MATH 131 Spring 2018
Calculus I
Archived Class
Charles Cusack
Mathematics
Hope College
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CSCI 125
CSCI 255
MATH 131 (01 and 02)
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Course Information


Time     Section 1: 9:30-10:20 MWF, 9:30-10:50 T
Section 2: 1:00-1:50 MWF, 1:30-2:20 T
Location     Section 1: VNZORN 298 MWF, SCICTR 1118 T
Section 2: VNZORN 299 MWF, Graves 119 T

Instructor     Charles Cusack
Email     cusack@hope.edu
Office     VWF 233
Phone     395-7271
Office Hours       By Appointment

Textbooks

Resources
  • The textbook has solutions to the odd numbered problems, so those are good ones to use for practice.
  • Make an appointment to see me in my office, send me questions via e-mail, or stop by and see if I am available.
  • The Math Lab is open Sundays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. It is located in SCICTR 1118. The lab is staffed by Math majors who can help you with questions you have about the material in this course.
  • The ASC offers tutors for this course.

Topics In Calculus I, we will study functions, limits, differentiation, and integration. Problem solving in general is the main thread of the course, but you'll also be working on how to read a mathematics text and how to clearly communicate mathematical ideas in speech and in writing. We will cover most of the material in chapters 1-5 and section 6.1 of the textbook.

Expectations
  • Attend every class. You are responsible for knowing all announcements made in class, whether you're there or not.
  • Read every section of the textbook when it is assigned.
  • You will take all exams and quizzes when assigned.

Advice You are all capable of doing well in this course, but you will have to work. We'll be working hard to teach you and we expect you to work hard to learn. You will probably be frustrated at times, but working through this frustration to achieve a new understanding is the centerpiece of all learning. Here are some specific suggestions.
  • Regular attendance is highly recommended. There is published evidence of a high correlation between attending classes and performing well on exams; my personal experience corroborates this.
  • Attentiveness, constructive participation in class discussions, and asking relevant questions will improve your chances of learning the material. A positive attitude helps, too.
  • It is essential that you read the sections we are discussing, preferably both before class and then again after class.
  • The standard recommendation for college classes is 2-3 hours spent outside of class on reading, studying, and homework for every hour in class.
  • Be prepared to work hard.
  • Don't fall behind.
  • Take the initiative to get help when you need it. Don't wait for a bad exam to start seeking the resources to improve.
There's a lot that's interesting, challenging, and beautiful about mathematics—hopefully you'll notice some of it in this course.