Syllabus for Math 118, Section C1. Fall, 2005.

Professor: Scott Ahlgren
Email: ahlgren@math.uiuc.edu
Phone: 244-1738
Office: 302 Altgeld Hall

Text. The Heart of Mathematics: an Invitation to Effective Thinking, second edition, by Burger and Starbird. We will cover parts of most of the chapters in the book.

Course Material. The goals of this course are:

To examine some beautiful and powerful ideas within the realm of mathematics.
To develop the skills of thinking creatively and analytically about complex problems, both within mathematics, and in the outside world. These skills will help you in any endeavor!

Prerequisites. The main prerequisites for this course are an open mind, a willingness to think, and a good attitude. Please bring these to class every day. No particular mathematical background will be assumed.

Webpage. This syllabus and other course material and announcements, can be found on the course webpage: http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~ahlgren/math118/math118.html

Classes. Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10-10:50 in 341 Altgeld Hall.

Important. Bring your text to every class. See also prerequisites.

Discovery courses. This course is part of the University's First Year Discovery Program. We will spend a lot of time in this class actively discussing and working on mathematics.

Active participation in class is a crucial ingredient for success in this course! (Please see prerequisites.)

Reading. Reading will be assigned for each class. It is crucial that you spend time actively thinking about the issues in the book as you read.

Class work and attendance. You class work grade will be determined by group assignments which you do in class, as well as by attendance. You are expected to be present at each class meeting. The first three unexcused absences will not affect your grade. Each additional unexcused absence will reduce your final grade by two percentage points.

Homework. Homework will be due each week. A number of problems (likely not all) will be graded from each assignment. Both clarity and correctness will influence the homework grade. For the most part, you may collaborate with other members of the class on homework problems. However, you must write up solutions on your own, and you should acknowledge your collaborator(s) on your assignments.

Project. As decided by the class, there will be no project this semester.

Midterm Exams. Three midterm exams will be given in class during the semester. Dates will be announced well in advance.

Final Exam. 8:00-11:00 AM, Saturday, December 17. This date is determined by the university. Please make travel arrangements accordingly.

Grading. Your course grade will be computed as follows: Since we have voted to cancel the project, grades will be computed by scaling up the other components (as decided by the class on November 18). I.e. the final is now worth 25 out of 90 points, the midterms are each worth 15 out of 90 points, and class work and homework are worth 10 out of 90 points.

Final Exam: 25%.
Midterm 1: 15%
Midterm 2: 15%
Midterm 3: 15%
Class work: 10%
Homework: 10%
Project: 10% (Cancelled: see note above.)

Final grade. Grades will not be curved in the traditional sense. In other words, it is possible (although unlikely) that everyone in the class could receive an A. I guarantee that grades will not be adjusted down. For example, if your final course average is 90%, then you are guaranteed at least an A-. Grades may be adjusted up if necessary, although this is not guaranteed.

Office hours. My regular office hours will be:

Monday: 1:30--2:30.
Tuesday: 2-3.
Thursday: 2-4.

These will be adjusted during the semester as necessary; please check the course webpage for details. I am always available by appointment (grab me before or after class) or if my door is open stop in and I'll talk with you then or tell you when I can.

Final note. I am always open to productive suggestions about the course. Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions or concerns.

Best wishes for a productive and enjoyable semester!