MAT 115: Fall 2002

INSTRUCTOR: Andy Long. Office: ST 328; phone: 572-5794; email: longa@nku.edu

MEETING TIME: 11:00-12:00 MWF, HR 107.

EXPECTED BACKGROUND: A math ACT score of 23 or better, an an open and curious mind, and the willingness to put aside any preconceived prejudices or dislikes for mathematics.

TEXT: The Heart of Mathematics, Burger and Starbird, Key College Publishing, 2000. The text comes with a CD including many interesting simulations, games, etc., and a small "toolbox" of manipulatives (3-d glasses, for example) to carry out experiments described in the text.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course we will consider some of the greatest ideas of humankind, ideas comparable in scale and beauty to the works of Shakespeare, Plato, and Michelangelo. These ideas fall within the domain of mathematics. Mathematics is as much an artistic endeavor as it is a scientific one, and, as such, it requires both imagination and creativity. There are three basic goals for this course:

1. To reach a better understanding of several rich mathematical ideas.
2. To develop sharper skills for analyzing life issues that transcend mathematics.
3. To change the way you view the world!

GRADING: There will be two tests over the course of the term (a mid-term and a final). The final will be comprehensive.

There will be one group project. Occasional homework assignments will also be collected. Your course grade will be determined as follows:

Homework: 25% Project: 20% Midterm: 25% Final: 30%

The tests will be given in class, closed book. Make-up exams will be given only under extreme circumstances.

RESEARCH PROJECT/POSTER SESSION: The best way to understand mathematics is to learn and discover it on one's own. You will select a mathematical topic outside of (or beyond) those covered in our class, read and teach yourselves any necessary background to understand it, and then investigate the topic. You are strongly encouraged to work together in groups of two or three on this project. By working together, you can learn from each other and share the experience.
Each group will write a final paper on their findings and present a poster display during a class poster session at the end of the semester. Also, each student will write a short individual statement regarding the experience. Various interim reports will be collected throughout the term. Students are invited and encouraged to discuss all phases of the project with me.

HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned regularly, and some assignments will be handed in for grading. In particular, each student should do the assigned reading before the class in which it is discussed. Much of our time in class will be spent in conversation: this is a bottom-up course, not a top-down one!

ATTENDANCE: The student is responsible for all material assigned or discussed in class. Attendance will be taken, and may be used along with class effort (as measured by participation - asking questions, answering other students' questions, group work, etc.) to resolve borderline grades.

WITHDRAWAL: The last day to withdraw from any class with a grade of "W" is 10/25/2002. After that day it is not usually permitted.

OFFICE HOURS: MW 10:00-11:00, 12:00-4:00, 7:00-7:45; F 9:00-11:00. I am also available by appointment, and at random when approached with a smile.

Notes:

• The course home page is http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat115/. You may want to visit from time to time to see what's going on!

• I reserve the right to alter this syllabus if necessary. Any changes will be discussed in class, and all students will be notified.

• If you need accommodations for a disability please talk with me so that I may do my best to meet your needs.

• The general syllabus for all Mathematics and Computer Science courses is a part of the syllabus for this course, and is available on-line.

• No cell phones or beepers permitted in class without a doctor's orders. If one goes off in class, we have an "instant quiz" which counts as part of your homework grade. I make it up on the spot, and it's likely to be hard!