Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 - 9:15 a.m. in Pasteur 106-K
Dr. Fenton
Pasteur 006-F
Office 452-8430; Home 454-7855
Email: wfenton@bellarmine.edu
Office Hours: 12:00-1:30 TTh or by appointment. (I am usually there MWF also.)
Web Page: http://faculty.bellarmine.edu/fenton
A. INTRODUCTION
This course will be unlike other mathematics courses you have taken at Bellarmine. It is almost an independent study course, for much of the work will be done through one-to-one discussions with the instructor. The general purpose of the course is for you to reflect upon your mathematical education and to explore some topics in greater depth. Thus the principal role of the instructor is to guide you as you explore.
For portions of the semester, we will not meet as a class. (See the attached calendar.) However, you will be required to meet regularly with me to review your progress on the writing assignments.
B. COURSE DESCRIPTION (from the catalog)
"A capstone course for majors in mathematics and actuarial science. Professional readings will be assigned. Satisfactory completion of a major writing project is required."
C. PREREQUISITE None, though the course is intended for seniors only.
D. TEXTBOOK What’s Happening in the Mathematical Sciences, v.5
In addition, you will be expected to make use of the library.
E. GOALS & OBJECTIVES
In this course:
These will be measured by the depth and quality of the content in your four papers, by the presentation of your papers, by your participation in class, and by your final presentation.
These goals also align with the following goals of the Mathematics Department:
In addition, I hope that you develop a greater appreciation of how the skills and ways of thinking you have learned as a mathematics major can contribute to your life beyond academia.
F. GRADING
Your course grade will be made up of the following components.
First paper and presentation 75 points
Second paper 50 points
Third paper and presentation 75 points
Class participation 50 points
Major research paper 175 points
Final Presentation 50 points
TOTAL 500 POINTS
Grades will be assigned on the following scale.
A [94,100]
A- [90, 94)
B+ [87,90)
B [83,87)
B- [80,83)
C+ [75,80)
C [70,75)
D [60,70)
F [0, 60)
Your course grade will be your point total as a percentage of the 500 possible points.
Paper #1: With a partner, write a summary of a chapter from the text. Make a short presentation on this to the class.
Paper #2: Write a reflection on the mathematics courses you have taken at Bellarmine and how they have addressed the five goals of the Mathematics Department. (See the Mathematics section of the University Catalog).
Paper #3: Write a short history of a topic in mathematics. Make a short presentation on this to the class.
Further details on these writing assignments will be posted on the web page.
You will be assessed based on your attendance at all class meetings and at individual appointments, and on your active participation in class. You are expected to be prepared for these class meetings and individual appointments.
By February 9 you are expected to choose your topic for your final research paper and submit a one page proposal describing your paper. You will be required to meet individually with me and with a faculty advisor while you work on this paper. The paper is due April 18.
On Tuesday May 2, you will make a presentation to the class from your research paper. This is not to be a reading of the paper, but a summary of its major ideas. The presentation will be discussed in class on April 18, and further details will be posted on the web page.
G. ATTENDANCE POLICY
It is important that you attend class meetings and individual appointments. Part of your grade will be based on participation, and you must be present to participate. Missed classes or missed appointments will be reflected in your final grade.
H. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
“I endorse and will follow the academic honesty policy as published in Bellarmine’s Catalog 2005-2007 (pages 55-56) and in the 2005-2006 Student Handbook (pages 16.19). Students must be fully aware of what constitutes academic dishonesty; claims of ignorance cannot be used to justify or rationalize dishonest acts. Academic dishonesty can take a number of forms, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, aiding and abetting, multiple submissions, obtaining unfair advantage, and unauthorized access to academic or administrative systems or information. Definitions of each of these forms of academic dishonesty are provided in the academic honesty section of the 2005-2006 Student Handbook. All detected instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Provost, and sanctions will be imposed as dictated by the policy. Penalties range from failing an assignment or test to dismissal from the University, depending, in part, on the student’s previous record of academic dishonesty.”
I. DISABILITY POLICY (as stated in the Student Handbook)
"Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Disability Services Coordinator (Room 225 Horrigan Hall or 452-8150). Please do not request accommodations directly from the professor."