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MA125  Mathematics in the World  

Instructor:  Dr. James Rauff, Professor of Mathematics

                 Office:  Shilling Hall 203J
                 Office phone:  217-424-6249  

                  Office hours: 

Required Textbook:  Using and Understanding Mathematics (4th ed.) by Jeffrey Bennett and William Briggs.

( Pearson, 2008)   ISBN-13: 978-0-321-45820-9.

Course description:   This course surveys and explores a broad spectrum of mathematical topics with an emphasis on observing the many practical uses of mathematics in our modern society.   This semester we will look at arguments, networks, models and money.

Quantitative Reasoning Goals : A student who successfully completes a Millikin QR course will demonstrate the ability to:

     (1) use deductive reasoning in a formal, symbolic, axiomatic system, and 

    (2) apply the theorems of the system to solve appropriate problems.

The learning goals of the quantitative reasoning requirement are part of broader aims of this requirement.  Through this requirement Millikin hopes to:

(a)   To offer the basic quantitative reasoning skills necessary for success in every profession. All work involves understanding the basics of numerical, statistical, or logical analysis.  This type of thinking is fundamental to understanding the world and no career is exempt from this way of knowing.

(b)  To prepare students to be competent citizens by developing the quantitative skills necessary to understand fundamental reasoning that involves numbers, statistics, or logical reasoning.  Citizens must be able to understand e.g., graphs, detect faulty statistical analysis, or spot basic flaws in reasoning.  These courses serve democracy by developing such skills.  

Requirements:  Attend class, participate in class discussions and activities, turn in homework on time,take and pass exams.  

Evaluation & Grading:  Three 50-minute exams  worth 100 points each, one two-hour comprehensive final exam worth 200 points, and 8 graded homework assignments worth 25 points each..  Your grade will be computed as a percentage of total possible points earned.  A: 90 -100%,  B+: 86-89%,  B: 80-85%,  C+: 76-79%, C: 70-75%, D+: 66-69%, D: 60-66%, D-: 55-59%, F: below 55%.  

Make-ups:  One exam may be made up or taken early if your have a legitimate reason for doing so.  Illegitimate reasons include "Not ready", "Overslept" and "Too tired." 

Homework:   Homework will be assigned everyday.  Specific exercises will be collected on Sept. 3, Sept. 12, Sep. 19, Oct. 10, Oct. 24, Nov. 7, Nov. 14, and Nov. 21. These exercises will be clearly marked in the syllabus.

Late Homework:  Homework assignments will be collected at the beginning of class. If you turn it in after that on the same day before 5:00 p.m. then it will be assessed a 5-point penalty.   If you turn it in between 5:00 p.m. on the day it is due and 12 p.m. on the next class day then it will be assessed a 10-point penalty. After that it will be assessed a 25-point penalty.

Assistance: Please see me if you are having difficulty with any aspect of the course material.

Calculator:  A scientific calculator will be needed for the money and models topics. Calculator days are marked with a C

Syllabus:  Last updated on Aug. 7, 2008

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/judicial_system.asp. 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/research/prevent_plagiarism.asp. 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 Academic Development at Millikin University, currently located in Staley Library 014.