MATH 165.01 Concepts of the Number System Spring 2007

Lecture:

MWF 10:10-11:00 TH 428

Instructor:	Dr. Matthias Beck
Office:	Thornton Hall 933
Office hours:	M 11:10-12:00 Th 1:00-2:00 F 9:00-10:00	& by appointment
Phone:	+1 415 405 3473
Email:	beck @ math.sfsu.edu

Course Objectives:

• Help you learn and explore the number strand for the elementary curriculum.
• Help you communicate with others about mathematics.
• Help you see math as interesting and relevant.
• Help you see yourself as capable of learning mathematics and solving mathematical problems on your own.
• Introduce you to materials to teach content in the number strand to elementary school students.
• Convince you that math is not a bunch of formulas to be memorized but problems to solve and patterns to find.

Grading system & exam dates:

40% Homework 20% Midterm (March 23) 20% Term paper 20% Final exam (May 25 8:00-10:30)

Grades will be assigned according to the following scheme: 87-100% A 75-86% B 58-74% C 50-57% D 0-49% F

I want to ensure that each of you accomplishes the goals of this course as comfortably and successfully as possible. At any time you feel overwhelmed or lost, please come and talk with me.

Homework: I will assign homework problems as we go through the material. We can discuss the homework problems at any time during class. The homework problems will be due on the Wednesday class of the following week. You may hand them in early to be able to correct your mistakes. Although you may (and should) work together with your class mates, the solutions you hand in have to be your own.

The way to learn math is through doing math. It is vital and expected that you attend every lecture. You will get a good feel for the math from there, but it is even more crucial that you do the homework. Working in groups is not only allowed but strongly recommended. The Blackboard system allows you to send emails to anybody in your class. Blackboard also features an online discussion board. Contact each other and work together.

Term paper: This is a project you will be working on throughout the semester. The topic is up to you but needs to be checked with me. Topics could be anything from the history of a mathematical concept to a current issue in math education. Here is a list of possible topics, but you should feel free to come up with your own ideas. I expect that you will have found a topic by the end of February. A first draft is due on April 6. You will correct each other's drafts; the corrections are due on April 16. The final version of your paper is due on May 16, the last day of classes. As with your homework, you may hand in your paper early to be able to get feedback from me.

Some more general fine print:
SFSU academic calender
Math typesetting programs
Tutoring
CR/NCR grading
Incomplete grades
Late and retroactive withdrawals
Students with disabilities
Religious holidays

This syllabus is subject to change. All assignments, as well as other announcements on tests, policies, etc., are given in class. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what's going on. I will try to keep this course web page as updated as possible, however, the most recent information will always be given in class. Always ask lots of questions in class; my courses are interactive. You are always encouraged to see me in my office.

"One cannot understand... the universality of laws of nature, the relationship of things, without an understanding of mathematics. There is no other way to do it."
Richard P. Feynman

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