Course Information
Math 143:
Trigonometry – Section 01, Fall 2014
3 Credits: MWF 8:00am
– 8:50am Bridges Room 264
Textbook: Algebra and Trigonometry, 5th ed., Lial, Hornsby, Schneider, and Daniels; Pearson
Instructor: Justin James, Mathematics Dept. Office: MacLean
375M
Office Phone: 477-4011
Office Hours: MTWRF 9:00 –
10:50am Email: jamesju@mnstate.edu
MTWRF 2:00 – 2:50pm Webpage: web.mnstate.edu/jamesju
Other times by Appointment
Course Description: Trigonometric
functions, identities, applications. This course satisfies MnTC Goal 4.
Prerequisites: In order to take Math
143, students must have either successfully completed College Algebra or an
acceptable placement score.
Major Content Areas:
·
Angles and radian measure
·
Trigonometric functions in triangles, the unit circle, and any circle;
and inverse trigonometric functions.
·
Trigonometric graphs and graph transformations.
·
Trigonometric formulas and identities.
·
Trigonometric equations.
·
Trigonometric applications, including the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines.
·
Complex numbers.
Student Learning Outcomes:
·
Use trigonometric functions and their inverses to solve a variety
of real-world problems.
·
Work with and understand trigonometric graphs.
·
Be able to prove trigonometric identities using a variety of
problem solving and algebraic skills
Instructional Strategies: Lecture, discussion,
small group work.
Course Requirements:
You are expected to
complete all daily homework and writing assignments, and to take and pass all
exams and quizzes at their scheduled dates and times.
Calculators:
You are expected to purchase
a calculator that is capable of computing the values of trigonometric and
inverse trigonometric functions. Several
exams, quizzes, and homework assignments will require these computations. A graphing calculator is not necessary. On some assignments, calculators will not be
allowed.
Attendance and Academic
Expectations:
You are expected to
attend class regularly and on time. The penalty for unexcused absences is that missed in-class
assignments cannot be made up. If you have to miss
class for a reason that you believe merits being excused, come see me
(preferably in advance) to discuss your situation. You are expected to read the material in your textbook prior to
each day’s lecture and to have attempted the problems on the homework
assignment. During class, you should participate in
discussions. When working in groups, you should
participate fully in what the group is trying to accomplish. You are encouraged to form a group to study and work with outside
of class. You should bring your book, calculator,
and solutions to recent homework problems with you to class.
Homework and Worksheets:
I will collect homework or a worksheet at least once a week. When book problems are collected, you will be told at
least one class day in advance which problems to turn in. Similarly, worksheet assignments will be handed out in class. Some worksheets will be due at the end of
class, but most can be taken home and turned in at a later date. I will spend a few minutes at the beginning
of class discussing homework questions, but we will spend the bulk of our time
on new material. You are encouraged to discuss homework and
worksheets with your classmates and with me during work time in class and outside
of class during my office hours. If my office hours do
not match your schedule, see me about arranging another time to meet.
Quizzes: There will be a quiz at least once a week
(except possibly during exam weeks). Most will be in-class
quizzes, but a few may be “take home” quizzes. Quizzes will be worth from 5-10 points, depending on their length
and scope. Your best quiz scores
will be combined to contribute 80 points toward your final grade.
Reflection Papers: During the course,
you will be given a few short writing assignments. On these assignments, you will be asked to give your thoughts
and reflections on a few aspects of the course. These papers must be typed and should be at least 1 page (typed,
double spaced). These informal papers will be graded
mainly on their content and completeness, but you should write in complete
sentences and clearly express your ideas. Reflection papers will
contribute 20 points toward your final grade.
Exams: This course will have
three unit exams plus a comprehensive final exam, as outlined on the course
syllabus. Be sure to mark the date of each exam
on your calendar, especially the final exam. Exams will be closed book, and closed notes. I will allow the use of an approved calculator (no graphing
calculators), but all other electronic devices (cell-phones, etc.) are not
allowed. Credit given on exam questions will be
proportional to the amount of correct work shown. Little to no credit will be given if sufficient work is not shown,
even when the final answer is correct. Each exam will be
worth 100 points. If it helps your final
grade, your lowest exam will be replaced with your percentage score on the
final exam. The final exam is worth 200
points.
Course Grading Policy: Your final grade in the course will be computed as follows:
Quizzes: 80 points
Homework and Worksheets 150
points
Reflection
Papers 20 points
Unit Exams: 300 points
Final
Exam: 200 points
Total: 750 points
I will compute the
percentage of the total points you earned and then assign letter grades based
on the following scale:
96.5-100.0% A+ 81.5-86.4% B 69.0-71.4% C–
91.5-96.5% A 79.0-81.4% B– 66.0-68.9% D+
89.0-91.4% A– 76.5-78.9% C+ 60.0-65.9% D
86.5-88.9% B+ 71.5-76.4% C <60.0% F
Make-up Work: Because you are
allowed to drop a few scores in each daily work grade category, I only allow
make-up assignments for extreme personal emergencies or for absences that are officially
sanctioned by the University. I will expect written
documentation in either of these cases. If you miss an exam
and a make-up exam is not warranted, you may replace your grade on one missed exam with your un-scaled percentage score on the final exam.
Special Accommodations: Students with disabilities who believe they may need an
accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Director of Disability Services at 477-4318 (Voice) or
1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), Flora Frick 154 as soon as possible to ensure that
accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Information regarding
Disability Services is available at http://web.mnstate.edu/disability/
Academic Honesty: You are expected to do your own work. You may work with
others and get help on assignments, but the final work you submit must be your
own. During exams and quizzes you will not be allowed to get help from others. Cheating and plagiarism
will not be tolerated in any course at any level. See the MSUM Academic
Honesty policy for more information on the possible consequences of cheating.
Thanks, and Let’s Have a Great Summer!!