Course Syllabus

Independent Study in Idaho

ISI Website | indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641

MATH 1123 Math in Modern Society

Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho

3 Credits

Instructor Information

Course Instructor: Theresa Allen 

  • Email: tmallen@uidaho.edu

Course Description

Discussion of some aspects of mathematical thought through the study of problems taken from areas such as logic, political science, management science, geometry, probability, and combinatorics; discussion of historical development and topics discovered in the past 100 years.

This course will familiarize you with some of the mathematics that can be found in the world around us.  You will learn how mathematics can be a tool to describe patterns and to solve problems.  You will find that mathematics can at times help us to analyze problems, but may not provide us with a single or easily found solution. It is not the intent of this course to cover mathematics that you may do yourself in your daily life.  It is the intent to show the wide range of problems that math can help us to explore and solve.

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Acquire tools in logic, number theory, geometry, probability, and combinatorics.
  • Gain skills in critical thinking and problem analysis.
  • Gain experience using critical thinking and problem analysis skills as applied to problems drawn from social studies, demographics, history, and modern issues.

Textbook cover - Excursions in Modern Mathematics by Peter TannenbaumRequired Materials

Tannenbaum , Peter. Excursions in Modern Mathematics. 8th edition. Pearson Press: 2014. ISBN:  978-0-321-82573-5

TEXTBOOK NOTICE

Although this textbook is out of print, it is available at online resellers such as Amazon and Ebay where you can find gently used copies for a reasonable price.

Course Rules and Requirements

Assignment Guidelines

  • Students may submit up to 1 assignment in one week.
  • Although you may find it helpful, you do not need to wait for grades and feedback on lessons before submitting subsequent assignments.
  • UI students: Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC) math tutors are not available for ISI courses.
  • Homework will be submitted through Canvas. There are 10 assignments worth 50 points each for this course. Put your name and section from the book – such as Chapter 5 on the top of each paper handed in. Homework will be graded partially on completion. Certain problems will be selected and graded for correct work and solutions.

Exams

Exams require an in-person proctor.  At least 2 weeks before taking your first exam, submit the completed Proctor/Exam Request Form (available at uidaho.edu/isi, under Forms) to the ISI office. ISI mails all exams directly to the proctor after receiving the Proctor/Exam Request Form. You must schedule the examination time with your proctor before each exam. The proctor administers the exam and returns it to the ISI office.

  • You must wait for grades and comments on assignments before taking subsequent exams.
  • There are 4 chapter exams (100 points each) for this course; there is also a cumulative final exam (200 points). The final exam is cumulative.
  • For the 4 chapter exams you can have an 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper with notes on one side. For the final exam you can have an 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper with notes on both sides. These should be handed in with the test.
  • You will be able to use a calculator.
  • You will not be able to use a laptop, cell phone, or any other internet type of device. 

Videos

A series of videos take you through examples that are simpler than those often found in the book.  These videos are not high quality videos, so the hand writing looks wobbly, but they should illustrate basic ideas from each chapter.

The password for accessing the videos is math123.

Grade Information

The course grade will be based upon the following considerations: 

Grades will be based on:

  • 4 Exams       36%               
  • Homework  45%               
  • Final Exam  19%

Grading Scale

A  90-100%
B   80-89%
C   70-79%
D   60-69%
F   anything below

The final course grade is issued after all assignments and exams have been graded. Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism are considered a very serious transgression and may result in a grade of F for the course.

Course Policies

Refer to the ISI Policies for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services. 

UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND RESOURCES

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

U of I Moscow is located on the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), Palus (Palouse) and Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene) tribes. We extend gratitude to the indigenous people that call this place home, since time immemorial. U of I recognizes that it is our academic responsibility to build relationships with the indigenous people to ensure integrity of tribal voices.

PROFESSIONALISM

This course is difficult, and I expect that you will want to work with a group on assignments. I encourage this, in fact. However, copying from another student or any online source/answer manual is plagiarism and is not allowed. Cheating and plagiarism will earn you an F in this course and, potentially, a visit to the dean of students. See Dean of Student's Student Code of Conduct for more information.

Remember: You’re paying to learn, not just get grades.

LEARNING CIVILITY

In any environment in which people gather to learn, it is essential that all members feel as free and safe as possible in their participation. To this end, it is expected that everyone in this course will be treated with mutual respect and civility, with an understanding that all of us (students, instructors, professors, guests, and teaching assistants) will be respectful and civil to one another in discussion, in action, in teaching, and in learning.

Should you feel our classroom interactions do not reflect an environment of civility and respect, you are encouraged to meet with your instructor during office hours to discuss your concern.  Additional resources for expression of concern or requesting support include the Dean of Students office and staff (208-885-6757), the U of I Counseling & Testing Center’s confidential services (208-885-6716), or the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations (208-885-4285).

DISABILITY ACCESS AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

University of Idaho is committed to ensuring an accessible learning environment where course or instructional content are usable by all students and faculty. If you believe that you require disability-related academic adjustments for this class (including pregnancy-related disabilities), please contact Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) to discuss eligibility. A current accommodation letter from CDAR is required before any modifications, above and beyond what is otherwise available for all other students in this class will be provided. Please be advised that disability-related academic adjustments are not retroactive. CDAR is located at the Bruce Pitman Building, Suite 127. Phone is 208-885-6307 and e-mail is cdar@uidaho.edu.  For a complete listing of services and current business hours visit https://www.uidaho.edu/student-resources/disability-accessibility-resources.

VANDAL FOOD PANTRY

The Vandal Food Pantry is a free resource stocked weekly with food, grocery bags, and various hygiene items. Its eight locations across campus are accessible during building hours and open to all. Please take what you need.

GREEN DOT SAFETY PROGRAM

What's Your Green Dot? It's up to all of us to make a safer campus. Vandal Green Dot is a program that helps students learn about the power of the bystander, how to recognize potentially risky situations, and realistic ways to intervene. Together we can bring down the number of people being hurt by interpersonal violence on our campus. No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something! Learn more and get involved by visiting UI's Green Dot Safety Program or emailing greendot@uidaho.edu.

FIREARMS

The University of Idaho bans firearms from its property with only limited exceptions. One exception applies to persons who hold a valid Idaho enhanced concealed carry license, provided those firearms remain concealed at all times. If an enhanced concealed carry license holder's firearm is displayed, other than in necessary self-defense, it is a violation of University policy. Please contact local law enforcement (call 911) to report firearms on University property. University of Idaho leadership remains committed to maintaining a safe work, living and learning environment on campus. We will not tolerate any threatening use of firearms or any other weapons. While authorized license holders may have familiarity and be at ease carrying a loaded firearm, we ask that they be aware that many people are not familiar with handguns and are uncomfortable in their presence.

OTHER HELP AND RESOURCES

STUDENT RESOURCES

The University of Idaho provides student support to ensure a successful learning experience.

LIBRARY HELP

The U of I Library website has many databases that will help you find relevant and reliable books, articles, images, and more. Don't hesitate to contact a librarian for research assistance.

TECHNOLOGY HELP

The U of I Student Technology Center provides many technology related services to students.

WRITING SUPPORT

The U of I Writing Center provides one-on-one assistance to student writers and other members of the campus community.

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