Math 122: Calculus II
2006
Calculus: Concepts and Connections, Smith & Minton, Chapters 5-10
Dr. Roland Minton, Trexler 270-G, 375-2358,
office hours 10M, 10T, 2W, 7-9Th
minton@roanoke.edu www.roanoke.edu/staff/minton/ccourse.html
Course Objectives: Continue to learn how to do
mathematics! Mathematics is a problem-solving discipline, and we all have
room to improve. To develop as problem-solvers, we must focus on technique and
not on memorization. My role as professor is more to lead discussions and help
you take the next step from wherever you are mathematically; I don’t want to
bore you by working problems you already know how to do. One objective is for
you to have a sound enough understanding of calculus that you can recognize it
and apply it in future courses; this will not happen if you have just memorized
your way through some problems. A broader objective is for you to be a good
problem-solver, to thrive in whatever entrance examinations and job situations
are in your future. An objective to improve your problem-solving ability is
critical reading. To that end, you will be asked to read the book. A big
objective is to enjoy the course. Calculus is the gateway to the awesome world
of modern science. Let yourself be amazed!
Attendance Policy: This class meets four days per week. Regular attendance is expected.
You are responsible for everything done in class, through your attendance and
sharing class notes with classmates. If you miss a class, you must e-mail or
call me before class is over and explain why. If you have two unexplained absences, you will be dropped from the
course.
Equipment:
We will use the TI-89 calculator in class, on homework assignments and on tests
(and future courses, including independent studies). We will also have a quick
introduction to Mathematica, powerful mathematical
software available on the RC network.
Academic Integrity: The college policy is fully supported. Tests are closed notes, closed
book. Homework and lab assignments will be discussed in class, and you may
always ask me for help. Do not
collaborate on lab reports. No electronic devices other than calculators are
allowed in a test situation.
Homework:
Problems from each section of the book will be assigned, typically in three
stages. You will be asked to read ahead and work basic problems from the next
section to be discussed. After that section has been discussed, a small number
of more in-depth and significant problems will be assigned. Many of the
problems from a given section will be study problems not to be turned in.
Homework will be graded partly on effort and partly on correctness. Late
homework is not accepted. If you miss class, get a friend to turn in your
homework for you.
Evening Study:
The most important advice for calculus is “don’t fall behind.” This is one
reason you are being asked to work ahead, so that you will have a good sense of
how well you understand a topic, and will have plenty of time to get help as
needed. Help can come from faculty and your student colleagues. To promote
students working together and to be sure that you have adequate chance to get help,
we will have study sessions 7-9 pm Monday-Thursday with a calculus professor
present. My night is Thursday, but I encourage you to show up on other nights.
You must attend at least one evening session before the week of the first test.
Get your work done and make friends!
Lab Reports:
Your lab grade comes from a participation grade, based on activity during class
time on Thursday, and from the lab reports, which are due on Fridays. These
should be neatly written in complete sentences with good explanations of what
you did and what you learned.
Co-Curricular:
During the course of the semester, you must attend at least two approved
co-curricular events offered by the math department. For each, write a one- or
two-paragraph description of the event, due within a week of the event.
Tests: There
will be four tests and a final exam. Each test will cover all material
discussed since the previous test. Anticipated test dates are (Th) 9/21, (Th) 10/12, (Th) 11/9 and (Th) 12/7. The exam
is Monday, December 11, 8:30-11:30.
Make-ups: In
case of sickness or scheduling conflicts, get in touch with me ASAP.
Grading: The
lab reports count 15% of the final grade. Homeworks, reading feedback and co-curricular count 10%. The final
counts 15%. Each test counts 15% of the final average. Grades may be curved up
based on participation, one unusually low test score or other extenuating
circumstance.
A: 93-100 A-: 90-92 B+: 87-89
B : 83-86 B-: 80-82 C+: 77-79
C: 73-76 C-: 70-72
D+: 67-69 D: 63-67 D-: 60-62
F: 59 and below