Calculus I
MATH 200 Section 7
Spring 2016

TR 11:0012:15
W 11:0011:50
Temple 2224

SYLLABUS
Virginia Commonwealth University

INSTRUCTOR:
  Richard Hammack Office: Harris Hall 4166
  Work: 804-828-6237
Office hours:
  Home: 804-355-3963
Tuesday, Thursday 9:30–10:30, Wednesday, 12:00–1:30
  E-mail: rhammack@vcu.edu
and by appointment.
  Web page: www.people.vcu.edu/~rhammack/

MATH 200 is the first course in a two-semester sequence covering the calculus of one-variable functions. This course covers the fundamental ideas of differential and integral calculus: functions, limits, continuity, differentiation and integration. We also examine some aspects of how these ideas apply to solve real-world problems. All this involves Chapters 1 through 5 of the text. The course is designed to give you the mathematical background necessary for many courses in the natural and social sciences, as well as to provide a foundation for further study in mathematics.

PREREQUISITES:
 

MATH 151 (Pre-calculus) or placement by VCU's Mathematics Placement Test. (For test, see www.math.vcu.edu/mathlab/placement/)

MATERIALS:
 
  • REQUIRED: Textbook. Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 2nd edition, by Briggs, Cochran and Gillett. ISBN 978-0-194-7345 (published by Pearson). There may be some good prices for used books on Amazon.
  • OPTIONAL: MyMathLab subscription. MyMathLab is a web-based system on which you can work practice problems with feedback and hints. I will not assign any homework through MyMathLab, but if working practice problems on line fits your learning style this may be a good purchase. MyMathLab also contains an e-copy of the textbook, so you would not need to buy a hard copy. If you want to do this, follow the instructions below. Please note that you can also get a free three-week trial subscription.

    You have three options for purchasing the above materials. You may do any one of the following.
    1. Hard Copy of Text:
      Purchase Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 2nd edition, by Briggs, Cochran and Gillett, ISBN: 978-0-194-7345.
    2. Hard Copy of Text with MyMathLab:
      Go to the VCU Bookstore and purchase Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 2nd edition, by Briggs, Cochran and Gillett, ISBN: 978-0-321-965165 with MyMathLab Access. The inside cover of this book contains a package with an access code. Using this code you can then register for MyMathLab using the link "MyMathLab Registration" at the top of my MATH 200 web page.
    3. MyMathLab and e-text:
      Click on the link "MyMathLab Registration" at the top of my MATH 200 web page. Follow the directions to purchase a MyMathLab subscription directly from Pearson. If you do this, your MyMathLab account will have a link to an electronic version of the text, Calculus: Early Transcendental, 2nd edition, by Briggs, Cochran and Gillett.
  You are NOT required to have a calculator in this course. You are free to use a calculator in doing the practice exercises, but calculators are NOT allowed on tests.

IMPORTANT WEB LINKS:
 
GRADED WORK:
 
  • Tests: There are three closed book tests. The first is scheduled for Wednesday February 17. The other dates are to be announced. Calculators and computers are not allowed on any in-class test. All phones must be put away. Tests are written under the assumption that you are studying the material AT LEAST 8 hours per week outside of class.
  • Assignments: Weekly written assignments are collected, graded and returned.
    • Papers are collected at the beginning of class on appointed days.
    • Papers submitted after the beginning of class may not be graded.
    • If you must miss class when an assignment is due, please give it to me early or have a classmate turn it in for you.
    • You may email an assignment to me, but it must arrive in my inbox no later than the beginning of class on the day it is due. I sometimes don't print emailed assignments, so you may not get any written feedback from me. If the scan or photo is of poor quality I may not be able to grade it.
    • Exceptionally sloppy work is not graded.
    • I encourage you to work together, though the work you turn in must be your own.
    • Resist the temptation to hunt for solutions on line. I do not grade work that I recognize as copied.
    • In addition to the work you hand in, you should work lots of extra problems for practice.
    • Some assigned problems are intended to make you think about ideas not discussed in class.
  • Engagement: Engagement means that you in some way demonstrate intellectual involvement in the course. It does not necessarily mean that you ask questions and volunteer answers. Active engagement may include your working lots of exercises, taking advantage of office hours, and displaying preparedness, dedication and intellectual curiosity. Things that could cause you to lose engagement points include sleeping in class, missing too much class, leaving your cell phone on, texting in class, and other rude behaviors. (Not that I expect you would do any of these things!)
  • Final Exam: The final exam is cumulative, covering all material discussed in class. It is scheduled for Tuesday May 10, 8:00–10:50 am, in our usual classroom. All you will need to bring to the finial exam is something to write with. Books, notes, calculators, computers, phones etc., are not allowed on the final. The exam is written under the assumption that you have been studying the material AT LEAST 8 hours per week outside of class for the entire semester.
  • Dropped Scores: Your lowest test grade and several low homework grades will be dropped.

