Syllabus Math 211 Spring 2015

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Applied Calculus (Math 211)

Instructor: Sean Carver, Ph.D., Professorial Lecturer, American University.

Contact:

  • 107 Gray Hall
  • carver@american.edu
  • office phone: 202-885-6629

Learning Outcomes: Copied from Stephen Tennebaum's 2013 syllabus:

The primary goal of this course is to help students to develop mathematical intuition and skills necessary to solve standard calculus problems and their application to business, management, and social sciences. A secondary goal of this course is for the student to comprehend the concepts behind the presentation, use, and manipulation of data and functions. Such an understanding allows the student to approach new problems analytically, even though the problems may be unfamiliar. As a result of completing this course, students will
  • understand the use and manipulation of algebraic and transcendental functions;
  • understand the mathematics underlying the notions limits, derivatives & integrals;
  • be able to evaluate limits, derivatives and integrals of a wide variety of functions;
  • understand and be able to sketch the graphs of functions;
  • be able to solve problems and formulate and analyze mathematical models in business, economics & the social and management sciences.

Office Hours: Students are strongly encouraged to come to office hours if they need or want help. I love having visitors during office hours, so drop by.

My office is Gray Hall, Room 107. Office hours are tentatively scheduled as follows: (may be adjusted throughout the semester)

  • 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Wednesday
  • 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Thursday
  • 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Friday.

Tutoring through MATH/STAT tutoring center: Gray Hall, Room 110, Hours:

  • Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Monday - Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Class Times and Locations:

Section 6

  • Tuesdays/Fridays: 11:45AM to 01:00PM in WARD 201
  • Wednesdays: 11:45AM to 12:45PM in HURST 205

Section 7

  • Tuesdays/Fridays: 01:10PM to 02:25PM in WARD 201
  • Wednesdays: 01:10PM to 02:10PM in HURST 205

Important Dates:

  • Midterm 1: Friday, February 14
  • Spring Break: March 9–16
  • Midterm 2: Friday, March 21
  • Final Exam: Friday, May 2

Homework: Due most Wednesdays either, via WeBWorks, during class or in my mailbox in Gray Hall by close of business (5 pm).

Late Homework Policy: Accepted up to 24 hours late for 20% penalty. Not accepted after that. Exceptions will be made if arranged before the due date and if you have a compelling reason.

Student responsibility vis-a-via attendance and homework: The following link was shared by Jeff Adler, who taught this class in the past: http://www1.american.edu/faculty/jadler/responsibility.html

Grading: I will make an attempt to grade homework and exams in a way that is consistent, to the extent possible, with the way other professors have graded this class, both this term and in the past.

Tentative grading scheme:

ITEM PERCENT
Homework 20%
Exam 1 20%
Exam 2 20%
Final 20%
Attendance and Participation 20%

Academic Integrity: To the extent that grades are based on a curve, cheating to get a better grade on an assignment or exam can result in lowering the grades of some of your classmates. This is not acceptable and cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating will be handled as required by American University.

What is considered cheating?

  • Cheating is copying work from another source without giving attribution.
  • Cheating is copying problem(s) from a classmate.
  • It is OK to work with other students on homework as long as you write up the solutions yourself and your solutions reflect your own understanding of the problems.
  • When inappropriate copying between students is caught, both parties are culpable.
  • When in doubt disclose what you have done. You may not get full credit but you won't be charged for academic misconduct.

Office Hours: Tentatively scheduled

  • Tuesday 2:40-3:40
  • Tuesday 5:30-6:30
  • Wednesday 2:40-3:40
  • Wednesday 5:30-6:30
  • Friday 2:40-3:40
  • Friday 5:30-6:30

Tutoring through MATH/STAT tutoring center:

  • Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Monday - Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Public Service Annoucement: A representative of AU's Students Against Sexual Violence (SASV) approached me and asked me to include on my syllabi a list of resources available for survivors and their friends. While sexual violence is by no means the only challenge faced by students, I feel that this issue merits particular attention because the full extent of the problem may not be realized by everyone. While I am not trained to provide assistance myself, if you are going through something that is affecting your academic performance (be it sexual violence or otherwise), I can help connect you to people who can help you. I can also work with you or your councillors to find reasonable and appropriate accomondations. I will keep anything you tell me in strict confidence.

Sexual Assault Resources

  • It’s never the survivor’s fault. There are many people you can talk to if you or someone you care about have been sexually assaulted including our Sexual Assault Prevention Coordinator Daniel Rappaport (rappapor@american.edu) and our Coordinator for Victim Advocacy Sara Yzaguirre (sarayza@american.edu)
  • DC SANE Program (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) 1-800-641-4028
  • The only hospital in DC area that gives Physical Evidence Recover Kits (rape kits) is Medstar Washington Hospital
  • DC Rape Crisis Center: 202-333-7273
  • Students found responsible for sexual misconduct can be sanctioned with penalties that include suspension or expulsion from American University, and they may be subject to criminal charges
  • If you want to submit a formal complaint against someone who has sexually assaulted you, harassed you, or discriminated against you based on your gender identity or sexual orientation, you can do so online at http://www.american.edu/ocl/dos/, or contact the Dean of Students at dos@american.edu or 202-885-3300. These are Title IX violations, and universities are legally required to prohibit these actions.
  • Resources on campus that are required to keep what you tell them confidential are Daniel Rappaport, Sara Yzaguirre, ordained chaplains in Kay, and counselors at the counseling center