TEXTBOOK
The textbook for this course is Using and Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach, by Jeffrey Bennett and William Briggs.  (This textbook is published by Addison-Wesley.)

TESTS
At present, I plan to give a test at the end of each chapter.   This plan is subject to change, however.  Also, there will be a (cumulative) final exam at the end of the semester.

To receive credit for a correct answer, all work must be shown -- this is true even for the departmental multiple-choice exams (i.e., the midterm and the final). 

With all exams and quizzes, all relevant formulas will be made available.  This allows you to focus on problem-solving rather than memorization.

There are no re-tests (or re-quizzes) in Math 90.  If you must miss a quiz or test, let me know beforehand, and also provide some written verification for your excuse.  If necessary, the final exam will be weighted to make up for any missed tests or quizzes.

CALCULATORS
The use of calculators is permitted (and often necessary) during quizzes and tests.  A scientific calculator, capable of handling exponents and logarithms, is recommended.

GRADING
The relative weights of the final, other tests and homework have not yet been decided.  Check back later for those.

The following system will be used to assign semester grades.  (Values given are percentages.)
 

			B+:	87-89		C+:	77-79		D+:	67-69
A:	94-100		B:	83-86		C:	73-76		D:	63-66
A-:	90-93		B-:	80-82		C-:	70-72		D-:	60-62

HOMEWORK
As this is an honors class, you will be asked to do more than the typical Math 55 student.  In particular, projects will be assigned during the semester; these projects will be collected and graded.  (More details will be provided later in the semester.)

Additionally, some recommended exercises will be assigned from the textbook.  This homework will be assigned, but it will not be directly factored into your grade.  (If will, of course, affect your grade indirectly by preparing you for quizzes and tests.)   However, the tests will be based on the recommended homework exercises from each chapter. 

It is very important that you do all of the recommended exercises on your own.  Otherwise, it is very unlikely that you will succeed in this (or any other) math course.

ATTENDANCE
Attendance will not be factored into your grade. Of course, you are expected to attend every class meeting. (You are paying for them, after all!)  As mentioned earlier, get in touch with me immediately if you find that you cannot attend class on the day of a test.

If you must miss a class (even if there is no test that day), let me know beforehand if possible, and be sure to find out what you missed that day.  Remember: whether or not you are present, it's your responsibility to be aware of everything that happens in class -- material covered, changes to homework or syllabus, other announcements of any sort, etc.

TUTORING
Free one-on-one tutoring is available at the Mathematics and Science Resource Center (MSRC) located in room 18 of Curtis Hall (in the basement). The tutoring schedule is posted in room 18.

Back to the Math 90 page

Last modified: 9/6/2000
Kurt Ludwick (ludwick@math.temple.edu)