COLUMBIA COLLEGE

COURSE INFORMATION SHEET

SPRING, 2008

 

COURSE:   MATH 6, Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students

INSTRUCTOR: Mr. John Leamy                     

OFFICE:  Juniper 7           

PHONE:  586-9351  (home)            E-MAIL: leamyj@yosemite.edu

        588-5164  (office)

 

TEXT: Mathematics: A Practical Odyssey Sixth Edition, Johnson & Mowry

      A Student Solutions Manual is available, but not required.

          

Course Description:  This course is designed for students who will take only one college mathematics course and introduces students to the history, methods, spirit, and applications of mathematics.  It is unlike other courses that focus primarily on mathematical techniques; we will take a broader approach and look at the people and problems that produced the techniques, and at the connections between various parts of mathematics.  We will also look at some modern topics in mathematics and their applications. As we do so, I hope to involve you in discovering mathematics on your own.

 

Prerequisites:  Students should have recently completed MATH 104, Algebra II, or two years of algebra in high school.  Students should be willing to become actively involved in mathematical exploration and reasoning.  In addition, college level writing, reasoning, and library reference skills will be helpful.  You are encouraged to use the Academic Achievement Center if you need writing/reference assistance.

 

Calculator:  A scientific (not necessarily graphing) calculator is required for this course.   The calculator should have the factorial function (!) and also be able to calculate permutations and combinations. The calculator that you used for MATH 104 (Algebra II) is certainly sufficient.  If you have any questions about a particular calculator, please ask me.

 

Grading Components and Weights:

 

Note: This system is subject to change to meet the needs of the class

 

      1.  4 tests.                                                60%

            Note that the 4th Test will occur during the scheduled

            Final Exam period on Thursday, April 24, 8 am – 10 am

 

2.    Projects - these may include, but are not limited to:   20%  

                       

            a) Mathematical Autobiography                     

            b) Library/online Math Search

            c) Mathematician Biography

            d) Book/Article Report

           

      3.  Homework/Quizzes/In-class activities                    20%      

 

Grading Scale (using the weights above):

 

90% - 100%  A

80% - 89%   B

                  70% - 79%   C

                  60% - 69%   D

                   0% - 59%   F

 

HOW TO SUCCEED (IN MATH OR ANY OTHER CLASS):

1.  Attend class regularly.

2.  Bring needed supplies: book, pencil and paper, calculator.

      3.  Listen attentively, do the in-class exercises, ask questions, and  

          participate in class discussions.

4.  Do the assigned homework neatly and thoughtfully.

5.   Get to know someone in the class.  Exchange phone numbers so that you

          can get assignments and information if you miss a class.

6.   Consider forming a study group.  Research has shown that study groups

    are a particularly effective way to learn. 

7.   Make use of available resources, such as the Math Resource Center

    (Juniper 5) and the Academic Achievement Center (Manzanita 18 -2).

8.  See me during my office hours if you have questions, or just to visit.

   I look forward to having students come by.

 

Please Note:  Columbia College is committed to providing access to students with disabilities.  If you have or believe you have a condition which requires special accommodations, please see me by the 10th day of classes so we can talk about your options.