Course Syllabus
MATH M126 – 4386
Trigonometric Functions     Spring 2007

Time:TR, 4:00pm – 4:50pm in NS 08
Text:Precalculus, 2nd IUSB edition, Michael Sullivan
Webpage:http://dean.serenevy.net/teaching/classes/Spring2007/M126
Office Hours:MW 1:00–3:00 or by appointment
Calculator:graphing calculator (for example, TI-83 or TI-84)
Prerequisites:C- or better in MATH-M125, or Level 5 on the Mathematics Placement Examination

Designed to develop the properties of the trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions and to prepare for a course in calculus. Credit not given for both M126 and M115. Does not satisfy Art and Sciences general education requirements. In order to register for M208 or M215 in Fall 2007, a student must earn Level 6 on the mathematics placement examination or a grade of at least C- in both M125 and M126.

You should plan on spending 2–3 hours working on this course outside of class for every hour of lecture. This is not a passive experience; you must participate actively. One thing you can do to help yourself in this course is to find at least one person with whom you can study. Not only does this help you study better, but also, in the event you miss a lecture, you can get the notes and assignments. Another thing you can do is read the relevant sections of the text book before lecture. Even if you don't understand everything, seeing it once before I explain it will help you follow lecture considerably.

If you are unclear on something in class, ask a question!
Be actively involved in your education — it is why you are here.

Evaluation

There will be approximately 12 assignments (about 2--3 problems/short write-ups each) that will be collected at the beginning of each week, 3 tests, and one final examination. The percentage distribution is as follows.

12Assignments30%
3Tests30%
1Final Exam40%

Office Hours

Please come to my office hours for help. This gives me the opportunity to focus on specific problems you may be having and to explain things in a more personal manner. If the scheduled times are bad for you, make an appointment with me.

Homework and Assignments

I will assign homework exercises on a more or less daily basis. I will collect around 2–3 problems, which will occasionally include a brief written component, each Tuesday to be graded. You should do all assigned work (not just those to be turned in) for the following reasons. First, it has been my experience that if you do not do the homework, you do not learn the material. Second, most test questions will be very similar to those assigned. We will spend the first few minutes of each class answering questions from the homework. Group study is encouraged.

Late Policy

All Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day they are due. Assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class to qualify for full credit. Assignments received in afternoon of the day they are due will automatically be docked 1 point. For each additional day the assignment is late (non-class days included) an additional point will be docked.

Tests

The tests will be taken in class and will be closed book and closed notes. If you have a conflict with any of the test dates, make alternative arrangements with me beforehand. I will only consider make ups in extreme situations. Note that these dates are tentative. I reserve the right to make changes (announced in class) to the test schedule if I find it necessary.

Final Exam

The final exam will be comprehensive. Our final exam is scheduled for Thu, May 3 at 4:00 pm. If you will not be able to attend the final exam at this time you must notify me at least 30 days prior to the exam.

Extra Credit

Extra credit will be made available throughout the semester. Extra credit problems will have due dates and will not be accepted late. You may also create your own extra credit. If you have an idea of something you would like to do, let me know. Extra credit projects are graded more strictly than normal course-work and will usually require a 2--3 page writing component which will be graded using the same standards as in a standard composition course. All extra credit work must be completed and turned in by the last day of class. No extra credit work will be accepted the day of the final.

Tutoring

There is free walk-in tutoring available in the Mathematics Department in room NS 310. Tutoring typically begins within the first few weeks of class. The tutoring center is typically open MTWR from 8--7. This semester's hours should be available shortly and will be posted on the door to NS 310 or on the department webpage department webpage.

Free tutoring is also available through the (AI-122, 520-5022).

Finally, the St. Joseph County Public Library will also offer walk-in tutoring Sundays from 1 to 5pm and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6:30pm.

Missing Class

If you will be missing any classes due to University activities, you must tell me about these dates at the beginning of the semester. If you have conflicts with test or homework due dates, make arrangements with me beforehand (you can always take a test or turn in homework early). I will only consider make ups in extreme situations.

Course Coordinator

If you have a concern about the course that can not be resolved by speaking with me, please contact the course coordinator (Yu Song, NS 319, 520-4299, yusong@iusb.edu).

Accommodations for Religious Observances

If any student will require academic accommodations for a religious observance, please provide me with a written request to consider a reasonable modification for that observance by the end of the second week of the course. Contact me after class, during my office hours, or by individual appointment to discuss the issue. If after discussion we reach no consensus, either party or both should seek the advice of the Department Chair or the Dean, and if no consensus is reached, then the advice of the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs ("VCAA"). Either the instructor or the student may appeal the VCAA's decision to the Office of Affirmative Action within ten business days of the determination.

Americans with Disabilities Act

If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. Contact the Director of Disabled Student Services (Administration Building, room 149, telephone number 520-4832), as soon as possible to work out the details. Once the Director has provided you with a letter attesting to your needs for modification, bring the letter to me. For more information, please visit the web site for Office of Disabled Student Services.

Academic Honesty

It is the responsibility of the student to know of the prohibited actions such as cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, academic, and personal misconduct, and thus, to avoid them. All students are held to the standards outlined in the code. Please reference the entire code for a complete listing. Any violation may result in serious academic penalty, ranging from receiving a warning, to failing the assignment, to failing the course, to expulsion from the University.