MAT 115: Spring 2022

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

MEETING TIME: MWF at 1:00 pm, MEP 314.

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.

GRADING:

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

Exams will be given in class. 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. Of those handed in on Canvas only some 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, and you'll have a chance to say a few words about yours on our last week together, during our "Logo shows".

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

• NKU has a policy that all must have their nose and mouth covered with a mask while indoors on campus: our class will follow that policy.
• We have been asked to be flexible in terms of attendance the first two weeks, because of the surge in the Omicron variant of the virus. For that reason, I will be recording the class sessions on Zoom the first two weeks, and making those available. We know, however, that students are learning better when they take classes in person (if possible).
• If you need to quarantine because of COVID, let me know as soon as possible. I will work with you as best as I can to help you get through the course while you cannot be on campus.
• NKU's has a site devoted to its COVID policies and best practices.

ATTENDANCE: The student is responsible for all material assigned for class. Attendance and participation in discussions may be used to resolve borderline grades.

That being said, allowances will be made for those impacted by Covid, in particular.

WITHDRAWAL: The last day to withdraw from any class is March 28, 2022. After that day it is not usually permitted.

OFFICE HOURS: (all office hours are by Zoom): MW 11:00-12:00; MW 4:00-5:00; TR 2:00-3:00.

FINAL EXAM: Your comprehensive final exam is Wednesday, May 11, at 12:20.

Notes:

• The course home page is http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat115. You will want to bookmark this so you'll know 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.
• 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