MA 100: Quantitative Reasoning

Summer 2013

Instructor: John Perry
Office: Southern Hall, 317C
Office Hours: MTWThF 1-3p
Office Phone: 601⋅266⋅5505
Email: john.perry@usm.edu
Instructor's web page: http://www.math.usm.edu/perry/
Class web page: http://www.math.usm.edu/perry/mat100sm13/
Class meeting time and locations: MWF 11⋅20a-12⋅50p, SH 303

Text: Mathematical Ideas (twelfth edition), by Miller, Hereen, and Hornsby, published by Pearson/Addison Wesley, 2013.

Course Description: Topics in set theory, logic, counting, probability, statistics, and financial management.

Prerequisite: One of the following:

• “C” or better in MAT 099 (Intermediate Algebra)
• ACT math subscore ≥20

Grading policies

Grading: The semester grade will be determined by a weighted average, with the weights listed below. At any point during the semester, you may determine your standing by computing your grade. This can be done by multiplying the average for each category by the category's weight, then adding the product in each category. See me if you would like this shown to you.

Grades are awarded according to the following tableaux:

There is no curve.

Late Assignments: Any assignment turned in past the specified due date and time will receive a grade lowered by one letter grade for each school day late.

Attendance: I give a grade for your attendance (see the grading policy). Missing class, or reporting to class late, directly affects your grade. Carefully read the college policy on attendance. Students are responsible for all material missed when absent from class.

Makeup work: I do not give makeup tests/quizzes/etc. without an excused absence. If you must miss class, then you must also produce documentation of the reason for your absence. If you were sick, you can show me the receipt from the hospital or doctor; if you had a sports event, you can show me the schedule; if someone died, you can show me an obituary notice; if the tire on your car blew out, you can show me the receipt from the mechanic.

Homework: I expect you to do the homework. If you do not do the homework, you will probably fail this course. I will grade it by giving homework quizzes, in which you will have time sufficient to copy (not solve) problems from your notes.

Final Exam: Monday, 29 July, 11a-1⋅30p

Other policies

• Use a pencil. Work that is written in pen will receive a 10% deduction.

Language and behavior: I do not tolerate profanity or rude behavior. You are free to express any opinion you choose, but you must do so in a manner that conforms to the formal, respectful setting of a classroom lecture. Mathematicians value the ability to reason and to solve problems, not the ability to inflame passions or to express oneself colorfully.

• If a student violates this policy during lecture, I will ask that student to leave the room immediately. The student's attendance grade will not be affected.
• If a student violates this policy in email, I will neither acknowledge nor answer the email.
• I am not concerned with what you say or write in other forums. Feel free to express your opinions of me and the course in whatever manner you choose.

Mobile phones: I expect you to turn your phone off once class begins, and to leave it off. If you absolutely must use the phone, please step out of class, take care of business, then return. If you use the phone in the class, I will ask you to leave. If you do not comply with this request, you will forfeit the next test. If you use the phone during a test, even as a calculator, you will forfeit the test.

Note: The last day to drop a full-semester course without academic penalty is Friday, 21 June.