Course Description
An introductory course for entering mathematics majors. Through presentations, discussions and problem solving the question "What is Mathematics?" will be examined.
Instructor
Cesar Aguilar, South Hall 325A
Office Hours
Tue 8:30-9:30, 10:45-11:45
Thu 10:45-11:45
Class Meetings
Thu, 2:30-3:20PM, Fraser 108
Latest
The current week content will be displayed here during the semester. For now, see the Schedule tab.
Homework
| Title | Due Date | Week No. |
|---|---|---|
| Homework 1 - Math Courses by Area | Sep 15, 2023 | 2 |
| Homework 2 - Colloquium Report | Sep 27, 2023 | 4 |
| Homework 3 - Interest in Math | Oct 12, 2023 | 5 |
| Homework 4 - LaTeX | Nov 9, 2023 | 9 |
| Homework 5 - Counting From Infinity Documentary | Nov 30, 2023 | 12 |
Schedule
Syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of MATH 101 - Welcome Math Majors, a student will be able to:
Grading Scheme
Below is the tentative course grading scheme. The grading scheme may change during the semester at the discretion of the instructor. Any changes to the grading scheme will be announced in class before the final exam. If homework assignments are done in groups, then a student must achieve a passing grade in all individual assessments (e.g., tests and final exam) to pass the course.
| Item | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Homework/Reports | 70 |
| Participation | 30 |
| Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 94-100 |
| A− | 90-93 |
| B+ | 87-89 |
| B | 83-86 |
| B− | 80-82 |
| C+ | 77-79 |
| C | 73-76 |
| C− | 70-72 |
| D | 60-69 |
| E | < 60 |
Tests and Exam
There will be short quizzes scattered throughout the semester. At least one week notice will be given before the date of a test. There will be no make-up for a missed quiz under any circumstances. If a student misses a test and can present evidence of an extenuating circumstance then the weight of the missed quiz will be redistributed to other parts of the grading scheme. Having the cold or flu is not an extenuating circumstance. Examples of extenuating circumstances include a medical emergency, a serious prolonged illness, or the death of a member of your immediate family.
Homework
There will be approximately four homework assignments throughout the semester. The homework will consist of writing summaries/reports on material presented and discussed in class, or on a colloquium. At least one week notice will be given on the due date of a homework assignment. I encourage you to collaborate with your colleagues on your assignments/labs but your final submitted work should be your own (see Academic Dishonesty statement below).
Technology
Other than your personal computer, no special technology will be needed for this course.
Office Hours and Math Learning Center
I encourage you to come to my office (South Hall 325A) whenever you are having trouble with any part of the course material, seeking academic advice, or you just want to chat about mathematics in general. If you want to meet with me outside of my office hours, you will need to make an appointment, preferably via email. I also encourage you to visit the Math Learning Center located in South Hall 332 where you can receive free tutoring on a walk-in basis by highly qualified upper level students. Access to in-person office hours and to the MLC will depend on social distancing guidelines set by the College.
Email Communication
I will do my best to reply to student email regarding the logistics of the course within 24 hours during the working week (Mon-Fri). However, due to the potential large volume of emails, inquiries regarding homework problems and/or specific course content should be made during office hours or after class.
Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism
Please read, and follow, Geneseo's Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism policy. Below is the definition of plagiarism and its consequences as described in SUNY Geneseo's Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism statement:
Plagiarism is the representation of someone else's words or ideas as one's own, or the arrangement of someone else's material(s) as one's own. Such misrepresentation may be sufficient grounds for a student's receiving a grade of E for the paper or presentation involved or may result in an E being assigned as the final grade for the course.
If there is sufficient evidence of academic dishonesty on a homework assignment, all students involved will receive a zero score on the homework assignment and I will provide the department chairperson, the dean of academic planning and advising, and the student(s) with a written report of the violation, the penalty imposed and the counseling provided to the students involved. A second instance of academic dishonesty on a homework assignment will result in a final grade of E for the course for all students involved. Academic dishonesty on a test/final exam will result in a final grade of E for the course.
Academic Accommodations
SUNY Geneseo is dedicated to providing an equitable and inclusive educational experience for all students. The Office of Accessibility (OAS) will coordinate reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities to ensure equal access to academic programs, activities, and services at Geneseo.
Students with approved accommodations may submit a semester request to renew their academic accommodations. Please visit the OAS website for information on the process for requesting academic accommodations.
Questions? Contact the OAS by email, phone, or in-person:
Office of Accessibility Services
Erwin Hall 22
585-245-5112
access@geneseo.edu