MAS 113 Mathematical Thinking 1 Fall 2023
Course Syllabus
last update: 2023-11-16
Course policies and calendar are subject to change, at the
discretion of the instructor.
Update Log:
11/16/2023 clarification for directions for writing assigments
Table of Contents
1 Course Description
2 Corequisite
3 Required Text(s) and Materials
4 Required Technology
5 Instructor
6 Class Meetings, Office Hours
7 Course Calendar
8 Quiz and Exam Dates
9 Reading and Problem List
10 Course Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes
Learning and Study
11 Learning
12 Portfolio
Grades and Other Policies
13 Graded Work
14 Reading Problems
15 Writing Assignments
16 Quizzes
17 Makeup Assignments and Extra Credit
18 Equivalent Instructional Activities
19 Letter Grades
20 Attendance
21 Class Engagement
22 Collaboration versus Plagiarism
23 Honor Policy
LVC Official Syllabus Material
24 LVC Policies and Statements
25 Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
1 Course Description
This course is an introduction to mathematical argument through problem
solving using basic tools. Topics include sets and functions, basic
facts about integers, and linear and exponential growth.
2 Corequisite
MAS 111
3 Required Text(s) and Materials
4 Required Technology
- PDF scanner app for your phone (or other device) for scanning
your work on one or more pages into single pdf file. Scan-to-pdf capability
is a built-in feature of Android and Apple phones; there are also
many free apps
- Canvas app for your phone (or other device) for submitting
your work
5 Instructor
David W. Lyons, Professor
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Lebanon Valley College
Email: lyons (at) lvc.edu
Phone: (717) 867-6081
Office: LYN 283H
6 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) to class meetings and to office hours.
7 Course Calendar
The course calendar is maintained on Canvas. All dates are subject to change.
8 Quiz and Exam Dates
Quiz dates are subject to change. Updates will be posted on Canvas.
Quiz Dates (tentative)
======================
Tuesdays 9/5 to 12/5
Final Exams (to be used if needed for makeup)
=============================================
Tue 12/12 12:30--15:00 MAS 113-02 (12:30 class)
Thu 12/14 12:30--15:00 MAS 113-01 (2pm class)
9 Reading and Problem List
Click this link for the
course Reading and Problem List.
10 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:
- demonstrate proficiency in reading skills
- demonstrate proficiency in analysis and problem solving skills
- demonstrate proficiency in clear, concise communication skills
Learning and Study
11 Learning
The process of reading, learning vocabulary, solving problems, and writing
is the only way to achieve real understanding and skills.
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.
12 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:
- Progress tracking sheet(s) (make a copy of the Reading and Problem
List that you can use for checking off the work you have completed)
- Vocabulary notecards or study sheets (here
are example notecards)
- Reading and class notes
- Solved problems
Your portfolio is an essential tool for learning; it is also an essential
instrument for diagnosis and improvement. Bring your portfolio to class
meetings and to office hours.
Grades and Other Policies
13 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
|
| Reading Problems
|
10% |
| Writing Assignments |
10% |
| Quizzes |
80% |
14 Reading Problems
The purpose of Reading Problems (see the
section "Reading and Problem List") is to
help you understand the material in the reading. You are not expected to
solve all of the Reading Problems perfectly, but you are expected to
try.
Reading Problems will be graded for preparation and completeness, not
for correctness. For full credit, all solutions must be written in
narrative form, using one or more complete sentences.
Submit Reading Problems online on Canvas. 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.
| Reading Problems Grade Rubric |
| Category |
Description |
| Complete |
All of the Reading Problems are attempted. Each solution shows
evidence that you have read the material and made a sincere
attempt to solve the problem. Each solution shows
evidence of your thinking and understanding.
|
| Partially complete |
One or more solutions are not complete or some of the
submission is not readable. |
| No credit |
Solutions show no effort to express the main ideas, are
unreadable, or are submitted after the deadline. |
15 Writing Assignments
Writing assignments must be typed and must use appropriate mathematical
symbols and typesetting conventions. Handwritten solutions will not be
accepted. Your writing assignment will be graded for correctness in the
following ways: for correct use of vocabulary and notation; for correct
logical flow in your argument; and for the correct final
conclusion(s).
Audience and sources. Write for a reader who is a fellow student
in this class. You may assume that the reader is familiar with all of
the definitions and facts stated in the course text(s), so you do not
have to repeat them in your writing. If you use any new definitions that
do not come from the course text(s), then you need to state them in your
writing. If you cite facts that are not stated in the course text(s),
then you need to prove them yourself in your writing, and your proof can
only use facts that are established in the course text(s).
The grading rubric for each written solution is the same
as for the "Quiz/Exam Grading
Rubric", with the addition of the following in the description for
all four rows except "No Progress".
The written solution is typed and uses appropriate mathematical
symbols and typesetting conventions.
