MAS 113 Mathematical Thinking 1 Fall 2024
Course Syllabus
David W. Lyons, Professor
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Lebanon Valley College
Email: lyons (at) lvc.edu
Phone: (717) 867-6081
Office: LYN 283H
last update: 2024-12-02
Course policies and calendar are subject to change, at the
discretion of the instructor.
Table of Contents
Course Information
1 Course Description
2 Required Text, Reading and Exercises List
3 Required Technology
4 Course Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes
5 Course Calendar
Learning and Study
6 Learning
7 Study Strategies
8 Portfolio
Graded Work
9 Grade Components
10 Graded Exercises
11 Class Participation
12 Writing Assignments
13 Quizzes
Course Policies
14 Makeup Assignments and Extra Credit
15 Letter Grades
16 Attendance
17 Class Engagement
18 Collaboration versus Plagiarism
19 Academic Honesty Policy
20 Equivalent Instructional Activities
21 LVC Policies and Statements
Course Information
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.
Credits: 1
Co-requisite: MAS 111
Prerequisite(s): (none)
2 Required Text, Reading and Exercises List
Graded Exercises
Reading Checkpoint Exercise
------- ---------- --------
1.1a 1,2,3 1
1.1b 5,6 2
1.2a 3,5 1
1.2b 2,3,4
1.3a 1,5,7,8,10
1.3b 1,2,3,4,5,6
1.4 1,2 1,2
1.5.1 1,2,3
1.5.2a 4,6 1,2,3
1.5.2b 4,5,6
1.5.3 3,4,5,6
1.5.4a 1,2,3,4
1.5.4b 5,6,7
a,b = section split over two class meetings
3 Required Technology
- PDF scanner app for your phone (or other device) for scanning
your work on one or more pages into a 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
4 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
5 Course Calendar
Dates, times, and locations for all meetings and assignments are kept up
to date in two places. See the Instructor's
Schedule for the following information.
- Meeting times and locations for classes
- Location and times for office hours
- Professor contact information
- Dates and times for final exams
See the Canvas calendar for the rest.
- Assignment due dates
- Quiz and Exam dates
All dates are subject to change.
Learning and Study
6 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).
- BEFORE class. Read the text material indicated on the
course calendar. Write solutions to Graded Exercises
(see the "Reading and
Exercises" list above) and submit them to Canvas. Note your questions, problems, and
difficulties. In the reading, where, precisely, do you have
trouble understanding? With the problems, what, precisely, is
obstructing you from completing a solution?
- AFTER class. Review text material from previous class
meetings. Make vocabulary study cards (or study lists)
for terminology, facts, and formulas; make sure your
study card list is complete. Solve and check solutions
to all of the remaining problems in the "Reading and
Exercises" list above.
- BEFORE each quiz. Assess your progress and
proficiency. Have you addressed all the questions and
difficulties noted previously? Rehearse vocabulary using the
cards or lists you have prepared. Practice solving problems
using a timer. Follow up on any questions or gaps that remain.
- AFTER each quiz. Assess (again!) your progress and
proficiency. Rework and check solutions to all
quiz problems for which you received less than
full credit. Follow up (again!) on any questions
or gaps that remain.
7 Study Strategies
- Plan for two hours of study outside of class for each hour of class.
- Keep an organized paper binder or electronic notebook with reading notes, homework solutions, and
class notes (see the Portfolio section
below). Mark your questions clearly with sticky notes or some
other device and follow up every question, either in class
or in office hours, until you gain understanding.
- After reading, summarize the material in your own words.
- Use flash cards or lists to learn
vocabulary. Write each term on one side of a card. Write a definition
(using complete sentences, not sentence fragments) and an example on
the back of the card.
- To prepare for quizzes and exams, do the following, beginning some
days to a week in advance.
- Make an outline of course topics and problem types.
- Memorize vocabulary, including examples.
- Work and check solutions to problems from previous quizzes, exams,
and homework.
- If clock management during exams is an issue, practice working a few
exam style problems once a week with a timer running.
- If test anxiety has a negative effect on your performance, here
is some advice.
- Do not become sleep deprived. Trading sleep for study time is
counterproductive.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise every day. Eating poorly and
lack of physical activity reduce your mental abilities.
8 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 Exercises 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 exercises
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.
Graded Work
9 Grade Components
Your cumulative average is determined by graded work in the categories
listed below with the indicated weights. Due dates are shown on
Canvas. Details and instructions are given in the sections that follow.
Graded Exercises 5%
Class Participation 5%
Writing Assignments 20%
Quizzes 70%
10 Graded Exercises
Graded Exercises (see the "Reading and Exercises" list
above) are chosen to help understand the material in the
reading. You are not expected to solve all of the Graded Exercises
perfectly, but you are expected to try. Graded Exercises will be graded
for preparation and completeness, not for correctness. For full credit,
all solutions must show evidence that you have read the material and
must show evidence of your thinking and understanding.
Submit Graded Exercises 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.
| Graded Exercises Grading Rubric |
| Category |
Description |
| Complete |
All of the assigned Graded Exercises 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. |
11 Class Participation
There are two ways that class participation counts towards your
grade. One is attendance (see the "Attendance"
section) and the other is in-class presentations of solutions to problems.
The rotation schedule for presentations and which problems you will
present will be announced in advance. Presentations will be graded for effort and
completeness, but not for correctness. Here is the presentation grading rubric.
| Class Presentation Grading Rubric |
| Category |
Description |
| Complete |
A presentation is fully prepared in a
way that shows a good faith effort to thoroughly complete the
assignment.
|
| Partially complete |
A presentation that should have been thoroughly prepared is not fully complete or shows
little effort. |
| No credit |
A problem solution is not prepared or is not presented. |
Here is the grading rubric for class participation.
| Class Participation Grading Rubric |
| Category |
Description |
| Complete |
No unexcused absences or incomplete presentations
|
| Nearly complete |
One unexcused absence or incomplete presentation
|
| Less complete |
The total number of unexcused absences and incomplete
presentations is more than one |
| Chronically incomplete |
The total number of unexcused absences and incomplete
presentations is three or more |
12 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 state them and prove them yourself in your
writing. Otherwise, your proof can
only use facts that are established in the course text(s).
Acknowledgments. If you consult with anyone besides the
instructor, or if you use any source besides the course textbook in
the process of developing your solution or helping with your writing,
it is proper academic form to acknowledge these people and sources at the end of your
writing assignment.
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.
13 Quizzes
We will have a 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.
The final exam period may be used for one last quiz. The final exam
period will also be used for any needed makeup quizzes;
see the "Makeup Assignments" policy below. Whether and how
the final exam period will be used will be announced near the end of
the semester.
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
-
No consultation with any other person is allowed. The work you
submit must be your own.
-
No books, no notes, no computers, no phone.
- Phones are allowed only for scanning your finished quiz.
- No calculator is allowed.
- No earbuds, no air pods, no headphones.
- No hat brims or other clothing that covers the eyes.
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 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.
Solutions to problems marked "DISCUSSION" are written
using one or more complete sentences.
|
| 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. |
Course Policies
14 Makeup Assignments and Extra Credit
A makeup quiz will be given during the final exam period for anyone
who has two or more excused quizzes before the last day of class, or who
has 1 or more of the last two quizzes excused before the last day of
class. The length of the makeup quiz may vary, depending on how many
have been missed.
Format and instructions for a makeup quiz will be announced in advance.
There are no makeups for quizzes that were missed during unexcused
absence(s). There are no makeups for graded exercises. There are no extra credit assignments.
15 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 cumulative course 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.
16 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
due to 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.
17 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.
- Please put your phone away and out of sight during class.
- Laptop computers and tablet devices are allowed, but only for accessing the course
text(s) and for taking notes.
- 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.
18 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.
19 Academic Honesty Policy
It is expected that each student in this class will act with honesty and
academic integrity. Procedures for instances of academic dishonesty are
described in the College Catalog.
20 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.
21 LVC Policies and Statements