Multivariable Calculus Fall 2013
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Syllabus
Multivariable Calculus – Fall 2013
Course: Math 201, Fall 2013. (Section 01)
Instructor: Christopher Hanusa -- Email: chanusa@qc.cuny.edu -- Office: Kissena Hall 355
Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:40-3:20 in Kiely Hall 277
Course Web Site: http://people.qc.cuny.edu/faculty/christopher.hanusa/courses/201fa13/
Course Blog: http://201fa13.qwriting.qc.cuny.edu/
Link to Blackboard: Blackboard

Required Textbook: Essential Calculus, First or Second Edition, by James Stewart (Note: Do NOT purchase the "single variable" version.) I expect most people will have the second edition, but if you have the First Edition, that is OK!
Required Homework Software: Webwork
This class covers: Sections 9.1-9.4, 10.1-10.9, 11.1-11.8, 12.1-12.7, and 13.1-13.4.

Homework Policy:
      DO IT! You can not expect to learn calculus without practice. There will be two types of homework in this class: daily homework assignments discussed in class and online homework assignments, due weekly. Homework assignments will be posted on the course website the week beforehand.

Study Groups:
      The idea that mathematics is an individual activity is very misguided. An important component of your learning in this class is through study groups. Study groups allow you to learn the intricacies of the material; discussion of problems often lead to better understanding and new and more efficient ways to solve the problems. One of the best ways to learn something is to explain it to someone else; misunderstandings that you never knew you had will appear under someone else's questioning! In addition, seeing that others also struggle with the material helps to put your own level of understanding in a better perspective and will hopefully reduce some of your anxiety. If you can not find a study group, e-mail me.
      Most importantly, I assume that you will be working in groups when I make up the homework assignments. At the beginning the problems will seem easy enough to plug and chug on your own, but as the quarter progresses the questions become quite complex indeed. When a group works on a problem, everyone can participate. However, I suggest that you take time to write up solutions to the problems on your own.

Class Participation:
      Succeeding in this class will require your participation. If you miss a class, you are responsible for the material you missed— get the notes from your classmates and study group and make sure that you understand the material that you missed. You will earn a class participation grade based on your attendance and your participation. A great way to participate is to ask questions. A question as simple as "I don't really understand how/why you did X; can you explain it in a different way?" is a great question to ask and it shows that you are involved in the class.

      One way to participate and earn bonus points is to contribute to the course blog, hosted on Queens College's wordpress site, qwriting. There is more information about contributing on the blog's first post.

Exams:
      There will three midterm exams and one final exam during the semester. The exams will be one-hour long (held at the beginning of class, followed by new lecture material) and you will be required to use your graphing calculator. There will be no make-up exam except in the case of a documented emergency. In the event of an unavoidable conflict with the midterm (an athletic meet, wedding, funeral, etc...), you must notify me at least one week before the date of the exam so that we can arrange for you to take the exam BEFORE the actual exam date.

Grading Scheme:
      Your final grade will be based on homework, class participation, and your exams. Each component of your grade is calculated independently; then all pieces are combined using the following weighted average.

  • Class Participation: 8%
  • Online Homework: 11%
  • Exam 1: 17%
  • Exam 2: 17%
  • Exam 3: 17%
  • Final Exam: 30%

Office Hours:
      Prof. Chris is happy to help you with your homework and other class-related questions during office hours, which will generally be right after class. You are welcome to stop by my office or make an appointment to meet with me at any time.

Cheating/Plagiarism:
      DON'T DO IT!   Both receiving and supplying the answers on an exam is cheating. I take cheating very seriously. If you cheat, you will receive a zero for the exam and I will report you to the academic integrity committee in the Office of Student Affairs. If you cheat twice, you will receive a zero for the class.

Please do realize that working together on homework as described above is not cheating.

 

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Christopher HanusaQueens CollegeMathematics Department.