MATH 1332

College Mathematics

Information for Students*

2002-2003

Text: Excursions in Modern Mathematics, Peter Tannenbaum and Robert Arnold, 4th edition (ISBN0-13-017762-8)

Optional Text:  Mathpak, includes student solutions manual.  (ISBN 0-13-018698-8)

Prerequisite: A satisfactory score on the ACC Mathematics Assessment Test.  A second option is an appropriate secondary school course (Algebra II) and completion of any TASP-mandated mathematics remediation.

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).

*Additional information about ACC's mathematics curriculum and faculty is available on the Internet at <http://www.austincc.edu/math/>.

Tannenbaum Calendar:

* Chapter 9 is a great chapter for student projects, papers, or oral presentations.  See the Resource Guide, hard copy or online, for suggestions.

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

Suggested Homework (for this syllabus):

*Chapter 13 exercises are great for small group discussions.

Suggested Homework (for other chapters):