MAT 115: Spring 2021

INSTRUCTOR: Andy Long. Office: MEP 443; phone: 572-5794; email: longa@nku.edu

MEETING TIME: asynchronous; materials will be "released" on Mondays and Thursdays, by 8:00 am.

EXPECTED BACKGROUND: A math ACT score of 18 or better, C- or better in MAHD 099 or MAHD 095 or placement; and an open and curious mind, and the willingness to put aside any preconceived prejudices or dislikes for mathematics.

TEXT: The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity (Steven Strogatz). This text will be supplemented by additional, web-based resources.

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!

This course satisfies the mathematics and statistics general education requirement (see NKU's general education website).

GRADING:

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

Homework: 30% Math Logo: 5% Two tests: 40% Comprehensive Final 25%

Exams will be given in Canvas using a Lockdown browser. You may be allowed a few notes, as I will discuss before each exam. Make-up exams will be given only under extreme circumstances.

HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned regularly, and each week (or so) an assignment will be handed in on Canvas and/or carried out in IMath for grading. Only a few problems, selected at random, will typically be graded. It pays to do them all, since you never know which ones will be selected!

I will drop several of your worst homework grades. I do not accept late homework -- they are considered zeros (and hence will presumably be dropped, if you don't have too many of them!).

LOGO: Companies have logos; you should have one, too! Your math logo will be something (like a family crest) that represents you. It will be created using elements from this course (or other mathematical elements of your own choosing). You will type up a one-page sheet, illustrating and explaining your choice. These will be exhibited on-line.

I use the standard grading scale, with a small buffer zone for the assignment of plus/minus grades:

ATTENDANCE: The student is responsible for all material assigned for class. "Attendance" (as measured by on-line participation in discussions) may be used to resolve borderline grades.

WITHDRAWAL: The last day to withdraw from any class is March 22, 2021. After that day it is not usually permitted.

OFFICE HOURS (by zoom): 1-2 M, 12:30-1:30 T, 11-12 R. I am also available by appointment, if those hours won't work -- just email me.

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 Departmental Syllabus for all Mathematics courses is a part of the syllabus for this course. Additional information concerning Secondary Education Students is available on the Departmental Syllabus.
• 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.
• NKU's course evaluation policy