MAS 170 Elementary Statistics Spring 2023
Course Syllabus

last update: 2023-05-05

Course policies and calendar are subject to change, at the discretion of the instructor. 

  Update Log:
    3/23 updates on the Reading and Problem for reorganized Supplementary Notes material
    3/15 updated Portfolio recommendations and policy 
    2/26 Essential Clarifications updated and merged with the Supplementary Notes
    2/16 clarification of makeup quiz policy

Table of Contents

  1 Course Description
  2 Prerequisites
  3 Requirements Met
  4 Required Text(s) and Materials
  5 Required Technology
  6 Instructor
  7 Class Meetings, Office Hours
  8 Course Calendar
  9 Quiz and Exam Dates
  10 Reading and Problem List
  11 Course Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes

Learning and Study

  12 Learning
  13 Study Strategies
  14 Sample Study Aids
  15 Portfolio

Grades and Other Policies

  16 Graded Work
  17 Pre-Class Assignments
  18 Quizzes
  19 Makeup Assignments and Extra Credit
  20 Letter Grades
  21 Attendance
  22 Class Engagement
  23 Collaboration versus Plagiarism
  24 Honor Policy

LVC Official Syllabus Material

  25 LVC Policies and Statements
  26 Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

1 Course Description

This course is an introduction to elementary descriptive and inferential statistics. We emphasize qualitative understanding and judgment in the use of statistics, addressing questions such as when conclusions based on statistics are justified or meaningful. Topics may include design of experiments, descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, probability, sampling and hypothesis testing.

2 Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites beyond high school algebra skills.

3 Requirements Met

  Credit Hours: 3
  Constellation LVC Component: Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

4 Required Text(s) and Materials

The Sample Textbook and the Supplementary Notes are free and online.

5 Required Technology

6 Instructor

  David W. Lyons, Professor
  Department of Mathematical Sciences
  Lebanon Valley College
  Email: lyons (at) lvc.edu
  Phone: (717) 867-6081
  Office: LYN 283H

7 Class Meetings, Office Hours

Meeting times and locations for classes and office hours will be kept up to date on the Instructor's Schedule.

Bring your portfolio (see the "Portfolio" section below) when you come to office hours.

8 Course Calendar

The course calendar is maintained on Canvas. It includes class meetings, graded homework assignments, and quizzes. All dates are subject to change.

9 Quiz and Exam Dates

Subject to change, quizzes will be given at the beginning of class every Thursday. A final quiz will be given during the scheduled final exam period.

A schedule of quiz dates, announcements about the subject matter and length of each quiz, and sample quiz solutions will be maintained on Canvas. 

Final Exams
===========
  Thu  5/11  12:30--15:00  MAS 170-02 (12:30pm class)
  Tue  5/9   12:30--15:00  MAS 170-03 (2pm class)

10 Reading and Problem List

  [F] = Freedman, Statistics
  [L] = Lyons, Supplementary Notes

Reading                Problems
-------                 --------
[L] 2.1.1              2.1.4:1
[F] Ch 1    
[F] Ch 2               A:1,2,5,7,8,11 Rev.Ex.:1,3,5,6,8,10--12
[F] Ch 3 Sec 1--4      A:1--4,7 B:1,2 C:1--3 D:1,2 Rev.Ex.:1--9
[L] 1.1.1, 4.1.1       4.1.2:all
[F] Ch 4	       A:1--6,9 B:1--6 C:1--5 D:1--3,5,6,9 E:1--5,12 Rev.Ex.:1--7
[F] Ch 5	       A--F:all Rev.Ex.:1--4,6--9,11
[L] 1.1.2,4.2.1        4.2.2:all
[F] Ch 6	       Rev.Ex.:1--5
[L] 3.1                

