Course Information
Math 261: Calculus I – Section 01, Summer 2012
3 Credits: MTWRF 10:00am – 12:30pm
Bridges Room 264
Textbook: Calculus – The
Classic Edition, 5th ed., by Earl W. Swokowski
[Required]
Instructor: Justin James, Mathematics Dept. Office:
MacLean 375M
Office Phone: 477-4011
Office Hours: MTWRF 9:00am – 9:50am Email:
jamesju@mnstate.edu
MTWRF 1:30pm – 2:30pm Webpage:
web.mnstate.edu/jamesju
Other times by Appointment
Course Description: Calculus of one variable --
differentiation, introduction to the integral. Students entering Math 261
should have a solid background in algebra and trigonometry.
Prerequisites: In
order to take Math 261, students must have successfully completed Math 143 –
Trigonometry or have an acceptable math placement score.
Learning Outcomes (MN Transfer Curriculum):
Upon
completion of the course, students will be able to do the following:
·
Illustrate
historical and contemporary applications of mathematical/logical systems.
·
Clearly
express mathematical/logical ideas in writing.
·
Explain
what constitutes a valid mathematical/logical argument(proof).
·
Apply
higher-order problem-solving and/or modeling strategies.
Course Requirements: You are expected to complete all daily
homework, labs, and writing assignments, and to take and pass all exams and
quizzes on their scheduled dates and times.
Learning Outcomes (General):
·
Understand
limits and the derivative and how to use them to describe real-world phenomena.
·
Read
and interpret information presented in graphical form.
·
Use
the derivative to solve real world optimization problems.
·
Understand
numerical solutions to problems and error analysis.
Instructional Strategies: Lecture, discussion, small group work.
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). 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 on labs, you should
participate fully in what the group is trying to accomplish. You are encouraged to form a group to study
and work with on homework and labs outside of class. You should bring your book with you to
class.
Homework and Labs:
I have listed suggested homework problems on the course
schedule. These problems are primarily
for your own practice and study, but I do reserve the right to collect and
grade homework if requiring extra practice seems warranted. If I collect
homework, you will be told 1 day in advance which problems to turn in. The main course of practice will be in the
form of daily lab assignments. We will start lab assignments during class and
you will have some time to work together in groups on them. You will be expected to finish the remainder
of the lab and to bring the completed assignment to the next class meeting.
Your best 20 labs will be combined to contribute 200 points toward your final
grade (at least 2 labs will be dropped).
Quizzes: There will be a quiz every
non-exam day. Most of these will be in-class quizzes, but a
few may be “take home” quizzes. Basic
quizzes will be worth 5 points each. Your best quiz scores will be combined
to contribute 50 points toward your final grade. There will also be two Major Quizzes – one on
differentiation techniques and one on integration.
Each of these major quizzes will contribute 25 points toward your final grade
in the course.
Exams: This
course will have four 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 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. In your final grade, your best three exams
will be worth 100 points each, while your lowest exam will be scaled in half to
be out of 50 points. The final exam is
worth 200 points.
Course
Grading Policy: Your final grade in the course will be
computed as follows:
Basic
Quizzes:
50 points
Major Quizzes 50 points
Labs (best 20 scores) 200 points
Highest 3 Unit Exams: 300 points
Lowest Unit Exam: 50 points
Final Exam: 200
points
Total: 850
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 of the
pace of summer courses and the fact that you are allowed to drop several
scores, I only give make-up assignments for extreme personal emergencies
or for absences which 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.
Academic Honesty: You are expected to do your own work. You may work
with others and get help on assignments, but the 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!!
Math
261 – Section 01 Course Page