There is more flexibility in the specific topics covered for this course than for other mathematics courses. Some sections of the course use a textbook by Bennett and Briggs and the others use a textbook by Tannenbaum. The books have somewhat different emphases, as can be seen from their websites: Bennett and Briggs | Tannenbaum. The list of which sections use which textbooks is available.

The following two student handouts are examples of handouts. Because the teachers are allowed some flexibility in planning their course, the specific set of chapters, timetable, and specific homework assignments will vary. Bennett and Briggs | Tannenbaum

Text: Using and Understanding Mathematics, Jeffrey O. Bennett and William L. Briggs, Addison-Wesley (ISBN 0-201-65642-6)

Optional Text: Student’s Study Guide and Solutions Manual (ISBN 0-201-59084-0)

Math Tutor option from the textbook publisher

Prequisite: Two years of high school algebra or the equivalent.

Technology: You will need a scientific or business calculator; it should have a y^x or x^y key and a square root key. Graphing calculators are fine but not necessary. You may be working in a computer lab depending on availability and the instructor's discretion.

Course Objectives: 1) Increase/improve your quantitative literacy. 2) Provide you with an opportunity to experience mathematics as an intellectual exercise and a way of thinking. 3) Provide you with an opportunity to appreciate the visual and intellectual beauty of mathematics.

Withdrawals: After the withdrawal date each semester, neither the student nor the instructor may initiate a withdrawal. It is the student's responsibility to initiate all withdrawals in this course. The instructor may withdraw students for excessive absences (4) or failure to meet course objectives but makes no commitment to do this for the student.

Incompletes: Incomplete grades (I) will be given only in very rare circumstances. A grade of I may be given if both of the following criteria apply:

• You have a serious personal situation/tragedy that does not allow you to complete the course by the end of the semester.
• You have completed all work and are passing the course at the time the situation arises.

Time: You cannot learn mathematics by listening to someone talk about it. You learn math by thinking about and working on mathematical problems. And this takes time. If you allow yourself plenty of time to think about the material, you will find it much more interesting and enjoyable. A reasonable amount of time (for any college class, but especially for math) is three hours outside of class for every hour in class. You have made up your schedule this semester to include your classes at certain times every week. You should now include on that schedule certain regular hours for study—three hours of study for each hour you are in class. If you do not do this, you will not do as well in school as you are capable of, and you will find it more frustrating than it should be.

Free Tutoring: The Learning Labs offer free tutoring for this course. Not all math tutors are comfortable explaining the material in this course; look at the posted schedule to see which tutors are available when and which courses they tutor. The publisher also offers free tutoring, if you purchased a new text you should have a registration number; if you purchased a used text, ask your instructor about getting a registration number.

Text: Excursions in Modern Mathematics, Peter Tannenbaum and Robert Arnold, 3^rd edition (ISBN 0-13-598335-5)

Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or the equivalent.

Technology: You will need a scientific or business calculator; it should have a y^x or x^y key and a square root key. Graphing calculators are fine but not necessary. You may be working in a computer lab depending on availability and the instructor's discretion.

Course Objectives: 1) Increase/improve your quantitative literacy. 2) Provide you with an opportunity to experience mathematics as an intellectual exercise and a way of thinking. 3) Provide you with an opportunity to appreciate the visual and intellectual beauty of mathematics.

Withdrawals: After the withdrawal date each semester, neither the student nor the instructor may initiate a withdrawal. It is the student's responsibility to initiate all withdrawals in this course. The instructor may withdraw students for excessive absences (4) or failure to meet course objectives but makes no commitment to do this for the student.

Incompletes: Incomplete grades (I) will be given only in very rare circumstances. A grade of I may be given if both of the following criteria apply:

• You have a serious personal situation/tragedy that does not allow you to complete the course by the end of the semester.
• You have completed all work and are passing the course at the time the situation arises.

Time: You cannot learn mathematics by listening to someone talk about it. You learn math by thinking about and working on mathematical problems. And this takes time. If you allow yourself plenty of time to think about the material, you will find it much more interesting and enjoyable. A reasonable amount of time (for any college class, but especially for math) is three hours outside of class for every hour in class. You have made up your schedule this semester to include your classes at certain times every week. You should now include on that schedule certain regular hours for study—three hours of study for each hour you are in class. If you do not do this, you will not do as well in school as you are capable of, and you will find it more frustrating than it should be.

Free Tutoring: The Learning Labs offer free tutoring for this course. Not all math tutors are comfortable explaining the material in this course; look at the posted schedule to see which tutors are available when and which courses they tutor. The publisher also offers free online assistance; see the publisher's website for more information (www.prenhall.com/tannenbaum).

* Chapter 4 Project due this week (or exam)

** If the students read in advance, Chapter 13 could be discussed in one day. Chapter 13 could also be omitted or extended.

Last updated August 1, 1999. Comments, questions, suggestions?