[L] 2.1.3              2.1.4:2  
[F] Ch 8	       A:all B:1--6,9 C:all D:1,2,4 Rev.Ex:1,3--5,7--10
[F] Ch 9	       A:1--4,6--9 B:1--4 C:1--4 D:1,2 E:1--5 Rev.Ex.:1--5,8,10--12
[F] Ch 10              A:all B:all C:all D:all E:all Rev.Ex.:all
[L] 4.3.1              4.3.2:1
[F] Ch 11              A--E:all Rev.Ex.:1--7,12
[L] 1.1.3              4.3.2:2
[F] Ch 12              A--B:all Rev.Ex.:1--6
[L] 3.2                

[F] Ch 13 Sec 1--4     A:all B:all C:1--5,7 D:1--7 Rev.Ex.:1--5,7--12
[L] 1.1.4              4.4.1:1,2 (all parts marked "Ch13")
[F] Ch 14              A:all B:all C:all D:1--5 Rev.Ex.:1--13
[F] Ch 15              A:1--5 Rev.Ex.:1--10
[L] 3.3                4.4.1:all
  
[F] Ch 16              A:1--6,8 B:1--7 C:1--3 Rev.Ex.:1--10
[F] Ch 17	       A:1--6 B:1--7 C:1--8 D:1--4 E:1--3,5--9 Rev.Ex.:1--14
[F] Ch 18	       A:1--4 B:1--6 C:1--8 Rev.Ex.:1--15
[L]                    4.5.1:all
[F] Ch 19	       A:1,2,4,5 Rev.Ex.:1,4,7--10
[F] Ch 20 Sec 2--5     A:1--5 B:1--5 C:1--5 Rev.Ex.:1--3,7--12
                        Ch 16 A:7 repeat for 50,000, 2,000 and 1,000 marbles in box
[F] Ch 21	       A:1--5,7,8 B:1--4 C:1--6 D:1,2 E:1,2 Rev.Ex.:1--6,8,10--15
[F] Ch 23	       A:1--10 B:1--4,7 C:1--4 D:1--4,6,7 Rev.Ex.:1--5,7,8,10--12
[F] Ch 24	       A:1,4,5 B:1--4 C:1--7 Rev.Ex.:1a--e,2--4,7,9,10
[L] 3.4
  
[F] Ch 26 Sec 1--5 A:all B:all C:all D:all E:1--10 Rev.Ex.:1--6,8,9

11 Course Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes

The primary goal of the course is understanding and proficiency in the use of mathematical concepts. Student learning objectives are proficiency in reading, analysis and problem solving, and clear, concise communication. Achievement of goals and objectives requires desire for learning, willingness to work hard, time commitment (two hours outside of class for every one hour in class), and persistence.

Learning Outcomes Summary. Understanding and using the mathematical concepts of this course, a student who achieves the course learning objectives will:

Learning and Study

12 Learning

The process of reading, learning vocabulary, solving problems, and writing is the only way to achieve real understanding and skills. No one else can read, think, or write for you. It can be very helpful to watch other people solve problems and explain ideas in class, in a video, in a study group, or in a tutoring session, but there is no substitute for study that you do yourself.

The time expectation for out-of-class work is two hours outside of class for every one hour of class meeting time. Plan your study time in your weekly schedule.

The quality of your out-of-class study translates directly into success. Low effort or too little study time guarantees lack of success in the course; consistent high quality studying guarantees a positive learning experience. Here is an outline of the work flow for each section in the text(s).

13 Study Strategies

14 Sample Study Aids

15 Portfolio

Keep your work organized. Use electronic or hard copy media, whatever works best for you. Whatever method you use, it should be designed to facilitate sorting, searching, planning, and tracking. A complete portfolio includes: The portfolio is an essential tool for learning; it is also an essential instrument for diagnosis and improvement. Bring your portfolio to office hours visits.

There is no specific portfolio grade. However, a consistent, thorough, and complete portfolio will influence the letter grade assignment for a cumulative average near a grade cutoff borderline (see the Letter Grades section below). For example, if two students both have an 86% cumulative average, the student who has shown a consistently thorough portfolio during office hours might receive a B+, while the other student might receive a B.

