MAT151 – Nature of Mathematics

Course Description: An examination of the characteristics and value of the mathematical enterprise, especially as it relates to other areas of human inquiry. Fundamental concepts from algebra, probability, discrete mathematics, and the axiomatic method are developed as a base for analytic reasoning. Modeling and abstraction are then used to address issues drawn from social choice, operations research, the humanities, and the natural sciences. Throughout the course, mathematical argument and construction are studied and practiced. This course is well suited for students interested in studying math in this rich context. Students who require the technical language of college algebra or calculus should take those courses instead of, or in addition to, this course.

Course Objectives: Throughout the course, the successful student will:

1. learn new methods for analyzing situations and making decisions;

2. develop new skills for observing and organizing the world around us;

3. reason well and to detect bad reasoning;

4. read precisely;

5. enjoy thinking.

Course Grades: Grades will be based on exams, homework, projects and participation. They will broken down into the following values:

Exams 4 @9% ea 36%

Homework 24%

Projects 3 @5% ea 15%

Final Exam 20%

Participation 5%

Grading: I typically do NOT take late homework or projects because students tend to abuse the privilege. Understand though, I know “Life Happens” and will try to be understanding in those situations that merit. Tests are another matter. I do NOT give make up exams. If a situation arises that precludes you from taking the exam on the stated day, a time PRIOR to the exam may be set up to take the exam. These again are not given on an everyday pass, but rather for those instances that have put us in a bind.

Homework: The following rules will be adhered to in regards to turning in homework or projects.

No assignment will be accepted on fringed paper. The preference would be loose leaf, but anything without a fringe will be accepted.
No assignment done in red ink will be accepted. Unless the red is used as a highlight or in diagrams.
In the upper right hand corner of the first page will have the following:

Students FIRST AND LAST name.
Course name (Nature of Math or MAT151)
Due date
Chapter and problem numbers (not page numbers)

On each successive page will be:

Students name
Due date
Page M out of N or M/N (i.e. page 5 out of 6 or 5/6)

The homework in this class is different than in most of the math classes you have been in. For, in your homework, we do want the “right answer”, but we want more. In written work, you will write enough on the page in complete sentences that someone who picks up your paper and has no other reference (that is, has not seen the text nor a statement of the problem) will be able to understand what the problem is and what your conclusions about it are.

Each homework problem will be graded using the following rubric.

5 pts – Problem is done correctly. No fault in logic nor method. Explanation is clear and concise.

4 pts – Problem has minor flaws. Explanation is not as clear as could have been.

3 pts – Correct ideas, but poor execution. No or little explanation.

2 pts – Some signs of direction, but lack of understanding.

1 pt -- Attempted problem, but needs to go back over and/or get assistance.

0 pts – Did not attempt problem or showed NO lack of effort.

Projects: The appropriate guidelines and rubrics for projects will be given with the particular project.

Attendance Policy: Regular attendance and participation is encouraged and expected. You may read USF’s policy at www.usiouxfalls.edu/stuserv/attendancepolicy.htm.

Academic Honesty Statement: We encourage you to collaborate and assist each other. However, that assistance should be a knowledge exchange, not the replication of the work of another. Plagiarism (with or without the permission of the originator) defeats the learning process and jeopardizes your success in the course. Copying homework and/or exams of another is dishonest and a violation of the ethical standards of USF (www.usiouxfalls.edu/stuserv/misconduct.htm). Allowing your work to be copied by another is equally a violation. Penalties will include no homework/exam credit for either student. All students who observe an incident of cheating have an obligation to confidentially report such to the instructor.

Disability Services Statement: (Text supplied by USF) The University of Sioux Falls is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with physical, learning, and/or other types of disabilities. Accommodations for students with disabilities are made only in consultation with the Coordinator of Disability Services, so if you believe you have a disability requiring accommodation in this or any course, please contact Ms. Libby Larson, Coordinator of Disability Services. Ms. Larson will work with you to secure proper documentation and to help you arrange appropriate accommodations with your instructors. Ms. Larson's office is on the lower level of the Salsbury Student Union, and her phone number is 331-6740.

Status of Syllabus: This syllabus results from the instructor’s effort to represent fairly the plan for this course. Circumstances may cause the instructor to make changes in the plan, but such changes will not be capricious and will be made in a timely fashion. Please speak with your instructor if there is anything in the syllabus about which you are unclear.

Tentative Schedule:

Feb. 5 Intro - 9

Feb. 6 9

Feb. 9 1

Feb. 10 1 - 2

Feb. 12 2

Feb. 13 2

Feb. 16 3

Feb. 17 3

Feb. 19 Review

Feb. 20 Exam I

Feb. 23 5

Feb. 24 5

Feb. 26 5 - 6

Feb. 27 6

Mar. 1 6

Mar. 2 6

Mar. 4 7

Mar. 5 7

Mar. 8 7

Mar. 9 7

Mar. 11 Review

Mar. 12 Exam II

Mar. 15 18

Mar. 16 18

Mar. 18 18 - 19

Mar. 19 19

Mar. 22 Spring Brk.

Mar. 23 Spring Brk.

Mar. 25 Spring Brk.

Mar. 26 Spring Brk.

Mar. 29 19

Mar. 30 19

Apr. 1 21

Apr. 2 21

Apr. 5 21

Apr. 6 21 - 22

Apr. 8 22

Apr. 9 Easter Brk.

Apr. 12 Easter Brk.

Apr. 13 22

Apr. 15 Review

Apr. 16 Exam III

Apr. 19 12

Apr. 20 12

Apr. 22 12

Apr. 23 13

Apr. 26 13

Apr. 27 13

Apr. 29 14

Apr. 30 14

May 3 14

May 4 14

May 6 Review

May 7 Exam IV

May 10 15

May 11 15

May 13 15

May 14 15

May 17 Review

May 19 FINAL EXAM