MTH152

Math for Liberal Arts II

Section 001A

Fall 2008

Text Thinking Mathematically, Blitzer, 4^th edition, Pearson Prentice Hall

Prerequisite Mathematics Placement Test or equivalent; MTH 151 and 152 may be taken independently of each other and in any order

Instructor George A. Raub

Office Division Office and Mail box, Room AA352

Phone 703.845.6522 (Division Office; only for leaving messages)

E-mail graub@nvcc.edu

Office Hours By prior appointment before class

COURSE SCOPE

The MTH 151-152 series provides students majoring in business, social science, or biology an overview of selected mathematics topics. For this course, the topics include functions, combinations, permutations, statistics, counting principles, algebraic systems, and probability. We will cover Chapters 5, 7, 11, 12, and 13 wholly or partially. Time and interest permitting, we may address other selected topics.

CLASS SCHEDULE

The class meets Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 3:15 P.M. in Room AA354 from 8/25/08 through 12/21/08. Class does not meet on 9/1/08, 10/13/08 – 10/14/08, and 11/26/08 – 11/30/08. Classes and final exams end on 12/21/08.

CALCULATOR

A graphing calculator is required for the course. A TI-83 or equivalent is recommended. Those without calculator skills may want to acquire the ensuing text; it is basic but good: TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator for Dummies, C. C. Edwards, Wiley Publishing, ISBN 0-764-54970-7.

GRADES, EXAMS, HOMEWORK, AND HELP

Exams, homework, projects, etc. will be due at the stated time, stated place, and stated mode and will not otherwise be accepted! No exceptions will be allowed unless prior arrangements are made!

Grades

The College’s standard grading scale applies, namely grades based on the semester-end score are as follows: “A” for 90s, “B” for 80s, “C” for 70s, “D” for 60s, and “F” for all else. The score is the better of the average of the several interim test and final exam scores or on the final exam score alone. Whichever of the preceding applies, extra credit points are added before determining the grade. Note that if you fail to take or pass an interim exam(s), you have an alternative with the final.

Exams

Tentatively we will have one interim exam per chapter, plus an inclusive final. I reserve the right to substitute a take-home exam instead of an in-class exam and to have pop quizzes with no advance notice and no make-up.

Extra Credit

You may earn extra credit to be added to your semester-end score. That can total 3 extra credit points, 1.5 for homework and 1.5 for attendance. The preceding two respectively reflect your submitting the end-of-chapter homework on the related chapters’ test days and your having near perfect class attendance. Both are pro-rated for less than 100%. Depending on our schedule and subject matter, we may have extra credit projects.

Homework

The course is homework intensive and, absent consistently doing homework, the likelihood of passing the course is slim to none. Depending on your needs, you decide the kind and number of homework problems that are best for you and I will accept your judgment and credit you accordingly vis-à-vis the homework extra credit.

Help

Sources of help include asking questions in class, forming study groups, etc. The MATH LAB, Room AA161, Bisdorf Bldg., offers free tutoring and other resources.

ATTENDANCE

I will take daily attendance. Attendance means that you arrive on time and stay for the duration. I reserve the right to decrease your semester-end score by 10% if you do not meet the preceding standard at least 90% of the time. I reserve the right to lock the door and to bar late students after 2:10 P.M.

WITHDRAWAL

The last day to “withdraw” from class without penalty is 10/31/08. Students are responsible for submitting the paperwork to the Office of Admissions and Records.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Bring to my attention any special problems or needs at the beginning of the term. If you seek accommodations based on a disability, you must provide a current, signed disability data sheet. The Special Counselor is in Room 148, Bisdorf Bldg., and can be reached at 703.845.6301.

OTHER

Cheating on an exam is grounds for failing the course. This is especially true with respect to take-home exams. Cheating applies to both those giving and receiving assistance and will result in a zero for all parties involved. Also, I reserve the right to make seating assignments for behavioral or other reasons. Lastly, cell phones and beepers must be turned off during class.