Mathematics for Life
Course Syllabus

MAT 118

1:30 - 2:20

M, W, F

S112

Instructor: Dr. Ronald Buelow

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Instructor Availability | Course Description   | Course Objectives
Course Methodology & Materials | Required Text | Evaluation of Student Work
Approximate Grade Ranges | Approximate Course Schedule | Attendance Policy
Guidelines for Success | Mathematics Notebook | My Promise to You

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 Instructor Availability 

	Teaching Hours	My Current Schedule
	Office	Science Hall, Room 143
	Office Hours	See current schedule
	Office Phone	414-443-8553 See office hours above.
	Home Phone	262-510-2046 call any time other than teaching and office hours
	E-mail	ron.buelow@wlc.edu
	Course Web Page	http://faculty.wlc.edu/buelow/MFL/Index.htm

Mathematical topics relevant to living in modern society with emphasis on the uses of mathematical ideas and mathematical thought processes. Topics include critical thinking, problem solving, sets, logic, matrices and geometry. Especially appropriate for students seeking the BA degree who do not plan on taking any additional mathematics courses such as statistics, or calculus.

About the first 20-25 minutes of each class period will be used to evaluate assignments and answer student questions on the previous work or the corrected assignment. The remainder of the time will be used for lecture, discussion, demonstration and classwork. Homework exercises will be assigned almost every class period. Homework will be formally evaluated once or twice in the semester. It is absolutely essential that students keep current and do all homework exercises. In this way they will understand where their difficulties lie and be able to ask questions in class or during office hours, or over the telephone, and thus build on their knowledge in ensuing class periods.

WARNING: Learning mathematics is a cumulative experience. New knowledge depends on understanding previous material. For this course it is imperative that you do you work every day and seek extra help in office hours or on the phone when necessary. If you are unprepared even once, you may never catch up.

The required text is: Topics in Contemporary Mathematics (Eighth Edition) Authors: Bello and Britton. Publisher: Houghton Mifflin ISBN: 9780618347520 available in the college bookstore

Grading will be done by category and percentage as follows:

1. Attendance is expected at every meeting of the class.

2. Students should notify the instructor of excuses for class absence, before the class for that day by phone or email.

3. Whether present or absent the student shall be accountable for all classroom learning experience, all announcements made in class, and all assignments.

4. If the student has not excused their absence any quizzes given, tests given, or assignments collected that day will be counted as a 0% (zero) grade. These grades cannot be made up. Please Note: Students who are in choir, band, athletics, or any other group representing WLC are required to excuse their absences in advance, themselves. Excuses may be sent by email to ron.buelow@wlc.edu, or text message to: 262-510-2046, or voice at : 262-510-2046.

5. In the event a student is absent from a test for a valid reason, and has excused their absence, the student is responsible for making prompt arrangements with the instructor for a make-up test.

Dear Students:

As we begin to work at being successful in Mathematics, I want to point out several guidelines which should help us to do our best. Mathematics does not require special abilities, rather it requires a solid effort and the development of some good, consistent habits.

Mathematics is a sequential by its very nature, that is, each day's work builds on the previous days' work. Please ask questions when you do not understand! In class, please raise your hand, wait to be called on, and ask, ask, ask! (In the meantime I will be doing my best to see how you are reacting to what I am teaching, and asking you questions, which will also help me know if items need to be rexplained) If you discover a problem after class, but while you are still at school (for example: during a study period), see Prof. Buelow during his office hours. You may also use the alternatives listed below:

If you are at outside of class and a tough problem arises, you should:

1) Look to your textbook for help. (the index and table of contents can be very helpful in finding the place in the book, that your question is covered.)

2) Look to your notebook for similar problems or explanations.

3) If you have access, go to the Course Web Page and read through the notes and examples.

4) Ask a classmate or Math Tutor  (hours and availability will be posted)

5) Call Dr. Buelow (see numbers above)

6) See Dr. Buelow in the morning in his office (Science Hall, Room S143).

NOTE: If you ask me for help at the beginning of class, there is not enough time to help you. This will not relieve you of your responsibility. Do your work the day before!

1) Attend every class. Even one absence can be very harmful.

2) Do homework assignments on time.

3) After homework is complete, study by reviewing notes, the text, and web resources.

4) Become involved in class.