latest update: 27 August 1997
URL for course info:
http://Ellerbruch.nmu.edu/classes/Ma106F97/MA106.html
Prerequisite: C- in MA 104 or equivalent
Instructor Information:
Instructor: L. W. Ellerbruch
Office: WS 161B
Telephone: 227-1597
Office Hours: As posted by office door but will include:
12:00 - 12:50 am M W Th
2:00 - 2:50 pm Th
3:00 - 3:50 pm M W Th
Other hours by arrangement.
Text:
Bailey, J.D. and G. Sarell, Trigonometry, Third Edition, McGraw Hill, New York: 1996.
Basic Philosophy and content for the course:
The course will be built around the rule of "four"; every topic should be presented geometrically, numerically, algebraically and have a strong emphasis on written communication. In-class work, homework, exams and quizzes, and projects will utilize all four components as much as is reasonably possible. Communication is important and individuals are encouraged to talk about Trigonometry with other members of the class. Cheating is defined as turning in someone else's work as your own. It is not cheating to work with others. Sharing the learning and teaching is an important part of the course.
Technology will be an important component of classroom instruction and learning. Students will use calculators and computers. E-mail, mail groups, and the internet will be used as extensively as possible.
MA 106 will cover as much of the text as possible.
All students are required to have a Graphing Calculator (TI-85 is the standard used). All students will acquire and use a university e-mail account. Information will be sent to the students by e-mail. Students will be expected to communicate with each other and the instructor by e-mail. A complete and up-to-date syllabus, list of assigned exercises, list of assignments, and other information related directly to the class will be available on a WWW page on the instructor's WWW server.
The visual (geometric/graphical) component of the course will be designed around the Texas Instruments TI-85 graphing capabilities. The numerical component of the course will be designed around the TI-85's computation and programming capabilities. The calculator will be used in class, for homework, quizzes and exams.
It is assumed students will use word processing and graphing programs on microcomputers to complete reports. Students will use e-mail, a WWW browser, mail groups, editors, and various software. Demonstration lessons will be provided for the Macintosh.
In-class exercises and out-of-class exercises will be assigned on a regular basis. It is expected that students will complete all assigned homework exercises. Some homework sets may be collected. Some homework exercises may be marked. Some homework exercises will be used as quiz or test items.
Reading assignments will be made, and it is very important to complete them.
There will be in-class discussion and group work. Participation is expected.
Assignments will be made which will require writing. Any reports required will be submitted electronically. There may be projects to be completed by groups with only one report for the group, projects which require group problem solving with individual reports, and projects which are independent.
Attendance is required. Major exams may be made up only if the absence is excused prior to the abscense. Daily/in-class work or quizzes may not be made up!
Exams
There will be at least three one-hour exams. There will be a comprehensive two-hour final which will be mandatory.
Quizzes
Quizzes will usually be unannounced and will usually be of very short duration. There may be a quiz any day. Likely material for the quizes will include short answer or essay questions, homework problems, or material emphasized in class.
Points
Points are cumulative for all class activities. There will be about:
points
category
300 - 400
tests
100 - 200
quizzes
200
final
100 - 300
projects (much writing)
100 - 200
participation
Letter Grades
Point equivalents for assignments receiving letter grades are as follows:
The following is the guaranteed scale for final grades.
GRADE: % equivalent
GRADE DISTRIBUTION
% score: GRADE
A+
99
A
95
A-
91
B+
88
B
85
B-
81
C+
77
C
70
C-
62
D+
58
D
54
D-
51
F+
40
F
30
F-
20
92 -
A
90 - 91.99
A-
87 - 89.99
B+
83 - 86.99
B
80 - 82.99
B-
75 - 79.99
C+
65 - 74.99
C
60 - 64.99
C-
57 - 59.99
D+
53 - 56.99
D
50 - 52.99
D-
0 - 49.99
F
However, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the curve downward slightly to allow for better breaks between letter grades. He also reserves the right to discard one or more quiz grades for every student from the percent calculation, but this is not a guarantee. There may be some opportunity for bonus points.
There will be a final exam and all students will be required to take it. The final time will be the scheduled time:
2:00 - 3:50 pm, Thursday 11 December 1997 in WS162.
All material in the course is cumulative and once covered in class, or assigned, may be used on any test or quiz.
If you have a need for disability-related accommodations or services, please inform the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Disability Services Office at 405 Cohodas (227-1550). Reasonable and effective accommodations and services will be provided to students if requests are made in a timely manner, with appropriate documentation, in accordance with federal, state, and University guidelines.
Go Back
Link to MA106 Trigonometry Home Page
Link to Ellerbruch Web Site Home Page
Link to Northern Michigan University
L. W. Ellerbruch: LELLERBR@nmu.edu.