MATH 1050 Section W01
MATHEMATICAL IDEAS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Spring Term, 2013
6:00 – 9:30 Thursday
Mendel 306
INSTRUCTOR: Kaye Smith
OFFICE: Mendel 403C
OFFICE PHONE: 690-6634
EMAIL: klsmith2@stkate.edu
Textbook:
Excursions in Modern Mathematics, 7th ed. by Tannenbaum and Arnold
Course Content:
Mathematics permeates modern society in ways that we rarely think of or notice. In this
course, we will take a journey into that great unknown, modern mathematics! Actually, it
is slightly familiar to modern Americans, just not understood. We see its applications
and effects on our lives; we just do not realize that the great "culprit" is mathematics.
Just look below to see the topics that we visit. Along our journey, we will also look at
some of our long held beliefs and myths about mathematics, especially: there is only one
way to do a problem; there is only one right answer; and the answer must be exactly
right.
Class Management and Methodology:
We will spend class time in a combination of discussions, lectures, and group activities
with ample time for questions. Most of Chapters 1 through 16 will be covered in the
textbook. You will be responsible for reading and studying the material in the text and
for doing the online assigned problems through MyMathLab. There will be plenty of
opportunity during class to ask questions. I hope that each of you will take advantage of
this opportunity to clarify any problem areas.
There will be two tests, and two projects in this class. I will be giving you a more
complete explanation of these projects later. You will need a calculator for this class.
Any calculator will do as long as it has a  and either an x^y , y ^x, or exponent button.
Scientific and graphing calculators will have these capabilities.
Grades are assigned on a percentage basis. An A is 90% - 100% of the total possible
number of points; a B is 80% - 89%; a C is 70% - 79%; a D is 60% - 69%, and an F is
below 60%.
Helpful Study Hints:
Your success in this course will be measured by the amount that you learn, not the
amount of time you invest. Don't be afraid to spend the time you need to learn the
material. An average of 6 to 9 hours of preparation for each class is common. Some of
you will need less time and some of you will need more time. For some sections in the
book you will need lots of time, while you will find others a breeze to complete. The
important thing is to concentrate on the mathematics, not the clock.
MyMathLab has many helpful features that you can use before, during and after the
problems that will be assigned. I will show you these the first night of class. I think you
will find the features and immediate feedback that you get online very helpful when
doing your online assignments.
Mathematics is not a spectator sport. It cannot be learned without practice, daily practice.
To make the most of your time and class, be sure to read your textbook before class;
after class reread the chapter carefully. Work through the examples in the text and make
sure you understand them before attempting the assigned problems. If you are having
trouble, get help:
 See, call or email me. We can accomplish a lot over the phone or email.
 See the tutors. The O’Neill Center has tutors available for MATH 1050 on a drop
in basis anytime it is open.
 Work with some of the other students in our class. Have a homework partner or
form a study group.
 Use MyMathLab help features.
Don't try to learn everything at once. Divide your homework and studying into
manageable parts. Take breaks to renew and refresh your tired brain.
When doing your problems, congratulate yourself when you get the correct answer – you
deserve it. If your answer is off, take a breather and then try again. First, go back over
your work and make sure you didn't make a minor error; if you are unable to find one,
start over fresh. Have MyMathLab give you a similar problem or walk you through the
one you are having trouble with. Make sure you mark those things that gave you trouble
so you can ask about them in class.
Please discuss any accommodations with me that you know will help your progress in
this class.
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity is expected of all students. College policy as stated in The LeGuide
(online at http://minerva.stkate.edu/leguide.nsf) will be followed.