This course is about high school mathematics—algebra, functions, geometry, probability, and statistics—viewed from an advanced perspective. We will see how concepts that arise early in the study of mathematics evolve at higher levels, and how simple mathematics problems can lead to sophisticated insights. We will learn to make connections between different areas of mathematics by identifying underlying structures and principles.
There will be periodic assignments. You may discuss them with me in office hours and on the course listserv. However, your work must be your own. They should be legible, with pages stapled and your name at the top of each page. I will not accept late assignments. It is your responsibility to remember to hand in your work. The first assignment is due Wednesday, September 3.
A portion of your final grade will be determined by your participation in email discussions on the course listserv. Your grade will be determined not so much by the correctness of your postings as by your willingness to respond to questions and participate in discussions about the mathematics.
There will be a one-hour midterm exam in class on October 15 and a final project with a written component and a class presentation component. The midterm exam will be a test of basic knowledge of high school mathematics, whereas the final project will be a test of your understanding of the deeper mathematics underlying high school mathematics.
You can earn up to 600 points: 250 points from assignments, 50 from participation in the course listserv, 100 from the midterm exam, and 200 from the final project. Your grade will depend on your score out of 600: 90% or higher for an A, 80% for a B, 70% for a C, 60% for a D. A score below 60% will give you an E.
I will follow the standard university policies on missed exams, withdrawals, incompletes and academic integrity.
Here is a practise test from Massachusetts that you can use to start preparing for the October 15 midterm on teacher knowledge.
Room 839, Gould-Simpson Building, Monday 11–12, Wednesday 1–2, or by appointment.