MATH 152, Calculus 2
Spring 2010

Text: Stewart, Calculus: Early Transcendentals or Single Variable Calculus: Early Transcendentals, 6th edition (you will need the latter of you intend to take Calculus 3), Chapters 5-9, 11 (we will skip some sections).

Course objective: As you continue your study of calculus, you deepen your understanding of the fundamental ideas of the subject. Whereas the motivating problem in Calculus 1 was finding the slope of a curve at any point, out motivating problem in Calculus 2 is finding the area underneath a curve between any two points. We will look at how this problem led to the development of integrals; we will see why the tangent and the area problems are inverse; we will learn different techniques for integrating, and learn when each technique is appropriate; we will solve some simple differential equations, using integrals; we will look at power series representations of functions and understand why this is useful; throughout, we will look at applications, since studying a subject without understanding its purpose is almost meaningless, and Calculus has numerous applications in our lives. As some of you may know, I do not lecture much; instead, my classes are discussion-based, and much work is done in small groups. You will work with your peers, both on easier practice problems, and more complex concept and application problems. My main goal, as in all my classes, is making mathematics enjoyable and relevant to you.

Attendance: Students are expected, though not required to attend class regularly. Note, however, that if you do not attend class regularly, you decrease your chances for succeeding in the class, since you will not only missing lectures, but also in-class handouts and quizzes. If you are not present during a class period, you are responsible for obtaining notes and/or homework assignments.

Office hours: I will schedule to meet with you at least once during the semester, and I encourage you to come see me whenever you need help. Outside of regular office hours, I am often available by appointment.

Participation: Each student has to present at the board at least once during the semester. You can either volunteer to solve a problem, or sign up beforehand to present your project on the board. This will earn you 20 more course points.

Classroom conduct: Classroom atmosphere must be based on mutual respect. Everybody is entitled to learn and everybody is entitled to a comfortable learning environment. There is no such thing as a stupid question. I will always have patience for your questions, and I expect the same from you: I will not tolerate derogatory remarks directed at your peers. I also expect you to come to class on time, turn off your cell phones and pagers, and refrain from all side conversations. All conversation that pertains to the course is encouraged.

Group work: Class work will be done in groups. Research shows that material is better learned and retained in a group environment, which is my experience as well. Even if you have previously had bad experience with group work, give it a try. You can learn from your peers, and solidify your understanding when explaining to them. If you do not function well with your group members, you are free to switch groups at any time. You can find the guidelines for group work on the main course webpage.

Class structure: Most class periods will be structured similarly: we will spent the first 5-10 minutes discussing homework, then go over new material for the next 20-30 minutes, and devote the remainder of the class to group work, working either on handouts or quizzes. We will diverge from this structure when preparing for exams or working on computers.

Technology: Graphing calculators are required in the course. Make sure you always have a calculator with you. I will often use applets and Maple worksheets to demonstrate new concepts in class. You will also learn how to use Maple, and will have regular Maple homework assignments to complete either individually or in groups. The reason for this is that Maple makes computations much easier, and is software that is used virtually everywhere.

Writing in mathematics: I will frequently assign questions and problems that will require writing, rather than just the use of formulas. In addition, I will occasionally assign readings that you will respond to with a paragraph or two. The purpose of this type of problem is to develop your mathematical communication skills and to gauge your understanding of the concepts of Calculus. You can find the Guidelines for written work on the main course webpage.

Course materials:
Handouts: We will occasionally work on handouts, in groups. The handouts will usually be graded, and this will be part of your quiz or homework grade, depending on whether you finish them in class or at home.

Quizzes: In addition to the handouts, I will occasionally give you quizzes, to be done individually or in groups. Quizzes will usually consist of 2-3 concept questions.

Homework: As was the case in Math 151, there will be two types of homework: written and electronic.
Written homework is assigned daily and weekly. The daily homework assignments will consist of 2-3 problems, and you will begin working on them in your group near the end of class; these assignments will be collected at the beginning of the next class period. The weekly homework assignments are assigned on Friday, and due on the next Friday. They will include material that was covered no later than the Monday after they were assigned. These assignments will be longer, typically consisting to 10-15 problems.

No late homework is accepted. The only exceptions will be made in the case of illness or family emergency. Homework IS graded and counts towards the grade (a random set of problems from an assignment is graded). Each homework assignment is worth 10 points. Each writing assignment is worth 5 points. The lowest two homework scores will be dropped. You can find more specific grading guidelines on the main course webpage.

Collaboration on homework is allowed and encouraged, but it is essential that you write up your own solutions, and write on your assignment that name of all persons you were working with. All solutions must be sufficiently explained and assignments must be stapled when turned in.

For electronic homework, we will use the WeBWorK system. WeBWorK tells you immediately whether or not answers are correct. You may resubmit assignments as many times as you wish up to the due date for the assignment. I have posted instructions on using WeBWork, and we will go over them in class. Be warned: If you haven't used it before, WeBWork takes a lot of getting used to! I will assign WebWorK only to review material from Math 151 and to review for the tests.

Group project: You will need to do one group project during the semester. You can do the project individually, with a partner, or in a group of three. Your task will be to learn about an application of the course material, as presented in one of the sections we will not have time to cover. You will write a report on the application, with examples, and give the class a five-minute presentation of your topic. More detailed information is available on the course webpage.

Exams: There will be three midterm exams during the semester, whose dates we will negotiate in class. Their tentative dates are March 10, April 14, and May 10.

Final exam: The final exam is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25, 8-9:50am. Do not make travel arrangements before the date of the final, as you will not be able to take it at an earlier time.

Make-up policies: Make-up exams are given only when there is a valid excuse, such as a medical or family emergency, proof of which has to be provided.

Grading:
Written homework: 150 points
WebWorK: 50 points
Quizzes 80 points
Maple assignments: 50 points
Group project: 50 points
Participation: 20 points

Exams 300 points (Each is worth 100 points)
Final 150 points
Total 850 points

Grades will be no lower than the following:
A: 90%-100%
B: 80%-89%
C: 70%-79%
D: 60%-69%
E: 0%-59%

The last day to drop the class is Monday, February 22. The last day to withdraw is Friday, May 7.

Special accommodations: Students with medically recognized and documented disabilities and who are in need of special accommodation should contact the Office of Disability Support Services (x7206). If you need special accommodations, please schedule an appointment to meet with me.

Academic honesty: PLU's expectation is that students will not cheat or plagiarize, and that they will not condone these behaviors or assist others who plagiarize. Academic misconduct not only jeopardizes the career of the individual student involved, but also undermines the scholastic achievements of all PLU students and attacks the mission of the institution. In this class, cheating includes, but is not limited to: submitting material that is not yours as part of your course performance, such as copying from another student's exam, or allowing another student to copy your exam; helping another student to cheat; altering exam answers and requiring the exam to be re-graded. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to: representing an idea or strategy that is significant in one's own work as one's own when it comes from someone else. If you are unsure about something that you want to do or the proper use of materials, ask me for clarification. All cases of cheating and plagiarizing will be dealt with as specified in the Code of Student Conduct, which you can find at www.plu.edu/print/handbok.

I look forward to working with you. Good luck!