MAS 311 Real Analysis Fall 2023
Course Syllabus

last update: 2023-11-16

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

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 Exam Dates
  10 Reading and Problem List
  11 Course Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes

Learning and Study

  12 Learning
  13 Portfolio

Grades and Other Policies

  14 Graded Work
  15 Reading Problems
  16 Writing Assignments
  17 Exams
  18 Makeup Assignments, Makeup Exams, and Extra Credit
  19 Equivalent Instructional Activities
  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 studies the theoretical foundations of single variable calculus. Topics include: sequences and series of numbers; basic topology of the real numbers; limits and continuity; sequences and series of functions; the derivative; and the Riemann integral.

2 Prerequisites

MAS 202

3 Requirements Met

  Credit Hours: 3

4 Required Text(s) and Materials

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) to class meetings and to office hours.

8 Course Calendar

The course calendar is maintained on Canvas. All dates are subject to change.

9 Exam Dates

Exam dates are subject to chanage. Updates will be posted on Canvas. 
  Wed  9/27 Exam Chapters 1,2
  Fri 10/27 Exam Chapters 3,4
  Mon 11/27 Exam Chapters 5,6
  Mon 12/11    FINAL EXAM  15:30−−18:00

10 Reading and Problem List

Click this link for the course Reading and Problem List.

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.

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.

13 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: 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

14 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 20%
Exams 50%
Final Exam 20%

15 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.

16 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.

17 Exams

Exam problems are based on, but not limited to, the assigned reading and exercises. Exam format, subject matter, and rules will be announced in advance. The final exam will be comprehensive, including material from the entire course. In keeping with College policy, the final exam can only be taken at the officially scheduled time during final exams week.

For full credit, exam solutions must show not just final results, but also demonstrate with appropriate supporting work and using appropriate vocabulary that you understand the reasoning involved. 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.

No music listening devices or electronics with wireless or network capabilities (computers, phones, etc.) are allowed during exams. No hats with brims are allowed during quizzes or exams. If you need to leave the classroom during an exam, you must leave your cell phone at the instructor's desk in the front of the room.

Here is the grading rubric for solutions to exam 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.

18 Makeup Assignments, Makeup Exams, and Extra Credit

There are no makeup assignments, makeup exams, or extra credit assignments.

19 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.

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. 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 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.

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