Grades and Other Policies

16 Graded Work

Your cumulative average is determined by graded work in the categories listed below with the indicated weights. Details and instructions are given in the sections that follow.

Graded Work Weight
Pre-Class Assignments 10%
Quizzes 90%

17 Pre-Class Assignments

Homework is reading course material, learning definitions of terms and statements of facts and formulas, solving problems, checking your solutions, and following up on questions (see the Learning section above). Only a small bit of homework, called a "pre-class assignment", is graded. Before midnight on the day before each class meeting, except for days marked "Workshop" on the Course Calendar, you will show evidence of engagement with the text by submitting at least two vocabulary study items (terminology, facts, or formulas) for the text section(s) listed on the Course Calendar for the next day's class meeting. For each vocabulary item, give a definition of the term or a statement of the fact or formula using one or more complete sentences, and give an example that illustrates the term or fact. You may use any format that works best for you: physical notecards or sheets of paper, or electronic versions of these.

Good examples require careful reading and thought. Sometimes, even the simplest examples may take up more space that will easily fit on 3 by 5 inch notecard. In this case, just add another card. In the unusual circumstance that a text section has only one or perhaps even no new vocabulary items, just add another one or two items from other text sections (but do submit *new* cards that you have not previously submitted!) so that your total submission has at least two vocabulary items.

Here are some sample vocabulary notecards.

Pre-Class Assignment Submission Instructions

Submit pre-class assignments online on Canvas. All vocabulary items must be written using one or more complete sentences. Your work may be typed or written by hand. Your work must be submitted as a single pdf file, whether it is handwritten or typed (pdf scanning is a built-in utility for iphones and android phones). Work is not accepted late. There are no makeup assignments.

Pre-Class Assignments Standards and Grading

Pre-class assignments will be graded for preparation and completeness, not for correctness. Here is the rubric for graded pre-class assignments.

Graded Pre-Class Assignment Rubric
Category Description
Complete At least two vocabulary items are fully prepared: definitions and statements of facts are written using one or more complete sentences, and are readable. Each vocabulary item includes at least one illustrating example.
Partially complete One or more vocabulary items are not complete or some of the submission is not clear enough to be readable.
No credit Vocabulary items show no effort to use complete sentences, are unreadable, or are submitted after the deadline.

18 Quizzes

We will have a quiz with two or three problems at the beginning of class one day each week. Quiz problems are based on, but not limited to, the assigned reading and exercises.

The final quiz (required for some students for making up missed quizzes, optional for others) will take place during the final exam period. The final quiz will be up to twice as long as quizzes given before final exam week, with problems from the whole semester.

Quiz format and subject matter will be announced in advance; a summary page with quiz dates and subject matter will be maintained on the Canvas course homepage.

Quizzes: allowed resources

Quizzes: instructions

Quizzes: rules

Quizzes: Honor Pledge

Quizzes: grading

For full credit, quiz solutions must show not just final results, but also demonstrate with appropriate supporting work and using appropriate vocabulary that you understand the reasoning involved. Some solutions must be written in narrative form, using one or more complete sentences. Solutions will be graded not only for mathematical correctness, but for clarity of writing. Illegible work or a final answer given without supporting work shown receives no credit.

Here is the rubric for each quiz problem solution. Exceptions will be announced in advance.

Quiz Grading Rubric
Category Description
Complete and correct The solution is complete and correct, shows appropriate supporting work, and uses appropriate vocabulary. Calculations and logical reasoning are correct.
Substantive progress The solution shows understanding of facts, methods, and issues involved, but does not meet the description of "complete and correct".
Some progress The response shows plausible evidence that some aspect of the problem is grasped, but does not meet the description of "substantive progress".
No progress The response is blank, illegible, or shows no plausible evidence that some key aspect of the solution is grasped.

19 Makeup Assignments and Extra Credit

A makeup quiz will be given during the final exam period for anyone who has missed three or more quizzes before 4/7, or who has missed 1 or more quizzes after 4/7 (this applies to all missed quizzes, whether or not the missed quiz grade is excused; see the section "Attendance" regarding excused absences). The makeup quiz will be up to twice as long as quizzes given before final exam week.

