Math 111 - Math and Society

Instructor: Brian Lins
Class Times & Location: MWF 9:30-10:20 Bagby 106
Office Hours: See my weekly schedule, and also by appointment.

Announcements

(11/16) Here is a list of review problems for midterm 2.
(10/6) Take a look at the following student solutions to problem 4 on the midterm. Which solution do you think is most clear? Which is your favorite?
(9/27) The first writing project is due on Wednesday, October 13. Here are the instructions.
(9/24) Here is a list of review problems for midterm 1. I may add additional problems before the exam, so check here!

Textbooks

There are three books that we will be using for this course. The first two are required reading for the course. The last is a recommended textbook.

Required Reading: Zero, by Charles Seife.
Required Reading: Damned Lies and Statistics, by Joel Best.
Recommended Textbook: Schaum's Outline of Mathematics for Liberal Arts Majors, by Christopher Thomas.

Tentative Schedule

The schedule below is tentative, and may be subject to change. Changes will be announced in class, and you are responsible for knowing about any changes even if you miss the class when they are announced.

Weekly schedule & homework

Course Description

Math 111 will cover topics in number theory, geometry, probability and statistics, as well as applications of mathematics to society.

Attendance Policy

Attendance in this class is required. Repeated absences may result in a forced withdrawal from the course. You are responsible for any material you miss due to absence. Please let me know ahead of time if you know that you will not be able to attend class.

Course Materials

There are no required materials for the course, although a basic calculator capable of computing square roots is recommended for in class work and homework. Calculators will not be permitted on exams, however.

Grading Policy

The term grade will be based on the results of the workshops, examinations, quizzes, the course projects, and class participation.

Class Participation	5%
Workshops	25%
Quizzes & Projects	10%
Midterm 1	15%
Midterm 2	15%
Final Exam	30%

Exams

There will be two midterm exams and a cumulative final. The exams will be closed book and calculators are not permitted during the exams.

Quizzes

Quizzes may be given in this course to make sure that you understand the material and are keeping up with the work. Quizzes will be announced at least one class in advance, and you are responsible for being prepared for them.

Projects

There will be two or three class projects during this course. These may include an expository paper, a statistics project involving real data, or a group presentation.

Workshops

There is a saying that, "you learn math by doing math." This is very true! During most class periods you will be asked to solve problems as part of an in-class workshop. These workshops will be graded both on mathematical accuracy and on neatness and clarity. Workshops are the largest single factor other than the final exam in determining your final grade. The lowest workshop grade will be dropped from your final average. There are no make-up workshops. Please let me know in advance if you will be missing a class so that other arrangements can be made.

Special Accommodations

In compliance with the Hampden-Sydney College policy and equal access laws, I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be recommended for students with disabilities. Requests for academic accommodations are to be made at the beginning of the semester (except for unusual circumstances) so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Students are required to contact the Office of Academic Success in order to verify their eligibility for appropriate accommodations.