Math 107-OL Course Syllabus Spring 2010

Instructor: Carlea McAvoy E-Mail: cmcavoy@spscc.ctc.edu

Phone: (360) 596-5573 Voice Mail only – e-mail for a quicker response
Office: 35-359 Hours: T Th 10am to 12pm Wed 12 to 1pm and 4:30 to 5:30pm Mon & Fri by
appointment

This Math for Liberal Arts class will cover parts of the first 14 chapters of the book Mathematical
Ideas 11th edition (expanded) by Miller, Heeren, and Hornsby. (ISBN: 0321508246) While there are no
scheduled class meetings, there are deadlines for the assignments and tests. Those deadlines are listed on the
pages below and in the academic calendar so make sure you read this entire document.

Required Materials:
Textbook:(Recommended by not required) Mathematical Ideas 11th edition (Expanded) by Fill Miller,
Heeren, and Hornsby. (ISBN: 0321508246) Some students feel that they do not need the book. That is up to
you – there are tutorials a the mathxl site, but some students feel the textbook is useful.
Supplemental Materials: Course Access Code for MathXL. If you don’t already have a code, you can
purchase it at www.mathxl.com. When you get to the MathXL website you need to register in:
10SP Math 107 Course Code XL0H-91RI-101Y-95O2

Communication:
You should e-mail me at my campus address (cmcavoy@spscc.ctc.edu) I will send out e-mails to you from
the mathxl and WAOL websites. Please make sure that your e-mail address is updated there, and check the
site to see details about the units due. http://angel.waol.org/default.asp
Although many of your assignments can be submitted on-line, some may have to be mailed to me or dropped
off (Building 35 room 359) on-campus. The mailing address is:
Carlea McAvoy
C/o South Puget Sound Community College
2011 Mottman Rd. SW
Olympia, WA 98512
Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope it you want your materials returned to you by mail. You
may arrange to pick-up your materials from my office as well.
The units that have to be done on campus or at an approved testing site are, the midterm and final exam. All
other work can be completed and submitted on-line. The midterm and final exam have a 2 and a half hour
time limit and are open note tests (2 pages front and back handwritten notes but no books) and calculators are
allowed. All of the tests must be passed with a grade of 70% or better to receive credit.

When you e-mail me, please include your name and the course you are enrolled in as part of your subject
line. i.e.) Sandee Woods 107OL
With the amount of SPAM out there, your e-mail may be deleted if it is not labeled correctly.
Even with your name in the subject line, you should still include your name on every document you submit
to me via e-mail, snail mail, or in the digital drop box.

Your Grade:
Your grade is based on the number of units that you successfully complete. Successful completion of a unit
is a “Pass” on papers and projects, and a grade of 70% or better on homework, quizzes (70% overall), and
tests (70% on each test).
Here is a breakdown of the units needed for each grade:
Letter Grade Units Required
A 14 units out of a total of 16 units (Must include the midterm and the final exam)
A- 13 units out of a total of 16 units (Must include the midterm and the final exam)
B+ 12 units out of a total of 16 units (Must include the midterm or the final exam)
B 11 units out of a total of 16 units (Must include the midterm or the final exam)
B- 10 units out of a total of 16 units (Must include the midterm or the final exam)
C+ 9 units out of a total of 16 units
C 8 units out of a total of 16 units
D+ 7 units out of a total of 16 units
F Less than seven units out of a total of 16 units
Unit Descriptions:
You should choose which of these units you plan to complete and note the due dates. These units may be
submitted early, but not after the due dates unless by instructor permission. All units that are mailed to me
must be postmarked by the due date.

Movie Review: (1unit) The student will watch one of the movies listed on the movie review sheet, and write
1 - 2 page paper discussing the topic suggested by the instructor, or another topic as approved by the instructor.
See Academic Calendar for due dates

Problem Solving Packet: (1.5 units) The student will correctly solve 30 of the 45 problems contained in the
problem solving packet posted on the website. Answers can be submitted on line with no partial credit, or submitted to
me (by mail) with work shown for possible partial credit. See Academic Calendar for due dates

Mathematician Papers: (1 unit) The student will be given 2 mathematicians to write about upon request. You
will write a 1 page paper on each in the format described at the website. These will be posted for other students to
read, and the math history test will be based on these submissions. See Academic Calendar for due dates

Homework #1: (1.5 units) Problems from the first part of the book are posted in three sections at the MathXL
website. You must complete 70% of each section to receive credit for this unit. This is a great way to stay on top of
the sections being covered and there are built in tutorials at the site to help you understand the material. The problems
posted on-line do not come from your textbook and doing these along with your own studying will allow you to know
the material on the midterm. See Academic Calendar for due dates

Practice Midterm: (1 unit) This test covers the first part of the book and reflects the same materials covered on
the midterm exam. This is a great chance to review for the midterm and earn a unit as well. The test is posted on-line
at the WAOL site under “ASSIGNMENTS” See Academic Calendar for due dates

Midterm Exam: (2 units) This covers the first half of the class, which is reflected in Homework #1. You must
take the test on campus or at an approved testing site near your home and get at least a 70%. You should take the
Practice Midterm as the best way to prepare. See Academic Calendar for due dates

Weekly Activities: (1 unit) There are a variety of weekly activities to complete. They vary greatly in difficulty
and the amount of time that they will take. Some of them are posted at the WAOL website and some are at MathXL
site. You only need to do one version of each to earn credit. You must complete them correctly to receive credit.
There are 9 activities and you must complete 7 of them to earn the unit. I do not really care what order you complete
the activities, just so you turn in one a week. One due every Friday

Math History Test: (1 unit) This test covers the mathematician papers submitted by you and your peers. This will
be taken on-line and is posted at the WAOL website. See Academic Calendar for due dates

Weekly Quizzes: (1.5 units) There are 8 quizzes, which cover the chapters you will be studying. You will work on
these at the MATHXL website. You need to average 70% overall on these 8 quizzes to earn the unit. You can
attempt each quiz twice and the best score will be recorded. You can prepare for these quizzes by completing the
homework assignments One due every Sunday

Homework #2: (1.5 units) Three different problem sets from parts of the end of the book are listed at the
MATHXL website. You must complete at least 70% of each section to receive credit for this unit.
See Academic Calendar for due dates

Practice Final Exam: (1 unit) This test covers the same chapters as the second set of homework and reflects
the same materials covered on the final exam. This is the best way to review for the final and earn a unit as well. The
test is posted on-line under “ASSIGNMENTS” See Academic Calendar for due dates

Final Exam: (2 units) This covers the second half of the class, which is reflected in Homework #2. You must take
the test on campus (or with a proctor near your home) and get at least a 70%. I suggest you take the Practice Final as
the best way to prepare. See Academic Calendar for due dates

Ensuring Success:
This class is probably very different than any other math class you have ever taken. You can access free tutoring
provided on campus in building 22, room 222. The best way to understand the material is to work on the homework
problems posted at the MATHXL. You can also e-mail your questions to me. I have posted extra explanations at the
WAOL website under Course Documents. Your best resource is to study with another student who is enrolled in the
class.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

TIME LIMITATIONS
Courses must be completed as outlined in the enclosed syllabus for your particular class. If you are unable to finish
within the time frame indicated an extension might be arranged with the instructor’s permission. If an extension is
needed, contact the instructor directly.

APPOINTMENTS FOR TAKING TESTS/EXAMS

Testing is scheduled by appointment only with the Correspondence Testing Office at (360) 754-7711, ext. 4298.
Appointments must be made a minimum of 24 business hours in advance. (calls or e-mails on weekends may delay
your exams). Testing is held two evenings per week, on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00pm-9:00pm. You may
start a test at any time between the specified hours; however, testing ends promptly at 9:00pm. We cannot
accommodate “walk-ins.” You are required to present picture identification each time you take a test.

When scheduling a test, you must provide the following:: Your name (be sure to spell it out), your daytime phone
number, the course name and number, which test (mid-term,or final), and the day and date you wish to take the
test. Please be sure to speak slowly and clearly when leaving a message on the Automated Correspondence Test
Mailbox. You may e-mail the testing center to request a testing time at testingcenter@spscc.ctc.edu You may also
schedule your test online by going to: www.spscc.ctc.edu click on current student,student-services,testing,
correspondence-testing, and then click on the e-mail link provided. Be sure to include ALL of the required
information listed above in your e-mail as well. Failure to do so may delay your testing session.

