Math 130: Contemporary Mathematics, Fall 2007

  
     

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Instructor: Erin McNicholas

Course Logistics
Room:  Collins 307 Room:  Collins 204
Phone:  370-6590 Time:  Section 01: T, Th 8:00-9:30 am
Email:  emcnicho(at)willamette.edu  Section 02: T, Th 9:40-11:10 am
Homepage:  www.willamette.edu/~emcnicho Mailgroup:  math-130-01(at)willamette.edu
 math-130-02(at)willamette.edu
Textbook:  Excursions in Modern Mathematics, 6th ed. by Peter Tannenbaum
Office Hours:  M 10-11am, Tu 1-2:30pm, Th 1-2:30pm  

Math Department Drop-In Tutoring: Sunday: 6-9pm; Monday: 7:30-9pm; Tuesday: 6-9pm; Wednesday: 7:30-9pm; Thursday: 6-9pm
 

Course Objectives / Big Questions:

How is the study of mathematics a creative venture?  How can mathematics help us understand the world around us and the social constructs we live by? In this class we will answer these questions by exploring a number of interesting, contemporary applications. At the same time, we will examine the nature of mathematics and mathematics research.

 Topics:

  • Mathematics & Social Justice

  • Graph Theory & Management Science

  • Mathematics of Symmetry & Secrecy

 Objectives:

  • Strengthen our logic & reasoning skills

  • Improve our understanding of what the field of mathematics encompasses

  • Become more informed citizens and voters

Artwork by Prof. Junpei Sekino
Just for fun: 

Stephen Colbert's Take on Topology: http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/index.jhtml?ml_video=73353

                                                          http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload/index.jhtml?ml_video=73352
Grading Structure:
  • 2 Exams, each worth 100 points
  • 2 Projects, each worth 75 points 
  • In-Class Activities & Assignments, worth 50 points
  • Final Exam or Project ,worth 150 points
  • Total Points Possible: 550 
512 points or more will guarantee you a grade of 

  A
495 points or more will guarantee you a grade of 

  A-
484 points or more will guarantee you a grade of 

  B+
457 points or more will guarantee you a grade of 

  B
440 points or more will guarantee you a grade of 

  B-
429 points or more will guarantee you a grade of 

  C+
402 points or more will guarantee you a grade of 

  C
385 points or more will guarantee you a grade of 

  C-
374 points or more will guarantee you a grade of 

  D+
330 points or more will guarantee you a grade of 

  D
Important Dates:

  • 9/13 Project 1 Sign Ups Due, Last Day to Add/Drop

  • 9/20 Group Exam 1

  • 10/4 Project 1 Due

  • 10/18 Grade Distribution Choices Due

  • 10/23 Project 2 Sign Ups Due

  • 10/25 Exam 2

  • 11/2 Last Day to Withdraw

  • 11/8 Project 2 Due

  • 11/13 Final Project Sign Ups Due

  • 12/6 Poster Session, Last Day of Class

  • 12/15 Final Exam  Section 01  7-10 pm;   Section 02  8-11am