Contemporary Mathematics

Course Details

Course Number: 1053  Section Number: 202

Spring 2012

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 314

Days & Times:

TR 8:00-9:20

Course Attachments

Syllabus and Calendar  Contemporary Syllabus Calendar Richardson TR Spring 12.pdf

Textbooks

Excursions in Modern Mathematics
Tannenbaum, 7th ed. Hard copy optional; required MyMathLab includes e-copy access.
MSU Faculty Member
Connie Richardson   
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Course Objectives

This course is a survey of the use of mathematics in the modern world.  Topics include:  theory of elections and apportionment, graphs and networks, and statistics.


Course Expectations

Prerequisites:  MATH 1003, math THEA score of 270, math Accuplacer score of 90, or satisfactory score on placement exam.


Grading Standards

Exams & Final Exam:  If you must miss an exam, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and arrange to take the test in advance.  Make-up tests will be given prior to the return of that test to the class if possible; otherwise, a grade of “0” will be recorded.  The final exam can be used to replace the lowest test grade.

 Grading:  Your grade will be based on online homework and exams.  These items will be weighted as follows:

Online Homework (MyMathLab)                   25%

Unit 1 Exam (chapters 1-4)                            25%

Unit 2 Exam (chapters 5-8)                            25%

Unit 3 Exam (chapters 13-16)                        25%

Final Exam                                                        Optional                                       

Grades will be computed on the usual basis, 90% and above for an A, 80% for a B, etc.

Online Homework:  ***MyMathLab is a required portion of this course.***

This program is installed on the computers in the Bolin 103, Bolin 109, Clark Student Center, Library, Dillard, and Bea Wood computer labs.  You may also choose to use your personal computer; however, you will need to download necessary plug-ins.  An online homework assignment has been created for each textbook chapter covered in class. Online homework problems may be printed, and the answers entered at a later time. Your lowest two homework scores will be dropped and the remaining scores will be averaged to determine your homework grade for the course.  The assigned problems represent a minimum number of problems to be worked.  Additional problems are available from the book but these will not be graded.  You are strongly encouraged to work additional problems.  Any changes to the assignment schedule will be announced in class and will be recorded on the MML website. 


Final Exam5/10/2012  8:00 a.m.

Submission Format Policy

Tests:  Tests must be completed in class and within the time allotted.

Homework:  Homework must be completed online through the MyMathLab system. 

Free Math Help Sessions

Come-and-Go

Mondays through Thursdays 2-5 p.m. and Fridays 1-4 p.m.

Bolin Hall, Room 101

You can bring specific questions, or simply work on homework or reviews, asking questions as necessary.  This is also a good place for study groups to get together.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Homework must be completed by the due date.  The two lowest homework grades will be dropped and the remaining grades averaged to obtain a homework average.

If you must miss an exam, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and arrange to take the test in advance.  Make-up tests will be given prior to the return of that test to the class if possible; otherwise, a grade of “0” will be recorded.  The final exam can be used to replace the lowest test grade.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance:  Class attendance is important for successful completion of the course.  Students are expected to arrive on time and remain in class until dismissed.  Students may be dropped for excessive absences (more than 4) unless there are extenuating circumstances. 


Other Policies

Email:  A valid email address is required for MyMathLab and for communication with the instructor.  You may use your personal email account or the account provided for you by MSU.  Your MSU email account is firstname.lastname.mmdd@students.mwsu.edu  where “mmdd”  refers to the two-digit month and two-digit day of your birthdate.  Take care to enter your email address correctly when you register in MyMathLab.

Academic Policies:  Students should refer to the current MSU Student Handbook for university policies on academic dishonesty, class attendance, student rights and activities. 


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.