COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Math 231-232 sequence covers all of the material in Math 235 as well as precalculus and algebra material, and some material from the beginning of Math 236. This course is for those people that feel they need more precalculus or algebra preparation while learning calculus. You should not necessarily take this course simply because you have not had calculus before (many people in 235 have not taken calculus). You should not take this course because you think it will be easier or less work than Math 235. In fact, most 231-232 students feel that this course is harder and more work than Math 235, but that this course gives them a better understanding of the material and enables them to successfully learn calculus while improving their algebra and precalculus skills. You should probably not take this course if you tested into Math 235 or above on the Placement Exam.
More information about Math 231-232 and major requirements.
MATERIALS
GRADING
Your grade in the course will be determined by your performance on the three exams, one writing project (worth 3 quiz grades), a final exam, and your lecture grade. The lecture grade consists of HW assignments, quizzes, the writing project, in-class groupwork, and attendance/participation.
| 60% | - Exams (three in total) |
| 20% | - Final Exam |
| 20% | - Lecture Grade (HW, quizzes, writing project, attendance/participation) |
HOMEWORK, QUIZZES, EXAMS
There will be three exams given during the semester and a final exam. The dates of the exams are on the syllabus. The Final Exam is mandatory, and unless you have documentation of extenuating circumstances, you cannot pass the class if you do not take the final. Exams will be taken without the aid of your textbook or calculators. Where applicable, formulas may be given. When formulas are given on an exam, they will be announced in advance.
Homework assignments are found on the syllabus. Most Mondays will be homework day. You are responsible for understanding how to do all of the assigned homework problems. Each week I will randomly assign (in advance) students to present certain problems at the board. Part of your homework grade is determined by your presentation of your problem(s). I grade each homework presentation out of 5 points on the following scale:
| Fully Correct | 5 |
| Almost Correct | 4 |
| Wrong, but Good Effort | 2 |
| Completely Unprepared, but Present | 1 |
| Absent | 0 |
The other part of your homework grade is a completion grade worth 5 points for working all the problems assigned for that week. During the homework presentations, I will check your written HW for completion (if you are absent on HW day you can turn your HW into me BEFORE class for a completion grade). In addition, I drop the lowest homework grade. At the beginning of class on most Tuesdays (unless otherwise noted in the syllabus) there will be a 15 minute quiz based on the HW that was due the Monday before. The purpose of the quiz is to encourage everyone to work (and understand) ALL of the homework problems, not just the homework problem he or she has been assigned to present. In addition, I drop the lowest quiz score.
ATTENDANCE
You are expected to attend class regularly. Besides being nearly essential for developing your understanding of the material, your regular attendance in class is good for the morale of the class and is indicative of your interest in the subject and your engagement in the course. You are responsible for the material discussed in class and in the assigned reading in the text. In addition, there may be quizzes and other classwork assignments in class that will be announced in class only.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Honesty with oneself and with others is of utmost importance in life. The work you do in this course should reflect your honesty and integrity. In practical terms, this means that you should be honest with yourself about how much time you spend on homework, how well you understand the material, and the level of reliance you have on others to complete the assignments. For example, you are encouraged to work with others on homework; merely copying someone else's work and turning it in as your own does not enhance your understanding and is dishonest.
You are permitted to work in teams of 1-3 for the group writing project. However, each team member is required to contribute to the project. You will be required to indicate the responsibilities of each team member on your final report.
If there is clear evidence that a student has committed fraud to advance his/her academic status (for example, cheating on an exam or quiz), your instructor will be obliged to deal with the matter in accordance with the James Madison University Honor Code. If you are aware of such activity by another student in the course, you should bring the matter to your instructor's attention immediately.