MGF 1107 MATHEMATICS FOR LIBERAL ARTS II

STUDENT COURSE INFORMATION SHEET

 I. Course Description

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of "C" in MGF 1106. Topics included are linear models, linear programming, exponential models, logarithmic models, simple and compound interest, annuities, loans, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, polls and the margin of error, apportionment, history of mathematics, and using a spreadsheet.

II. Textbook and additional materials

The Mathematical Palette, by Staszkow and Bradshaw, 1995, Saunders College Publishing.

Other required materials include a good scientific calculator with logarithmic and exponential buttons. Because students will be expected to write three (3) papers for this course they will need to make use of the available library resources and/or the Internet for their research purposes.

III. Course Objectives

The student is expected to gain the following from this course:

(i) Knowledge of ancient systems of numeration and an understanding of how the Hindu-Arabic   system of numbering developed.

(ii) Use of algebraic functions as models for various situations.

(iii) Understanding of how linear programming, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions are used to model real-life situations.

(iv) Knowledge of mathematics as a practical tool in examining the world of finance through a realistic study of simple and compound interest, loans, and annuities.

(v) Understanding of how basic statistics is used as a means of arranging and reporting data, especially as connected to voting.

(vi) The ability to determine measures of central tendency from the examination of statistical graphs.

(vii) Understanding through investigations of statistical graphs the meaning of and use of normal distributions.

(viii) The ability to look at and understand how statistics is used in analyzing polls and apportioning representatives of a legislative body.

(ix) The ability to use and understand spreadsheet applications.

IV Course Outline

For a more detailed outline of the coverage of this course see the attached daily schedule. You will find the schedule for MWF classes, Tu/Th classes, and the night class which meets once a week.

V Testing

At semesters end there will be, in every class, a minimum of six (6) test scores and one final exam score. There will be five (5) in-class tests given during the course of a semester PLUS a comprehensive final exam. Under no circumstances will anyone be exempt from taking the final exam. For an explanation of how a score for Test 6 is obtained see the next section below: VI Excel/"Check Your Reading" assignments. After administering and grading the five (5) in-class tests they will be returned to the student. The final exam will not be returned although the instructor will post scores for the final exam. These scores will be posted in a discrete manner so as not to violate the Right to Privacy Act.

Quizzes for this course will be given at each individual instructor’s discretion. If this option is used then the total of all quiz scores must be equal in value to one test score, i.e. 100 points. Note, giving quizzes is an instructor’s option and not a requirement.

VI Excel Projects / "Check Your Reading" assignments

The sixth test score comes from one of the following two options:

1. Using a combination of the Excel spreadsheet projects (see attached ‘Daily Schedule") and the "Check Your Reading" problems found at the end of the introduction to the chapters we cover (Chaps. 1, 2, 6, & 8), your instructor can formulate another 100 point score. The composition of this ‘Test 6’ score should be evenly divided between the Excel spreadsheet projects and the CYR assignments – 50 points for each. Grading of these assignments is to be determined by your instructor. Note that turning in any work late or failing to do the assigned work will result in significant deductions. The amount of these deductions will be determined by your instructor.
2. Your instructor will use only your work with the excel spreadsheets to count as an additional 100 point test score creating a sixth test score. Grading is to be determined by your instructor.

VII Writing Assignment

The student is required to write three (3) papers whose theme is related to the history of mathematics or is an instructor approved special project. You may choose a topic related to the following chapters: Chapters 1, 2, 6, and 8. You may only write one paper per chapter. Topics can be taken from either the "Research Questions" or "Projects" located at the end of the introduction for these chapters. They can be located on the following pages: Chap 1, pg. 7-8; Chap 2, pg. 65-66; Chap 6, pg. 400-401; Chap 8, pg. 522-523. Other topics MUST be instructor approved. Due dates for these papers can be found on the detailed outline coverage.

Each paper is to be type, double-spaced, and needs to be two pages in length. Each paper is to exhibit college level exposition with regards to content, grammar, punctuation, and style. All papers must be received by their respective due dates. Papers can be submitted earlier with your instructor’s approval. Late papers will be dealt with on an individual basis.

VIII Grading

The final exam may replace your lowest test score if and only if you have not missed any of the five in-class tests. It will NOT replace Test 6 as described earlier in Section VI. If an instructor has chosen the option to give quizzes, the total of which must be equal in weight to one test, then this quiz total can become yet another test score bringing your possible total to seven (7) test scores. After the final examination the final exam score will replace the lowest of all test scores excluding Test 6.

The average of the six (6) or seven (7) test scores will count as 75% of the student’s grade in this course. The comprehensive final exam will count as 25%. The sum of these two will form the students score for the course.

For each paper received as scheduled, one point will added to the students course average. For each paper not received as scheduled, one point will be deducted from your final course average. Note that this is a three-(3) point swing one way or the other. Zero (0) points will be given to any paper which is turned in on time but does not exhibit college level exposition as stated earlier. (See "VII. Writing Assignments" above.)

The college catalog will be used to convert this numerical average into a letter grade: 94-100 A; 86-93 B; 75-85 C; 65-74 D; 64 or less F.

IX Homework

The instructor will assign homework following each lecture.

X Make-up Work

If the instructor is using the option of giving quizzes the student should note no missed quiz can be made up. If a test is missed your instructor may replace that test score with your final exam score. If you miss more than one test it will be at your instructors discretion as to whether or not you can make it up.

XI Attendance-Withdrawal-Grade Forgiveness-Attempts Policies

Attendance Policy: Students who are absent from class more than one-eighth of a course without instructors’ permission shall be withdrawn from the course.

Withdrawal Policy: Two withdrawals are permitted per course. After that, a grade will be assigned. Please be concerned about withdrawals. When admitting students into certain programs, universities may calculate withdrawals as grades. There are two kinds of withdrawals: (1) Student and (2) Administrative.

(1) Student Withdrawal:

i. The student must complete a withdrawal form.

ii. This form must then be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records.

(2) Administrative Withdrawal:

i. This withdrawal is completed by the instructor for non-attendance or absences in excess of the specified amount. (See Attendance Policy above.)

ii. The instructor will submit this form to the Office of Admissions and Records.

Withdrawals initiated prior to midterm will be recorded as "W". Withdrawals initiated the week after the posting of midterm grades will be recorded as "W" IF passing and "F" IF failing.

Grade Forgiveness Policy: A student may repeat a course when a grade of "D" or "F" has been earned. The last grade received in a course is the grade that counts on the students’ transcript. Note that some universities my also count forgiven grades in calculating the grade point average of a transferring student. Forgiven grades may also be considered in the determination of financial aid eligibility.

Attempts Policy: This course maybe attempted a maximum of three (3) times. On the third attempt, 100% of the full cost of instruction will be charged. Students with major extenuating circumstances may submit a letter of appeal stating the circumstances to the dean of students. All grades from the third and subsequent attempts will be calculated in determination of the students GPA.

 XII Help Information

1. Your Instructor: Full time faculty have posted ten (10) office hours on their schedule. Adjunct faculty are available for assistance just prior to class or by prearranged appointments. Students having difficulty are strongly urged to see their instructor for additional help.

2. Success Center: Math learning managers and tutors are available in the college’s Success Center. Hours are 8 AM to 9 PM Mon - Thurs; 8 AM to 4 PM on Fri; 1 PM to 5 PM on Sun.

Fall Semester 1999

Mon/Wed/Fri classes

Tuesday/Thursday classes

Night classes

For problems or questions regarding this web contact Professor Lusk.
Last updated: August 05, 1999.