16 Quizzes
We will have a short quiz at the beginning of class one day each week.
Quiz problems are based on, but not limited to, the assigned reading and
exercises. For each quiz, the format and subject matter will be
announced in advance.
We will use the final exam period for make up quizzes, if needed
(see "Makeup Assignments" below).
Quizzes: allowed resources
-
No consultation with any other person is allowed. The work you
submit must be your own.
-
No textbooks, no notes, no internet sources are allowed.
-
No sound playing devices are allowed during the quiz.
-
A calculator is required for quizzes. Graphing or business
calculators are allowed, but not required. You may not use a
calculator on your phone.
-
A phone with scanning software and Canvas upload software is
required for quizzes.
Quizzes: instructions
-
Quizzes begin promptly at the start of class. Exceptions will be
announced in advance.
-
Show supporting work for each problem that demonstrates how you found your answers.
-
Final answers with no supporting work shown receive no credit!
-
For problems labeled “DISCUSSION”, write your solution using
one or more complete sentences. Express the main idea of your
solution and use appropriate vocabulary from the text to demonstrate
your understanding.
-
When you are finished with the quiz, or when time is called, use
your phone to scan and upload your quiz to Canvas.
- After uploading your quiz to Canvas, CHECK your upload by logging in to
Canvas and viewing your uploaded file. Files that are not uploaded
correctly cannot be considered for grading.
Quizzes: rules
-
During the quiz, do not wear a brimmed hat or a hood or anything
that covers your eyes; you may wear a brimless hat or you may
keep wearing a ball cap if you turn the brim to the back.
-
Do not pick up your phone during the quiz.
-
If you finish before the time limit, you may scan and upload your quiz and leave the
classroom for a short break.
Quizzes: Honor Pledge
-
By checking and initialing the Pledge box at the top of the quiz, you
attest to the following statement:
-
"I have not given or received any unauthorized help on this
exam. This work is my own."
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
(marked by the label "DISCUSSION") 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 grading rubric for solutions to quiz problems.
| Quiz/Exam 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. |
17 Makeup Assignments and Extra Credit
A makeup quiz will be given during the final exam period for anyone
who has missed two or more quizzes before the last day of class, or who
has missed 1 or more of the last two quizzes before the last day of
class. This applies to all missed quizzes, whether or not the missed
quiz grade is excused; see the
section "Attendance" regarding excused
absences. The length of the makeup quiz will vary, depending on how many
have been missed.
Format and instructions for a makeup quiz will be announced in advance.
There are no makeup reading problem assignments. There are no extra credit assignments.
18 Equivalent Instructional Activities
In the event of a canceled class, work on your portfolio (see the
Portfolio Section). Making your portfolio more complete, more
thorough, and more clear is the best possible thing you can do to
replace missed class meeting time. This extra portfolio work will count in the category "Blogs and
Journals" in the "Equivalent Instructional Activities" document on the
web pages of the LVC Registrar.
19 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.
20 Attendance
Class attendance is expected, but it is understood that sometimes there
are reasonable circumstances for absence. 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.
- Send the instructor email notice of your absence as far as
possible in advance, with a complete
explanation for the purpose of your conflicting event.
- In the case of illness or emergency where advance
notice is not possible, send an email message as soon as it is
practically possible. Except for extreme circumstances, your email
notice is due by 5pm on the day of the absence. Collect
documentation (doctor's notes, etc)
and send them to the instructor by email.
You will receive a grade of "Excused" for any assignment 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 any assignment that you miss on a day when
you have an absence that is not excused.
There is no specific grade for attendance, and participation (see the
exception for "chronic absenteeism" below). However, attendance,
participation, and engagement will influence the letter grade assignment for a
cumulative average near a grade cutoff borderline (see
the Letter Grades section). For example, if
two students both have an 86% cumulative average, the student who has
shown consistent class attendance, participation, and engagement might receive a B+,
while a student who has several unexcused absences or low participation
might receive a B.
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.
21 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.
- No food is allowed during class.
- Use electronic devices only for engaging with the course
material. For example, note-taking, calculating, and looking up facts
related to the class discussion are positive activities; text
messaging, social media browsing, and web surfing are rude behaviors
that distract everyone from focusing.
- Except for emergencies, please do not leave the class meeting once class
begins. If you need to leave before the end of class, please inform
the instructor before class begins.
22 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.
23 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
24 LVC Policies and Statements
25 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
- Students will understand information presented in mathematical forms
(e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words), including the
ability to learn about and interpret unfamiliar quantitative structures.
- Students will convert relevant information into various mathematical
forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
- Students will make judgments and draw appropriate conclusions based on
the quantitative analysis of data, while recognizing the assumptions
used and other limits of the analysis.
- Students will clearly express the results of the interpretation,
representation, application, and analysis of quantitative information in
an effective format.
- Courses must have a significant and continuing focus on working with
quantitative arguments.