MATH 130-Sections 4, Contemporary Mathematics, Spring 2007.

Instructor: Dr. Changbing Hu, Cheek hall 22M, 836-6037, Email: ChangbingHu@missouristate.edu.

Office hours: MWF 10:00-11:00, Otherwise by appointment.

Class time and place: MWF 12:00-12:50pm, Chek 202.

Textbooks: Mathematical Ideas, 10th Edition and Expanded 10th Edition, by Miller, Heeren and Hornsby. The student is strongly encouraged to read the material either just covered, or, to be covered before the class period.

Prerequisites: "C" grade or better in MTH 102 or MTH 103, or an appropriate the departmental placement test.

Course Description: This is a problem solving course. Topics will include: patterns, set theory, algebra applications, number theory, geometry, probability, statistics, and mathematics of finance. This course will not count toward a mathematics major or minor.

Philosophy of the course: It is designed to provide students with mathematical experiences including problem solving and discovery of mathematical relationships.

Purpose of the course: It is intended to satisfiy the general education math requirement for degree seeking students, as well as prepare students for subseqent courses such as MTH 320 (Foundation of Mathematics for Teachers). It is also a degree requirement for elementary and middle school majors.

Outcomes of the course: (1) An enriched experience in developing problem solving strategies. (2) A broader view of mathematics, as well as a better understanding of the relation between various areas of mathematics. (3) An increasing understanding of valid, logical reasoning and its role in mathematics. (4) Enhanced ability to read, understand, and comunicate new mathematical ideas. (5) More insight into the development of mathematics and it structure. (6) An appreciation for the aesthetic element of mathematics.

Homework: Homework assignments will be posted on the web after each class period, will be collected and BUT NOT GRADED (possibily the completeness will be inspected only). The student is urged to finish all the assigned homework since they are the only way for you to digest what has been taught. Our following quizzes and exams will be heavily based on the homework. A set of complete and nicely written homework will be excellent evidence for your hard-working and affect your final grade especially when you are on some edge scores.

Quizzes: will be given on each Friday except exam week, which will cover PREVIOUS material (not covered in previous quiz). Usually they will be at the end of the class.

Exams: There will be three in-class exams and a final comprehensive exam. Dates are below. Keep track of our Day-to-Day schedule.

Grades:

Attendance and make-up policy: Students are expected to attend each class for the entire period. Attendance will be randomly recorded and be reflected in your final grades. In case of absence, the student is responsible for any material covered or announcements made in class. Make-ups for exams and quizzes will only be given if the student can provide a well-documented excuse before quizzes/exams, and contact the professor within two weekdays after them, otherwise the student forfeits his or her right to a make-up.

Nondiscrimination: Missouri State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to the Office of Equal Opportunity Officer, Siceluff Hall 296, (417) 836-4252. Other types of concerns (i.e., concerns of an academic nature) should be discussed directly with your instructor and can also be brought to the attention of your instructor's Department Head.

Disability accommodation: To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Director of Disability Services, Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY), http://www.smsu.edu/disability. Students are required to provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. Disability Services refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. For information about testing, contact the Director of the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, (417) 836-4787, http://www.smsu.edu/contrib/ldc.

Academic Dishonesty: Missouri State University is a community of scholars committed to developing educated persons who accept the responsibility to practice personal and academic integrity. You are responsible for knowing and following the university's student honor code, Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at http://www.smsu.edu/acadaff/AcademicIntegrity.html. and also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library. Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in this policy.

Dropping class: It is your responsibility to understand the University's procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. To drop a class anytime after the first week of classes, you must complete and turn in a drop slip at an authorized registration center (see http://www.smsu.edu/recreg/chnsched.html ). You do not need to obtain any signatures on the drop slip. It does not need to be signed by your instructor, your advisor, or a department head. If you wish to withdraw from the University (i.e., drop all your classes), contact the Registration Center, Carrington 320, 836-5522.