MAT 115-003: Spring 2013

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

MEETING TIME: MWF 10:00am-10:50am, MEP344.

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.

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 activities related to the readings.

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:

Your grade will be determined as follows:

Quizzes: 20% Math Logo: 5% Three exams: 50% Comprehensive 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 a quiz will check that you've been doing it. I will drop two of your worst quiz grades. If you miss a quiz, it will count as one of your drops.

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 (and the tie-in with mathematics, especially). These will be presented the last day of the course.

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 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 Monday, March 25, 2013. After that day it is not usually permitted.

OFFICE HOURS:

• MW 11:00am-1:50pm, 3:15pm-3:50pm
• TR 10:00am-10:50am, 12:05pm-12:30pm

Notes:

• The course home page is http://www.nku.edu/~longa/classes/mat115-003. 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. 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