Fall 2010 Syllabus for M171 Calculus I



Supervisor:

Dr.  Richard Swanson
WIL 2-240
994-5353

swanson@math.montana.edu

Let me welcome you
all to Calculus I !		 Doomed Text for M 171:
   
  Single Variable Calculus       
(Early Transcendentals) 6e   
by James  Stewart  
       Pub.   [Brooks-Cole]        


 Read Supervisor's Summary First:

Calculus is first and foremost about ideas.  University calculus is more conceptual than the "recipe" approach in high school.  If you only know recipes, you are already replaceable by a very simple computer. Thus, calculators are not allowed on exams. Computations are short; graphs are qualitative. No curving.   You need to master the subject  more than  compete against  fellow students.   As such, the exams are designed to measure real understanding of  the material  and do not simply duplicate homework problems.  Those who blame the instructors, the book or  the exams for poor results wind up feeling helpless.   How the course goes is entirely up to you.  Make use of office hours! And bear in mind. You are responsible for noticing  conflicts with our exam schedule.  Your instructor may ask you to acknowledge that you have read the exam dates and  checked for possible conflicts.  Exercise great care in making airline reservations.  Attendance is part of your grade.   We will keep attendance records  after the first week of class. You have two days you can miss class without penalty.  Otherwise you need a university approved reason.  Your instructor can explain further.                                     

 Information about  Exams and Grades
There are three 80 minute exams on 9/28, 11/4 and 11/30 (each at 6-7:20pm) . The exams are designed to be worked in  60 minutes for well prepared students without learning disabilities, but we are giving you 20 extra minutes.  At the end of the 80 minute period,  the holders of blue cards may remain an additional 40 minutes. All others must exit promptly. The final is on 12/15 (6-7:50pm).   

Three   80-minute exams:   100 + 100 + 100   points
Section Score:   100  points for quizzes, homework or group work  +  50  points  for attendance 
Final Exam:   150  points
Maximum Points Possible:   600  points
Your Raw Percentage:  earned points divided by 600
Grades A(90-100) A-(87-89) B+(84-86) B(79-83) B-(76-78) C+(70-75) C(65-69) C-(60-64) D(50-59) F(0-49)