Mathematics 142, Spring 2012

Calculus II



Course DescriptionCourse Information Daily Schedule

 

Information about Math 142

Instructor: Chris Storm (cstorm@adelphi.edu)
Post Hall 208
877-4494
Office hours: MWF: 9:30 - 11; W: 3:15 - 3:45; F: 1:15 - 2:15

Do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail for purposes of asking questions, making comments, or setting up meetings.

Class Meetings: MWF 12:00 - 1:10 in HHE 218

Moodle: Course materials and access to the online homework system WebWork are through the course's Moodle site. Moodle can be accessed by logging into eCampus.

Departmental Learning Goals:

Homework: Practice is a primary component of the mathematical learning process; thus homework problems will be assigned on a daily basis. But beyond just providing practice, the problems I assign are meant to extend and deepen the understanding you have gained from the reading and the class period. The problems are not always easy, but the thought that goes into them always pays off in the long run.

All of this means that much of the learning you do will be done outside of the classroom, but it doesn't mean that when class is dismissed you are on your own. I strongly recommend that you start on the homework as soon after class is over as possible. That way, if (when?) you get stuck on an assignment you can come to see me and get help before it is due.

Grading: Your final grade will be weighted as follows:

25% Online Homework
20% Midterm 1 Feb 24
20% Midterm 2 Apr 6
30% Final Exam TBA
5% Best Exam Score

Your letter grade for the course will be determined from your numeric grade (based upon the above weightings) as follows:

If your numeric grade is above 959088828078727060
your letter grade will be at least AA-B+BB-C+CC-D

The cut-off points for assigning letter grades will depend on the distribution of final numeric grades. Your final letter grade may be higher than the grade indicated above, but it will not be lower.

Calculator Policy: Calculators (or other electronic devices) are not allowed during examinations. Exams will be written so that they are not necessary.

Resources for help:Prof. Storm is the primary source for help with the course. Do not hesitate to ask questions in or out of class.

And please don't consider office hours to be a resource of last resort. I consider them to be a part of the course like any other, and many of my best students have been 'regulars' in office hours. There is much that I can do for you in a one-to-one situation that I simply cannot do in a group setting. You should take advantage of the fact that I am easily available to help you outside of class.

The office hours listed above are times in which I am guaranteed to be in my office to work with you. I also maintain an open door policy. You're welcome to come by my office at any time to see if I'm in. As long as I don't have something pressing, I will be happy to talk with you, even if it's not office hours. If I do have something that can't wait, I will let you know what time I'll be free.

In addition to seeing me in-person in my office, I check e-mail fairly frequently (particularly during the day). I will always respond to math questions that you send me (though I may respond with a question of my own or an observation or request for clarification). If you e-mail me in the evening, I may not be able to reply that night but will almost always reply the following morning. I definitely want to hear from you, so don't hesitate to contact me!

Other students in your class can also be a source of help. Having a classmate with whom to work and talk regularly about classwork is a well-known factor in improving performance in calculus. You need not look for a student who "knows more" than you do. This arrangement works best for both partners if the students who are working together are well matched in ability and background. In addition, the Mathematics department hires tutors who are able to help students in calculus (and other) courses. The times in which the tutors are available will be announced as I know them.

Academic Honor Principle:
On exams: No help is to be given or received.
On homework: Collaboration on homework is permitted and encouraged. It is a great idea to talk about the problems with each other and try to solve them together. However, for the online homework problems, you must input your own solutions and are responsible for knowing how you arrived at the answers you input.

Students' Religious Observances: Some students may wish to take part in religious observances that occur during this academic term. If you have a religious observance that conflicts with your participation in the course, please meet with your instructor before the end of the second week of the term to discuss appropriate accommodations.

Disabilities: Students with disabilities are encouraged to speak with the professor about accommodations to produce an accessible learning environment.