GRADING CRITERIA:
 
The 10-point grading scale is used:

A: 90100
B: 8089
C: 7079
D: 6069
F: 059
Your final average will be computed as follows:

Highest test grade: 28%
Second-highest test grade: 28%
Written assignments:
14%
Engagement:
2%
Final Exam grade 28%

COURSE POLICIES:
 
  • Attendance: Attendance is not taken. You are responsible for all material covered in class.
  • Etiquette: Please arrive promptly.
  • Phones: Put away all phones for the entire duration of class. Do not text in class or leave to take a call.
  • Please do not take photos of the board.
  • Devices: You are expected to be connected with the course and course material. All devices not related to coursework (iPods, laptops, etc.) are to be turned off and put away for the entire duration of class.
  • Make-up work: Under normal circumstances I do not give make-up tests or homework. I will drop your lowest test grade and several low homework grades. If you miss one test it will be your dropped grade. (Please note that the final exam cannot be dropped.) The final exam cannot be given early. If you miss the final exam because of a documented illness or emergency, then I can give you a grade of incomplete (I) for the course and you will have to make up the final exam by the date set by the University.
  • Honor System: Any instance of cheating on tests and exams is considered an honor offence and is dealt with according to University policy.
  • You are expected to work lots of extra problems for practice. Please see the Exercise List on the course web page.
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW: Friday March 25
 
BOILERPLATE INFORMATION: The following is required on all VCU syllabi:
  • Email Policy
    Electronic mail or "email" is considered an official method for communication at VCU because it delivers information in a convenient, timely, cost effective and environmentally aware manner. Students are expected to check their official VCU e-mail on a frequent and consistent basis in order to remain informed of university-related communications. The University recommends checking e-mail daily. Students are responsible for the consequences of not reading, in a timely fashion, university-related communications sent to their official VCU student e-mail account. This policy ensures that all students have access to this important form of communication. It ensures students can be reached through a standardized channel by faculty and other staff of the university as needed. Mail sent to the VCU email address may include notification of university-related actions, including disciplinary action. Please read the policy in its entirety: http://www.ts.vcu.edu/kb/3407.html

  • University Counseling Services:  http://www.students.vcu.edu/counseling/
  • VCU Honor System: Upholding Academic Integrity
    The VCU honor system policy describes the responsibilities of students, faculty and administration in upholding academic integrity, while at the same time respecting the rights of individuals to the due process offered by administrative hearings and appeals. According to this policy, "members of the academic community are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity." Also, "All members of the VCU community are presumed to have an understanding of the VCU Honor System and are required to:
    Agree to be bound by the Honor System policy and its procedures;
    Report suspicion or knowledge of possible violations of the Honor System;
    Support an environment that reflects a commitment to academic integrity;
    Answer truthfully when called upon to do so regarding Honor System cases; and,
    Maintain confidentiality regarding specific information in Honor System cases."
    The Honor System in its entirety can be reviewed on the Web at http://www.provost.vcu.edu/pdfs/Honor_system_policy.pdf or it can be found in the current issue of the VCU Insider at http://www.students.vcu.edu/insider.html


  • Student Conduct in the Classroom
    According to the Faculty Guide to Student Conduct in Instructional Settings "The university is a community of learners. Students, as well as faculty, have a responsibility for creating and maintaining an environment that supports effective instruction. In order for faculty members (including graduate teaching assistants) to provide and students to receive effective instruction in classrooms, laboratories, studios, online courses, and other learning areas, the university expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly and cooperative manner." Among other things, cell phones and beepers should be turned off while in the classroom. Also, the university Rules and Procedures prohibit anyone from having "in his possession any firearm, other weapon, or explosive, regardless of whether a license to possess the same has been issued, without the written authorization of the President of the university..." For more information, visit the VCU Insider online at http://www.students.vcu.edu/insider.html
  • Students with Disabilities
    SECTION 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended, require that VCU provides "academic adjustments " or "reasonable accommodations" to any student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. To receive accommodations, students must request them by contacting the Disability Support Services Office on the Monroe Park Campus (828-2253) or the Division for Academic Success on the MCV campus (828-9782). More information is available at the Disability Support Services webpage: http://www.students.vcu.edu/dss/ ; or the Division for Academic Success webpage at www.specialservices.vcu.edu/disabilityss. If you have a disability that requires an academic accommodation, please schedule a meeting with me at your earliest convenience.
  • Excused Absences for Students Representing the University
    Students who represent the university (athletes and others) do not choose their schedules. Student athletes are required to attend games and/or meets. All student athletes should provide their schedule to the instructor at the beginning of the semester. The Intercollegiate Athletic Council (IAC) strongly encourages faculty to treat missed classes or exams (because of a scheduling conflict) as excused absences and urges faculty to work with the students to make up the work or exam.
  • Class Registration Required for Attendance
    Please remember that students may only attend those classes for which they have registered. Faculty may not add students to class rosters. Therefore, if students are attending a class for which they have not registered, they must stop attending.