Instructor: Stuart Anderson
Office: Binnion-321 Phone: 903-886-5957
e-mail: Stuart_Anderson@tamu-commerce.edu
Text: The History of Mathematics: an introduction, by David Burton, 6th Edition.
Course Description: A survey of the history of mathematics. Attention will be given to the origin, development and importance of mathematical ideas.
Goals: This course is designed for prospective teachers of 4-8 mathematics. In traditional mathematics courses, one usually learns fully developed mathematical ideas. In studying the history of mathematics, one goal is to understand the way mathematical ideas developed. This different approach often yields insights into how the subject can be taught. Additionally, putting any subject in a historical setting tends to make it more interesting.
Another goal is to develop an appreciation for the importance of mathematics
in the school curriculum. When one
examines historical examples of great ideas, it becomes clear that many ideas
require an awareness of mathematics.
Likewise, the implementation of these ideas requires some sophistication
in mathematics. Thus, it is good
for any civilization to have a citizenry proficient in mathematics.
Method of Evaluation:
Tests: There will be three tests. Be careful to invest ample time daily in the course so that you will be prepared for each exam. Tests will count approximately 60% of your final grade.
Homework: Homework will be assigned almost every day. Always try to solve all assigned problems. You can expect the tests to contain problems similar to those assigned as homework. Selected problems will be collected and graded on some days. Also, a quiz will occasionally be given covering the reading assignment for that day. From time to time, there may be an opportunity for you to present problems at the board. The quizzes, homework and board work will count approximately 5% of your grade.
Final: The final exam will be given on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. The final exam will count at least 30% of your final grade.
Make-up work: No late tests will be given. If you miss a test, the final will be used to replace that score. No late homework will be graded and daily quizzes will not be repeated if missed. However, one of the quiz grades will be dropped to cover an unavoidable absence.
Grading Scale:
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: Below 60
Dropping the Course: It is my hope that no one will want to drop this course. However, you may drop the course anytime before one class day after the second exam is returned and receive a grade of "DP". Should you drop after that day, you will receive a "DP" if you are passing and a "DF" if you are failing. The last day to drop the course is Friday, November 28, 2008.
Office Hours: My office is Binnion-321. If you need to see me, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment. If you are having difficulty in the course, please seek help early. I will plan to be in my office at the following times:
Monday,
Wednesday, Friday: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Tuesday,
Thursday: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Others, by appointment.
Occasionally, I will be out of my office for meetings or other obligations during scheduled office hours. I will try to let you know of these times early or will leave a note of explanation. Otherwise, you are welcome in my office.
Attendance: It is expected that you will be regular and punctual in attendance. Attendance will be noted daily and may be taken into account in determining your final course grade.
Students with Disabilities: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact:
Office of Student Disability Resources and Services
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Room 303 A/D
Phone (903) 886-5150 or (903) 886-5835
Fax (903) 468-8148
StudentDisabilityServices@tamu-commerce.edu
All students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment. (See Student’s Guide Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Conduct) Please make certain that any cell phone in your possession never rings during class and is never used during class; do not leave class early unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor; do not excuse your self from class and then return.
EARLY INTERVENTION FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS:
Early intervention for freshmen is designed to communicate the University's interest in their success and a willingness to participate fully to help students accomplish their academic objectives. The university through faculty advisors and mentors will assist students who may be experiencing difficulty to focus on improvement and course completion. This process will allow students to be knowledgeable about their academic progress early in the semester and will provide faculty and staff with useful data for assisting students and enhancing retention. Grade reports will be mailed by the end of the sixth week of the semester.
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