MAT 115: Fall 2008

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

MEETING TIME: MWF 9:00, ST 249.

EXPECTED BACKGROUND: A math ACT score of 18 or better, C or better in MAH 099, or placement; and an open and curious mind, and the willingness to put aside any preconceived prejudices against or dislikes for mathematics.

TEXT: The Heart of Mathematics, Burger and Starbird, Key College Publishing, Second Edition, 2005. The text comes with a CD including many interesting simulations, games, etc., and an (optional) small "toolbox" of manipulatives (3-d glasses, for example) to carry out experiments described in the text.

Please do the assigned reading before the class session in which it is discussed. Much of our time in class will be spent in discussion of ideas 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:

Homework assignments will be collected, and some problem(s) graded. Your grade will be determined as follows:

Homework: 20% Two tests: 50% Show-n-Tell 5% Final 25%

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

HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned regularly, and each week an assignment will be handed in for grading. Only a few problems, selected at random, will be graded.

SHOW-N-TELL: In the last week, we will have a show-n-tell, in which you will demonstrate some interesting facet of mathematics that you will choose yourself (e.g. a game, an application of mathematics, etc.). In association with this, you will type up a two-page paper describing your show-n-tell item.

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 is November 3, 2008. After that day it is not usually permitted.

OFFICE HOURS: MWF 10:00-10:50; MF 1:00-1:50; TR 11:00-11:50. 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/mat115-002. 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 Departmental Syllabus for all Mathematics courses is a part of the syllabus for this course, and is available upon demand.
• No electronics (other than calculators) are permitted in class without a doctor's orders. If you should choose to use another electronic device (intentionally or not) without my permission, you will be excused from class immediately, and not allowed to return to class that day.