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Welcome to Calculus I! (Math 131.04 and 131.05)

Instructor: Dr. Karen Shuman
Class Meetings:

• Section 04: MWF 1:00 - 2:05, Noyce 2424
• Section 05: MTuWF 3:15 - 4:05, Noyce 2428

Contact Information for Dr. Shuman:

Office: 2405 Noyce Science Center
Phone: (641) 269-4927
Fax: (641) 269-4984
Email: shumank@math.grinnell.edu
Office hours:
MWF 10:30 - 11:30 (except 9/1)
Tu 2:15 - 3:05 and 4:15 - 4:45
In addition, if you drop by when I am not busy (my door will be open), I will be more than happy to work with you!

Introduction

Welcome again to calculus! Whatever your previous experience with calculus, this course is likely to be different from anything you have seen before. Don't worry---this is a good thing! College-level calculus may not seem like the mathematics with which you are familiar. Classes will move quickly and cover material at a deep level. Schedule math study time and homework time into your calendar NOW (about 12 hours a week, although your study hours may range from 8 to 12 depending on how you approach studying). Many students have told me that in high school, they never had to study mathematics to get an "A". You will be learning how to study mathematics this term; diligent and consistent work will pay off in the end.

Course Mechanics

Daily homework:

• Homework is due every day at the beginning of every class except on test days. NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• If you have an extended illness or emergency, we will work something out; your grade will not suffer due to unfortunate circumstances beyond your control.
• Because no late homework is accepted, you have three homework drops. Use them wisely! You will have to use these drops for occasional illnesses. Again, please get in touch with me if you have an extended illness so that you do not fall behind.
• I highly recommend using the Math Lab, 2012 Noyce Science Center, as a place to congregate with classmates and to study. The Math Lab tutors can help you when you are stuck. (Of course, your professor is always ready to help, too!)
• You are encouraged to work in groups on your homework problems; however, the written explanations must be your own. If cheating appears to have occurred, all papers involved will be referred to the Committee on Academic Standing.

Essays:

• Essays are assigned at regular intervals on selected topics. These essays count 15% of the overall homework grade. There will be eleven essays. The lowest essay grade will be dropped.
• Late homework policies apply to essays.
• Essays should be 1-2 pages long, typed, double-spaced, with standard margins. You can write in by hand any necessary mathematical symbols and leave space to draw diagrams. Essays should not be longer than two pages.
• The Writing Lab on the first floor of ARH is a great place to go if you need help writing your essays. You are responsible for the intellectual content of the essay; the writing lab can help you craft your essay. Please note that unlike the Math Lab, you need to sign up for an appointment with the Writing Lab. (Again, your professor is always ready to help, too!)
• Read your textbook and class notes not only as a key to understanding mathematics but also as a guide to writing your essays well. If you have questions about writing your solutions, we can discuss them in class or in office hours. Writing mathematics is a way to gain understanding of mathematical concepts; it is a skill which can be learned through practice and feedback.
• Just as in every other writing at the college level, academic honesty conventions must be followed in mathematics essays. Failure to cite your textbook, other textbooks, or web pages will result in a referral to the Committee on Academic Standing.
• Now that I have your attention, let me say that again, without the blinking text. Just as in every other writing at the college level, academic honesty conventions must be followed in mathematics essays. Failure to cite your textbook, other textbooks, or web pages will result in a referral to the Committee on Academic Standing.
• If you have any questions about academic honesty at Grinnell, and in particular about academic honesty in mathematics essays, please talk to your adviser, the consultants in the Writing Lab, or me.

Tests:

There are six tests in the term. Tests will be given during the normal class period. Missed tests can not be made up except in circumstances left to the teacher's discretion. The lowest test grade will be dropped.

Final exam:

The final exam is cumulative and will occur during the usual exam period. You must attend the final exam during the regular exam period.

• Section 04: 9 am, Thursday, December 14
• Section 05: TBA (There may be a conflict with the 2:15-3:05 MWF class exam period. Let me know if you are taking a 2:15 MWF class as soon as your semester schedule is finalized.)

How your grade is computed:

*The lowest score will be dropped.

Determining your letter grade:

Accommodations:

If you have specific physical, psychiatric or learning disabilities and require accommodations, please let me know early in the semester so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. You will need to provide documentation of your disability to the Associate Dean and Director of Academic Advising, Joyce Stern, whose office is located in the third floor of the Rosenfield Center (x3702).