MATH-01-201 Structures of Mathematics
Rowan University Department of Mathematics Spring 2007
Professor: Evelyn Hanna
HannaE@rowan.edu (**Note: There is
no “h” at the end of my last name.)
www.rowan.edu/mars/depts/math/Hanna/index.html
Office &
Hours: Robinson Hall 2nd Floor; MW: 2:00 – 3:00
Textbook: Mathematics for Elem. Teachers: An Activity Approach; McGraw
Hill – 7th Edition; Bennet, Burton, & Nelson.
Mathematics for Elem. Teachers: A Conceptual Approach; McGraw Hill –
7th Edition; Bennet & Nelson
*You will also need a calculator for the course. Cell phones and mp-3
players are not required and may not be used as calculators.
Catalog
Description: This course concerns the development of number systems and
algebraic structures, including the natural numbers, the integers, rational
numbers, real and complex numbers. Concrete examples of selected algebraic
structures such as modular arithmetic and matrices are also included.
Students will be required to reason mathematically, solve problems, and
communicate mathematics effectively at different levels of formality,
using a variety of representations of mathematical concepts and procedures.
Use of calculators is required. Students are expected to have completed
an equivalent of Intermediate Algebra.
Course
Objectives: This course is intended to provide students with the opportunity
to develop their knowledge of the content and discourse of mathematics,
including: (1) mathematical concepts and procedures and the connections
among them; (2) multiple representations of mathematical concepts and
procedures; (3) ways to reason mathematically, solve problems, and communicate
mathematics effectively at different levels of formality; (4) nature of
mathematics, the contributions of different cultures toward the development
of mathematics, and the role of mathematics in culture and society; (5)
changes in the nature of mathematics and the way we teach, learn, and
do mathematics resulting from the availability of technology; (6) place
of “school mathematics” (what students have learned in elementary
school and high school) within the discipline of mathematics; and (7)
relationship of mathematics to other subjects and its applications in
society. Furthermore, students in the course will use physical materials
and models to explore fundamental properties of number systems, to describe
real-world relationships, and to explore selected algebraic structures.
They will also develop conjectures and intuitive proofs of number theoretic
properties. This course is especially appropriate for those students preparing
to be elementary or special education teachers.
Course
Content: I. Nature and Use of Number II. Patterns and Functions
III. Number Concepts and Relationships IV. Algebraic Structures
Methods &
Activities: Methods and activities for instruction include small-group
work, whole-class discussion, and lecture. Students will be expected to
share ideas, to justify claims and solutions, and to understand and critique
the claims and solutions of others during small group and whole-class
discussions.
Grading: There will be announced and unannounced quizzes and two in-class
exams. Absolutely no make-up quizzes! Make-up exams will be given if you
provide a medical excuse with written documentation within one week of
missing the exam.
Graded Activity # of Points
Two Written Assignments |
50 |
| Class Participation |
75 |
| Quizzes |
(top 5 – each worth 15 points) 75 |
| Exam 1 |
100 |
| Exam 2 |
100 |
| Final Exam |
100 |
*Note: The total number of points possible is 500.
The grading scale used is as follows:
| A: |
465-500 points |
B- |
400-414 points |
D+ |
335-349 points |
| A- |
450-464 points |
C+ |
385-399 points |
D |
315-334 points |
| B+ |
435-449 |
C |
365-384 points |
D- |
300-314 points |
| B |
415-434 points |
C- |
350-364 points |
F |
0-299 points |
Homework: Homework from the textbook is assigned after each session and
can be found below. It is critical that you do your homework consistently.
Any questions on homework assignments will be addressed in the following
class. Homework will be collected periodically.
Class
Participation: I very much value your input. My number one priority is
ensuring your success. So, if you do not speak, then I do not know how
to help you. Moreover, your input may be valuable to other students who
may be struggling. Remember, class participation is not only a part of
your grade, but also an easy way to make class fun! You should participate
in small-group and whole-class discussions as a means of promoting your
own learning and contributing to cultivating a classroom community. Participation
involves sharing ideas and critiquing the ideas being discussed. It is
to be understood that the development of mathematical ideas within a community
frequently involves discussing ideas that are later determined to be invalid.
Thus, students are graded according to thoughtful participation and not
mathematical correctness. Remember, if you are not in class, then you
cannot participate… so be sure to attend every class.
Academic
Integrity: Any student who cheats during an exam, quiz, or on homework
assignments will receive an automatic ’F’. A second offence
will result in failure of the course.
Tentative Day-to-Day Schedule
Class Date Topic Homework
** You should bring your Activity Book and Manipulative Kit to class
each evening.
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