Instructor: Dr. Angela Hare
Frey 326
(717) 766-2511, x7230
AHare@messiah.edu
Office Hours:
Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:00-10:50 and 3:00-3:50
Tuesdays 8:00-9:30 am
or by appointment
Text: For All Practical Purposes: Mathematical Literacy
in Today's World, by Solomon Garfunkel
5th edition, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York
Course Objectives:
This course is designed to introduce students to systematic, mathematical thinking as it applies to classical problems in the history of mathematics and as it connects to modern society. We will study topics in some or all of the following areas:
1. Management Science: Planning, Scheduling, Producing
Efficiently
2. Statistics: Producing and Exploring Data, Understanding
Probability, Statistical Inference
3. Coding Information: Using numbers for identification and
transmitting information
4. Social Choice: Election Methods, Weighted Voting, Fair
Division
5. Consumer Finance Models
Prerequisites:
The only prerequisite for the course is a knowledge of basic algebra skills, which are included in most high school level mathematics courses. Math 101 fulfills the general education requirement for a mathematical science; however, it is not the best choice for all students. If you have successfully completed a calculus or precalculus course, for example, you should not be enrolled in this course: CSC 171, MAT 105, 108 or 111 is a better choice. You may also want to consider computer science or statistics courses, particularly if they are required for your major. MAT 103 is another introductory course with much more of an emphasis on polynomial and functional models of growth. If you have questions about your placement in this course, please consult with me or your advisor as soon as possible.
Course Description and Requirements:
One of the most effective ways of learning any subject is to study a particular topic in depth and then communicate your understanding verbally or in writing, to clarify your thoughts about the topic. As you continue your studies, you will find that simply listening to a lecture in class is often a poor substitute for working through material on your own and explaining your ideas. The assignments you will be given in this class are designed to motivate you to think about and work on mathematics problems regularly and consistently throughout the semester. In order to do well in the course, it is essential that you develop the habit of reading assignments and reviewing class notes soon after they are covered in class.
Your performance in this course will be assessed primarily according to your final grades on 3 written exams, __ quizzes, and the final exam. The point system shown below for calculating your course grade should be viewed only as a guideline.
Course Grade is based on 715 points total
Late Work/ MakeUp Policy:
All written assignments should be handed in on or before the assigned due date, preferably during the class period, although you may bring assignments to my office or mailbox (Frey 122). There will be a 3 point grade reduction per weekday for any late quiz without a written medical excuse.
If you are unable to take a scheduled exam due to illness or other emergency, please make every attempt to contact me before the exam. You may leave a message at any time on my voicemail, at extension 7230. In cases of documented emergency, you may arrange to take a makeup exam in my office within one week of the scheduled exam.
Calculators:
You should have access to some type of scientific or graphing calculator to use in class and as you work on homework assignments. There are no specific calculator requirements or restrictions for the course.
Student Math Helpers:
Student math helpers are available on a free, walk-in basis Monday through Thursdays evenings (7-9 pm) in Frey 349 and 351 throughout the semester.
Final Exam:
The final examination is scheduled for Monday, December 10, 8:00 to 10:00 am. Please make a note of this date as you make travel arrangements.