Math 251-01, Calculus I - Syllabus
(Fall 2009)
Professor: Dr. Nathan Carlson
Office: F-7A, Email: ncarlson@callutheran.edu, Office Phone: 805/493-3046
Office Hours: M 2:00-3:00, T 3:00-4:00, ThF 10-11, and by appointment.
Class meets: MTW 8:00-8:50am, Room: PTRS-105
and F 8:00-8:50am, Room: Ny-5
Course Website: TBA
Required Textbook: Calculus: Early Transcendentals (6th Edition), James Stewart. Bring every day.
Course Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Understand the basic concepts and connections of differential and integral calculus.
Enhance problem-attacking and problem-solving skills.
Use appropriate technology to understand calculus concepts and solve mathematical problems.
Develop the ability to communicate mathematical ideas through reading, writing, and speaking.
Learn and help others learn through collaboration.
Course Description:
While ideas suggesting the beginnings of calculus date back to antiquity, calculus was originally developed by
Newton and Leibniz in the 17th century to address problems in astronomy. In the ensuing three centuries their followers
used and extended the power of calculus, leading to great advances in every field of knowledge from mathematics and
the physical sciences, to engineering and the biological science, and even the social sciences. While the dividends of
calculus are typically thought of in terms of its power to solve real-world problems, calculus is also worthy of study in
its own right as one of the major intellectual achievements of our time.
This course will introduce and explore the fundamental concepts and connections of calculus. We will examine
mathematical ideas that allow us to better understand how things change, and to use this understanding to explain and
make predictions. We will emphasize both understanding and communication of ideas.
Expectations:
Preparing for class: Your contributions are essential to everyone’s opportunity to learn. Read the textbook sections
assigned. Do, or at least attempt, the problems assigned as homework. Find a study partner or small group (more than 3
is usually ineffective) and discuss the ideas and any sticking points with them. Come to class ready to learn, and come
to class every day! Effective use of office hours includes explaining what you have tried and why and why it doesn’t
seem to be working.
Reading the text: To ensure that we use your valuable class time well, you are expected to read each section before it is
presented in class. You are expected to respond to each section’s reading questions online before the class meets. See
below for the grading scheme.
Homework (WebWork): I will usually assign two sets of homework after each class meeting The WebWork
assignments will be due by midnight the next class day. The only way to learn mathematics is through repetitive
exercises, problems, and exploration. Thus, you should expect plenty of HW each day. Expect to step away from your
computer to think/work through the problems before posting solutions (you can print out the problems), so start your
HW early! No late homework will be accepted, even if you are absent. Your lowest two WebWork scores will be
dropped at the end of the semester.
Math 251-01, Dr. Fogel, Spring 2009
Homework (Book work, Quizzes): In addition to the daily WebWork assignments, I will also assign problems from the
book. You are expected to complete these problems and thoroughly understand their solutions. These HW problems
will not be collected, but you will be quizzed on them most every Wednesday (see schedule). The quizzes will consist
of a few questions taken straight from the book problems, though numbers may be changed within the problems.
Quizzes will almost always occur during the first 10 minutes of class. Late arrivals will not be granted extra time. Your
lowest two quiz scores will be dropped at the end of the semester. No make-up quizzes will be granted.
Computer Labs: Labs are to be done in teams of two. I will assign partners for the first few labs and you may choose
freely after that point. To each lab, bring your textbook and a flash drive (or a blank disk). No late labs will be
accepted.
Midterm Exams: We will have 3 midterm exams during the semester. We will discuss their content as they approach.
Absolutely no make-up exams will be offered so put them on your calendar today. Each exam will be held during class
on the following dates:
Midterm 1: Friday, October 2; Midterm 2: Monday, November 2; Midterm 3: Monday, November 30
Final Exam: The cumulative final for this class is scheduled for Monday, December 14 from 8:00am-10:00am, as
scheduled by the registrar. In an effort to be fair to all students, no one may take the final exam at any other time or
date. Mark your calendars now!!
Calculators: You may use a scientific calculator such as TI-36X or TI-30Xa. However, absolutely no graphing
calculators are allowed. Do not bring a graphing calculator to the exams; you will not be allowed to use it. If you
already own a calculator and are not sure if it is allowed in exams, ask the professor now (not on exam day). If you own
a graphing calculator, you are strongly advised to put it away for the duration of the semester. By using a scientific
calculator throughout the semester, you become better acquainted with it and increase your chances for success on
exams. Cell phones may not be used (even as calculators or clocks) under any circumstances.
Grading System:
WebWork Homework (after dropping lowest two assignments) = 14%
HW Quizzes (after dropping lowest two quizzes) = 14%
Labs = 10%
Midterm exams = 14% each (42% combined)
Final exam = 14%
Online reading questions = 6%
Total = 100%
At the end of the semester, your
grade will be determined by your
percentage as follows:
A
100-93
C
78-73
A93-90
C73-70
B+
90-88
D+
70-68
B
88-83
D
68-63
B83-80
D63-60
C+
80-78
F
60-0
Individual Effort and Collaboration:
The faculty of CLU expects all students to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty and to refrain from any
action that infringes upon the academic freedom of other members of the academic community. For more general
information on academic integrity, see your CLU Student Handbook.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
CLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with various documented disabilities (physical,
learning, or psychological). Any such student should contact the professor at the beginning of the semester and register
with the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities (Pearson Library, Center for Academic Resources, x3260).