PLEASE NOTE; NO ONE will call you back if you use the automated phone system, however, we will e-mail testing
confirmations to students who use the online option for scheduling. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A TEST
DURING REGULAR TESTING TIMES, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR TO MAKE ALTERNATE
ARRANGEMENTS.
Testing Location
Testing locations vary each quarter. Check the testing website to confirm location.
• Mondays - Bldg 25 Testing Center (Room 126)
• Thursdays - Bldg 22 (Room 206), 1rst and 3rd Thursdays only.
• Any last minute changes will be posted on the outside doors of Bldg. 25 (Student Services)

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
If you do homework that is not at the mathxl website, you should deliver or mail completed assignments directly to
the instructor. If you would like your assignments returned via mail, be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped
envelope with each assignment submitted. Make a photocopy of each assignment submitted. The instructor will not
assume responsibility for assignments not received or lost in the mail.
GRADES
Letter grades will be awarded unless previous arrangements have been made with the instructor. If an "I" (incomplete)
is given and is not removed by the end of the following quarter, the "I" will become an "F.” Contact the Enrollment
Services Office for further information at (360) 754-7711, ext 5241.
DROPPING THE COURSE
You must contact the Enrollment Services Office to officially withdraw from a correspondence class. To receive a
100% refund, you must drop a class by the 5th day of the quarter. If you have any questions, contact Enrollment
Services Office at 754-7711, ext. 5241.
STUDENT SERVICES
Students enrolled in correspondence courses have access to all the services offered at this college
including, career counseling and information, campus activities and financial aid assistance.

Correspondence courses maintain the same quality of instruction as those taught through the regular lecture/lab
method. Often the same instructor teaches both the regular and correspondence sections. We encourage students to
establish and maintain a one-to-one relationship with the instructor.

If you have additional questions, contact the Correspondence Testing Office at (360) 754-7711, ext. 4298 or e-
mail testingcenter@spscc.ctc.edu.

CORRESPONDENCE TESTING CALENDAR

SPRING QUARTER 2010

First Day of Instruction Apr 5 M
First Evening of Testing April 12 M
Student Advising Day (no day classes) May 13 TH
Memorial Day (Holiday - all staff, no classes) May 31 M
Last Day of Instruction June 14 M
Final Examination Days June 15-21 T-M
Last Evening for Testing June 21 M
Graduation June 18 F
Faculty Day None listed
QUARTER BREAK Students: June 22 - June 25

Testing Alternatives:
For the winter you can contact me at (cmcavoy@spscc.ctc.edu) to schedule a proctored exam during the
weekdays. Also you may take the test near your house if you cannot come to campus. You must find a
testing site near your home that will be approved by your instructor. Contact me for details.
I will be giving the final exam Saturday June 19th from 10am to 2pm. Contact me to schedule an
appointment for that day.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to methods of thought in mathematics. Surveys the history of mathematics to reveal the multi-cultural and
international nature of mathematics. Other topics chosen from: Problem-solving strategies, logic, sets, number, theory, geometry, probability and
statistics, functions and graphs, axiomatic systems.
PREREQUISITE: MATH 099 or appropriate CPT result.
I. COLLEGE-WIDE ABILITIES:
Evaluate and process quantitative and symbolic data.
II. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

A. Demonstrate an understanding of mathematical inference;
B. Reach a level at which he/she can enjoy at least some mathematics;
C. Apply some mathematics – especially logic – to other academic subjects and to ordinary life;
D. Report an increased appreciation of the multi-cultural and international nature of mathematics;
E. Discuss the basic concepts of at least three (3) areas of mathematics in addition to the algebra of real numbers.

IV. COURSE CONTENT: TOPICS CHOSEN FROM THE FOLLOWING

A. Problem solving strategies

Inductive reasoning vs. deductive reasoning

Number Patterns
Polya’s Problem Solving process

B. Logic

Propositional Calculus
Circuits
Predicate Calculus
Analyzing Arguments

C. Sets

Basic Concepts
Set Operations and Venn Diagrams
The Set of Integers
Mathematical Induction
Other Sets of Numbers
Infinite Cardinal Numbers
Cantor’s Continuum Hypothesis

D. Axiomatic Systems

“Toy” Systems
Groups
Modular arithmetic
(Arithmetic in bases other than 10
Peano’s Axioms
Consistency and Completeness
Godel’s Incompleteness Theorem

E. Geometry and graph theory

Euclidean vs. non-Euclidean geometry

Fractals
Euler and Hamiltonian circuits

F. Functions and Graphs

The Cartesian Coordinate System

Linear, Quadratic and Exponential Functions and their Applications, particularly to finance

G. Probability and Statistics

Counting Methods
Probability
Descriptive Statistics
Inferential Statistics

H. History of Mathematics
I.
Egyptian and Babylonian Period
Greek Period
 Hindu and Arabian Period
Period of Transmission
Modern Period

J. Multicultural Roots of Mathematics

Pre-Columbian America
Africa
China
India

K. Voter Apportionment Methods