A makeup comprehensive final exam will be given during the final exam period for anyone who has missed five or more quizzes before final exam week (this applies to all missed quizzes, whether or not the missed quiz grade is excused). The makeup comprehensive final exam covers all of the semester material. The makeup comprehensive final exam will count the same as the total of the missed quizzes.

Format and instructions for a makeup quiz or makeup comprehensive final exam will be announced in advance.

There are no makeup pre-class assignments. There are no extra credit assignments.

20 Letter Grades

Meaning of letter grades

According to the College Catalog, letter grades have the following meanings. 
   Letter Grade     Meaning
   ------------     ------
        A           excellent
        B           good
        C           satisfactory
        D           requirements and standards met at a minimum level
        F           course requirements not met
Standards for "excellent" and "good" (letter grades A and B) are high. In this course, your grade reflects your proficiency with the material. A good grade is not guaranteed by class attendance and performing the motions of homework; to earn an A or a B, you must demonstrate understanding that transcends mere rote familiarity.

Determination of letter grade

At the end of the semester, your final cumulative average is used to assign a letter grade. The scale used to convert cumulative averages to letter grades is based on the "standard 10 point scale" (A-,A,A+ for 90 to 100 percent range, B-,B,B+ for percentages in the 80's, C-,C,C+ for the 70's, etc.), but the scale may be adjusted, at the discretion of the instructor, so that the meanings of the letter grades fit the descriptions given in the previous section. Pluses and minuses are used to distinguish between the low, middle and high achievers within each letter grade category.

Note on mid-term grades: Pluses and minuses are not used for midterm grades.

21 Attendance

Class attendance is expected, but it is understood that sometimes there are reasonable circumstances for absence. For most students, there is no grade for attendance or participation (see the exception for "chronic absenteeism" below), but it is expected that each student will exercise good judgment for choosing to miss a class.

Absence from class may be excused, at the discretion of the instructor, for certain events planned in advance or for emergency or illness. Here is the procedure to follow if you wish to have an absence excused.

You will receive a grade of "Excused" for a quiz that you miss on a day when you have an excused absence. An "Excused" grade does not count for you or against you in your cumulative average. You will receive a grade of zero for a quiz that you miss on a day when you have an unexcused absence. Absence does not change the due date for pre-class assignments.

Policy for chronic absenteeism: Chronic unexcused absence has a negative impact on classroom learning. The instructor may elect to impose a grade deduction for each unexcused absence beyond the third. Communication will be made by email when this policy is in effect.

22 Class Engagement

The purpose of class meetings is to pursue understanding and proficiency with the course material. This requires mental presence, engagement with the subject, and participation. Class meetings presume respect, politeness, and kindness among all those in attendance. In consideration for the learning environment, please observe the following.

23 Collaboration versus Plagiarism

You are encouraged to collaborate with classmates and ask questions of the instructor or consult any source for homework. You must work hard to avoid plagiarism, which is presenting someone else's ideas or work as your own. The work you submit must be your own. Your writing must be your own voice and your own understanding. You must use proper academic citation for any material created by others. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense; penalties range from failing the course to expulsion from the college.

24 Honor Policy

It is expected that each student in this class will act with honesty and academic integrity. Instances of academic dishonesty will be pursued as described in the College Catalog and Student Handbook.

LVC Official Syllabus Material

25 LVC Policies and Statements

26 Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

[Quantitative Reasoning (QR) is a component of the Constellation LVC Core Curriculum. QR learning outcomes are addressed in course assignments and class activities. The following material is quoted from the LVC website and documents from Academic Affairs.]

QR Description: Reason about and solve quantitative problems from a wide array of contexts. Read, understand, and create arguments supported by quantitative evidence and clearly communicate those arguments using a variety of formats. Learn to make judgments and draw appropriate conclusions based on the quantitative analysis of data.

QR Criteria & Learning Outcomes