Spring 2012 Course Syllabus - Mathematics 2196.002

Course: Mathematics 2196.002.
Course Title: Basic Concepts of Math.
Time: TR 2 - 3:20 pm.
Place: BB 205.
Instructor: Reich, Daniel.
Instructor Office: 532 Wachman Hall.
Instructor Email: daniel.reich@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: 215-204-7636.
Course Web Page: http://www.math.temple.edu/~reich/2196s12
Office Hours: T 10:30-11:20.
Prerequisites: Math 1042 (0086), Calculus II, or equivalent transfer.
Textbook: Mathematical Proofs, A Transition to Advanced Mathematics (2nd ed); Chartrand, Polimeni, Zhang; Addison Wesley Publishing Co.
Course Goals: The object of this course is to introduce students to proofs and mathematical reasoning in the context of various mathematical topics.
Topics Covered: We will cover topics from set theory, logic, number theory and modern algebra, and consider a variety of methods of proof.
Course Grading: Your grade will be based on two (or three) exams and written homework assignments. Each will count for 1/3 (or 1/4) of your grade.
Exam Dates: The midterms will be scheduled approximately after the fifth and tenth weeks. The final exam schedule is to be determined.
Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend every class. If the student cannot attend a class for some justifiable reason, he or she is asked to contact the instructor before class if at all possible. More than one absence may negatively influence the student performance (and grade).
Homework: weekly homework sets.
Calculator Policy: numerical calculation only, where appropriate.

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible. Contact Disability Resources and Services at (215) 204-1280, 100 Ritter Annex, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here.

Students will be charged for a course unless a withdrawal form is processed by a registration office of the University by the Drop/Add deadline date given below. For this semester, the crucial dates are as follows:

• The first day of classes is Tuesday, January 17.
• The last day to drop/add (tuition refund available) is Monday, January 30.
• Spring recess is the week of Sunday, March 4.
• The last day to withdraw (no refund) is Monday, March 20.
• The last day of classes is Monday, April 30.

During the first two weeks of the fall or spring semester or summer sessions, students may withdraw from a course with no record of the class appearing on the transcript. In weeks three through nine of the fall or spring semester, or during weeks three and four of summer sessions, the student may withdraw with the advisor's permission. The course will be recorded on the transcript with the instructor's notation of "W," indicating that the student withdrew. After week nine of the fall or spring semester, or week four of summer sessions, students may not withdraw from courses. No student may withdraw from more than five courses during the duration of his/her studies to earn a bachelor's degree. A student may not withdraw from the same course more than once. Students who miss the final exam and do not make alternative arrangements before the grades are turned in will be graded F.

The grade I (an "incomplete") is reserved for extreme circumstances. It is necessary to have completed almost all of the course with a passing average and to file an incomplete contract specifying what is left for you to do. To be eligible for an I grade you need a good reason and you should have missed not more than 25% of the first nine weeks of classes. If approved by the Mathematics Department chair and the CST Dean's office, the incomplete contract must include a default grade that will be used in case the I grade is not resolved within 12 months.