy of the letter to the Registrar and to the Dean of Student Development.
This letter will be destroyed when the student graduates from the University unless a second breach of integrity occurs, or unless the first instance is of sufficient magnitude to result in failure of the course, with an attendant XF grade recorded in the transcript. If an XF is assigned for the course, the faculty letter of explanation becomes a permanent part of the student’s record. If a second violation occurs subsequent to the first breach of integrity, the Dean of Student Development will begin disciplinary and judicial processes of the University, as outlined in the Student Handbook.
If a
student receives an XF for a course due to academic dishonesty, this remains as
a permanent grade and cannot be removed from the transcript. However, students
may repeat the course for credit toward graduation. Some programs and majors
have more explicit ethical standards, which supersede this Policy, and
violation of which may result in dismissal from some programs or majors within
the University. If you have difficulty with any assignment in this course,
please see me rather than consider academic dishonesty.
Disability Accommodation Policy
Please
address any special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of
the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. If you are seeking
classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you should
submit your documentation to the Office of Student Success at