2024 Spring Course Syllabus - Mathematics 0701.001

Course: Mathematics 0701.001.

Course Title: Basic Mathematics for the World Today.

Credits: 4.

How this course will be taught: In person classes and instruction.

Time: MWF 10:40-11:50.

Place: Wachman 016.

Instructor: Sherry L. Teti.

Instructor Office: Wachman 1034.

Instructor Email: sherry.teti@temple.edu

Instructor Phone: Please use email address miriam1@temple.edu.

Office Hours: MWF 1:45-2:45.

Prerequisites: The student should have a working knowledge of basic computational mathematics.

Course Materials: Foundation of Mathematics learning materials must be purchased from the platform of Lumen Learning OHM. Further instructions are supplied on the canvas course section syllabus page. Students should have a scientific calculator and all needed writing materials such as paper and pencil. A personal laptop is suggested for classroom use.

Course Goals: Communication, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning skills are to be strengthened. The ability to perform the executive reasoning skill of evaluation of solution methods is to be fostered. The ability to use proper technology to demonstrate these goals, is also key.

Topics Covered: Numeracy, the evaluation of algebraic expressions, the solving of linear equations, the analysis of linear models and various graphs, proportions and precentages, the representations of functions, and the understanding of exponential models; these main topics are stressed. Students should be able to compare, estimate, and quantitatively analyze all real number amounts. Ratios should be used to set up proportion applications, connecting to the understanding of percentage problems. As learning outcomes, the student will demonstrate mastery of all listed topics and the ability to use them as applied to real world situations. Applications to fields such as biology, medicine, finance, business, and media information, are to be explored.

Course Grading: The course grade is calculated by the following weighted mean of categories: Homework 15%, Participation 15%, Tests 45%, and the Final Exam 25%. Of note, the lowest test grade is dropped and each test is worth 15%. The letter grade scale is as follows: A 94-100; A- 90-93; B+ 87-89; B 84-86; B- 80-83; C+ 77-79; C 74-76; C- 70-73; D+ 67-69; D 64-66; D- 60-63; F 59 and below.

Exam Dates: Test 1: 2/9 Test 2: 3/1 Test 3: 3/29 Test 4: 4/19 The cumulative Final Exam is scheduled for 5/3 10:30-12:30. The school registrar will update information concerning the Final Exam, during the term.

Attendance Policy: Regular in person class attendance is required. If four or more classes are missed, the class grade may be lowered by one letter grade.

Attendance and Your Health: To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to your instructors' requirements. However, if you feel unwell or if you are under quarantine or in isolation because you have been exposed to the virus or tested positive for it, you should not come to campus or attend in-person classes or activities. Students have the responsibility to contact their instructors to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as they are able to do so and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion when illness delays their completion.

Homework: Preview and Practice Assignments are to be completed online via canvas. Their purpose is to reinforce concepts and to also review for lessons. These are within the Lumen Learning platform.

Participation: Participation, Discussion, and Attendance: During class, students work cooperatively in groups on interactive learning activities. Students also are asked to discuss various mathematical topics.

Make Up Policy: If an exam is missed, an email should be sent to the instructor within 24 hours. Documentation of the problem or emergency should be supplied. In particular, this policy applies to the Final Exam.

Individual Appointments: Outside of office hours, individual student appointments with the instructor, may also be scheduled. Ideally, a few days notice should be supplied. Generally, appointments are in-person, but zoom meetings are also possible as well.

Classroom Climate: Cellphones should not be used to compete with class lectures. Excessive side conversations should not occur during class. The atmosphere should be one of mutual respect.

Disability Statement: Any student who has a need for accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability or medical condition should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) in Howard Gittis Student Center South, Rm 420 (drs@temple.edu; 215-204-1280) to request accommodations and learn more about the resources available to you. If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with me, or you would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact me as soon as practical. I will work with you and with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential.

Academic Freedom: 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 (opens in new tab/window).

Add/Drop Policy: Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates.

During the Drop/Add period, students may drop a course with no record of the class appearing on their transcript. Students are not financially responsible for any courses dropped during this period. In the following weeks prior to or on the withdrawal date students may withdraw from a course with the grade of "W" appearing on their transcript. After the withdrawal date students may not withdraw from courses. Check the University Calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).

AI Policy: The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc.) is not permitted in this class unless specifically announced for a particular assignment; therefore, any use of AI tools for work in this class may be considered a violation of Temple University's Academic Honesty policy and Student Conduct Code, since the work is not your own. The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in a grade of zero on the assignment; a second offense will be reported to the Student Conduct Board.

Incomplete Policy: The grade "I" (an "incomplete") is only given if students cannot complete the course work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is necessary for the student to have completed the majority of the course work with a passing average and to sign an incomplete contract which clearly states what is left for the student to do and the deadline by which the work must be completed. The incomplete contract must also include a default grade that will be used in case the "I" grade is not resolved by the agreed deadline. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).

Student Support Services: The following academic support services are available to students (all links open in a new tab/window):
    The Math Consulting Center
    Student Success Center
    University Libraries
    Undergraduate Research Support
    Career Center
    Tuttleman Counseling Services
    Disability Resources and Services
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs.