Math 232 Policy Information

Dr. Roger Thelwell: Fall 2016

Contact Info:
Roop Hall 106
tel: 568-5103
thelwerj@jmu.edu
Course:
Section 1: Tu-Th 9:30 - 10:45 Burruss 33
Section 2: Tu-Th 11:00 - 12:15 Burruss 33
Office Hours: (tenative) Mon 10-11, Tues 12:30-1:30, Wed 12-1 and 5-6, and by appointment

Textbook
Calculus I with Integrated Precalculus, by Laura Taalman. W.H. Freeman, publisher.

Errata: http://tinyurl.com/p353dh8

Course Goals
The current JMU course handbook describes M232 as follows: "A continuation of MATH 231. Calculus topics include limits and derivatives of transcendental functions, the theory of integration and basic integration techniques."

I'd say: "To introduce calculus topics that include limits, derivatives, and integration AND motivate you to learn how to learn Calculus (or any complex topic) on your own. This skill will be used to develop computational and theoretic competency of course material."

Mathematics is a language that is particularly well suited to express carefully reasoned argument, even though it sometimes relies on intuition and inspiration. I'll try to give you a solid foundation in the mechanics of the language, and an appreciation for the language as well. You need to practice a lot to learn any language, and mistakes are an important part of the process.

Schedule
We'll start with material in chapter 5 (Exponential and Logarithmic Functions) and work our way systematically to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus in chapter 7 (Integration), if all goes as planned. Here is the current game plan (but this might change):

  1. M231 and 5.1
  2. 5.2 and review + Q1
  3. 5.2 5.3
  4. 5.4 and review + Q2,
  5. 6.1 and 6.2
  6. 6.3 and 5.5
  7. review + Q3, and 7.1
  8. 7.2 and 7.3
  9. 7.3 and review + Q4
  10. 7.4 and 7.5
  11. 7.5 and review +Q5
  12. 7.6
  13. FALL BREAK!
  14. 7.7 and review + Q6
  15. review for final
Class Worksheets
You'll frequently work in groups to complete worksheets. This will give you a chance to work with others, and let me see you doing math. It will also let me give immediate feedback. Worksheets will typically be completed in class, although occasionally assigned to be completed outside of class. Each worksheet will be worth 5 points.

Daily Notecards
At the end of each class, you construct a single notecard that distills the information from the day's lecture in the way that you think will benefit you the most. Note that writing down computations and rules might not be as helpful a comment that prompts your intuition. But this is up to you! I'll take a look at your cards throught the semester, and you'll be allowed to used these note cards during specific portions of your quizzes and final exam.

Online Homework
Do the online homework. Assignments will be be available on WeBWorK. For those of you who have not yet used the WeBWorK portal, visit https://webwork.cit.jmu.edu/webwork2/MATH232_0001_FA16/ and log in using your JMU EID and password.

Your homework completion score will directly contribute points to your course grade (one point per problem), but indirectly will contribute much more because it will allow you immediate feedback on your work.

Class Contribution
I'll call on you randomly to answer questions in class. I'll keep a tally of your contributions, and this will influence your grade in borderline cases.

Quizzes and Final Exam
At no time are cell phones allowed during the quizzes or final exam. There will be six in-class quizzes this semester, and your lowest quiz score will be dropped.

Contact me in advance if you must miss a quiz.

The final exam for the course is cumulative. The final exam schedule has been determined by the Office of Registrar: see https://www.jmu.edu/registrar/wm_library/1168_exam_schedule.pdf

Grading
You'll earn points throughout the semester, and your course grade will be a a simple sum of these points. The categories are: homework (one point per problem), worksheets (5 points each), quizzes (30 points each), and final (70 points). Your in-class contributions will affect your grade in borderline situations.

I'll consider requests for WF or WP grades up to one week after the third quiz. A sucessful WP request requires a C-.

Need a little extra help?
I love office hours. Please use them, and don't be afraid to send an email or give me a call. Help me find your email by using the subject M232_F16. You can also get help at the Science & Math Learning Center most days of the week, located in the Student Success Center room SSC 110. It's free, and you don't need an appointment!

Technology
Graphing calculator are not required, are generally not allowed on tests and quizzes, but can help build intuition and to convince yourself that you can do calculus. In addition to the calculator that you probably already have, you should experiment with Wolfram Alpha. At no time are cell phones allowed during tests.

Honor code
Remember that JMU has a strict honor code. While you are strongly encouraged to work with others in this class, the work you submit must be your own. While working together on a problem and then writing it down in your own notebook is great, copying a classmate's work from their notebook is not. It won't help you learn the material and might just earn you academic sanctions. If you have questions about my interpretation of academic honesty, ask!

Finally, JMU's standard syllabus statement. Please contact me in the first week of the course if you require disability accommodations.