Instructor:  Dr. Peter Tannenbaum
Office:  Peters Business Building 344
Office Hours: MWF 11:00AM–12:30PM.
E-mail: peter_tannenbaum@csufresno.edu

·        TEXT

Excursions In Modern Mathematics (4^th ed.), by Peter Tannenbaum and Robert Arnold. Prentice Hall, 2001.

·        COURSE OBJECTIVES  

This is a survey course, where we will touch upon many concepts and ideas. In fact, modern mathematical ideas and how they are applied in the real world are the primary focus of the material covered in this course. The primary goal is to show you how mathematical ideas and theories get started and how they end up being used in a practical way, even where you least expect them.  

A second important goal is to make this GE mathematics course a positive learning experience. I have made every effort to create and organize a course that you can pass and might even actually enjoy. All I ask from you is that you be diligent and responsible with your assignments and deadlines and approach the course with an open and inquisitive mind.

·        COURSE OUTLINE

We will cover the following material out of the book:

Chapter 1: The Mathematics of Voting (approx. 4 lectures).

Chapter 2: Weighted Voting and Power (approx. 4 lectures).

Review: Chapters 1 & 2

Test 1 [100 points]: Chapters 1 and 2.

Chapter 3: The Mathematics of Fairness (approx. 4 lectures).

Chapter 4: The Mathematics of Apportionment (approx. 4 lectures).

Review: Chapters 3 & 4

Test 2 [100 points]: Chapters 3 and 4.

Chapter 9: Spiral Growth in Nature (approx. 4 lectures).

Chapter 10: The Mathematics of Population Growth (approx. 4 lectures).

Review: Chapters 9 & 10

Test 3 [100 points]: Chapters 9 and 10. 

Chapter 11: Symmetry (approx. 4 lectures).

Chapter 12: Fractal Geometry (approx. 4 lectures).

Review: Chapters 11 & 12

Test 4 [100 points]: Chapters 11 and 12.

Review for Final Exam

Final Exam [200 Points] 

·        HOMEWORK

The primary purpose of the homework assignments is for you to get some practice in the techniques and concepts of this course. The homework count very little towards your course grade (100 points), so you should do the homework primarily because it is the best way to learn the material and prepare yourself for the tests.

I will assign homework on a regular basis, but will collect homework only four times during the semester. Homework is always due the day of the corresponding test (chapters 1 & 2 the day of Test 1, and so on). You must use one blue book (large size) for each homework set. (I will not accept homework in any other format.) No late homework will be accepted.

Since the purpose of the homework is to make you practice and not to punish you for doing it wrong, if you do all your homework and show all your work, you will get at least 75% credit for it. 

·        GRADING 

Your grade will be based on the following: 

·        Tests: Four tests @ 100 points = 400 points.*

·        Homework = 100 points. *

*    Of the five 100 point scores (4 tests, 1 HW) I will drop the lowest.

·        Final Exam = 200 points.

·    TOTAL = 600 points.

                        A = 540-600 points

                        B = 480-539 points

                        C = 420 -479 points

                        D = 360 -429 points

                        F: less than 360 points.

GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY!