A nontechnical presentation of mathematical topics essential to the student of the arts, humanities, or social sciences. The following are studied: elementary set theory, logic, number systems, probability and statistics and measurement and applications of mathematics to various disciplines. A scientific calculator is required. This course is appropriate for secondary education students (not math majors); some content is based on the Pre-Professional Skills Test in Mathematics (PRAXIS).
Prerequisites: none.
Blitzer; Thinking Mathematically, 3rd ed., Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005. ISBN: 0-13-143243-5.
A scientific calculator is required for this course. The Texas Instruments TI-30Xa is a good affordable choice, retailing in the $10 to $15 range. However, any calculator that is designated as a "scientific calculator" will be sufficient.
Grades are based on the following assessment items:
Tests will consist of problems similar to those assigned as homework and done in class. Your instructor will announce the specific topics to be covered on each test about a week prior to the test date. The chapters covered on each test are as follows:
There will be no comprehensive final exam, but the scheduled final exam date will be used for test 3.
Assignments will be given roughly every other week, and serve as an interim assessment between tests. These are essentially "take-home quizzes", and are to represent the student's individual effort. Collaboration of any kind is not allowed (see policy on Honor Philosophy).
Homework is an essential component contributing to the student's success in a mathematics course. It is intended for practice, skills development, and reinforcement of course concepts. With few exceptions, homework will be assigned for each class meeting.
Answers to homework problems will usually be found in the back of the textbook, and are provided for the student to check her work. However, the answers do not necessarily give insight into how one arrives at the answer. The student should feel comfortable that she can arrive at the expected answer, and seek help if having difficulty doing so.
Collaboration on homework is permitted.
Homework will be collected at least 10 to 15 times throughout the semester, which is factored into the student's grade. For homework assignments that are collected, homework that is fully completed (or nearly fully completed) receives full credit. Homework that is partially completed (at least half completed) receives half credit. Late homework will not be accepted.
The following is a tentative schedule for the course, and may be adjusted as necessary throughout the semester.
| Mo | We | Fr | Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug | 23 | 25 | 27 | Ch. 2 - Set Theory |
| 30 | ||||
| Sep | 1 | 3 | ||
| 8 | ||||
| 10 | Ch. 3 - Logic (except 3.7) | |||
| 13 | 15 | 17 | ||
| 20 | 22 | 24 | ||
| 27 | ||||
| 29 | Ch. 4 - Number Representation and Calculation (4.1, 4.2, 4.4) | |||
| Oct | 1 | |||
| 4 | Test 1 | |||
| 6 | 8 | Ch. 4 (continued) | ||
| 13 | ||||
| 15 | Ch. 5 - Number Theory and the Real Number System (5.1-5.5) | |||
| 18 | 20 | 22 | ||
| 25 | ||||
| 27 | 29 | Ch. 6 - Algebra: Equations and Inequalities (6.1-6.4) | ||
| Nov | 1 | 3 | 5 | |
| 8 | 10 | Ch. 11 - Counting Methods and Probability Theory (11.1, 11.4) | ||
| 12 | Test 2 | |||
| 15 | 17 | Ch. 11 (continued) | ||
| 19 | Ch. 12 - Statistics (12.1-12.3) | |||
| 22 | ||||
| 29 | ||||
| Dec | 1 | 3 | ||
| 6 | ||||
| TBA | Test 3 |
Final exam date (for test 3) will be announced by the Registrar.