INSTRUCTOR: Andy Long. Office: ST 328; phone: 572-5794; email: longa@nku.edu
MEETING TIME: MW 2:00-3:15, ST 245.
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, or in related activities.
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:
GRADING:
| Homework assignments will be collected, and some problem(s) graded. Your grade will be determined as follows: |
|
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 perfect 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 with a grade of "W" is March 30, 2009. After that day it is not usually permitted. OFFICE HOURS: MWF 10:00-10:45; MW 1:00-1:50; TR 10:40 am- 12:00 pm. I am also available by appointment, and at random when approached with a smile.
Notes: