Assorted
Notes from the Instructor of this Course
Math
1107
CJ
Alverson
Kennesaw
State University
I
have designed this course to require a minimum of mathematics. However, the
remaining mathematics is essential.
I
assume and require proficiency in the prerequisite mathematics for this course.
In this case what is required is the basics in arithmetic, algebraic
substitution and basic algebraic operations. You must either currently have, or
acquire on your own initiative these basics.
I
have minimized the use of the calculator in this course. Even so, you alone are
responsible for acquiring and operating an appropriate calculator. Some on-line
resources are hyper-linked in the course page. The default calculator is the
TI-83.
This
course requires a modicum of precise, technical writing. Summaries and sample
tests are provided to allow you to learn this writing style. Writing will be a
large part of the coursework.
I
require proficiency in this class. No curves are employed in the scoring of
tests and finals. The only letter grade earned in this course is based on the
total performance over all tests and the final. Do not interpret individual
scores on tests and finals as letter grades.
In
general, I constructed the case studies in order to illustrate examples of
statistical computing and thinking. For this reason, it is essential that you
show your complete work, including intermediate computational steps and a
complete discussion. Failure to provide such will surely result in loss of
credit. The correct thinking and work lead naturally to the correct answer(s).
The point of the cases is the thinking required to attain them, the final
answer(s) are incidental to the process.
I
have designed the course in response to the distinct needs and concerns of
students who typically take night courses. The course is therefore conducted in
a simple, efficient manner with a minimum of required work. I provide guidance
and the material to be learned. You must aggressively learn the material as an
adult.
Material
is divided into case studies. The idea is to learn a few new things in each
session, with a minimum of overlap and repetition. I will keep the course
moving forward, with a minimum (that is no…) drill. Stay focused on the current
material, and keep up.
Students
do, on occasion, fail this course.
There
are a number of failure modes, but a common mode of failure is a weak grasp of
remedial mathematics. You must be able to perform basic arithmetic, algebraic
substitution and the like. I do not have the time to review these concepts or
to tutor you in them. If your basic mathematics is severely lacking, then get
it fixed before you take classes that require said mathematics.
A
number of students under-perform due to a lack of detail. I am generally
merciless about these things.
A
number of students simply take too many courses, or fall behind. This course is
carefully planned, and even in a severely demanding schedule, you can plan
ahead. Do so.
Use
your groups, but do not burden them with your absences, lack of work and other
bad things. Contribute to your group. Do enough of your own preparation in
order to be a healthy member of your group.
Plan
ahead. Keep current in your work. If you stay current, your workload will be
steady, but won't pile up. If you fall behind; don't expect me or your group to
magically catch you up. You are an adult, and I expect you to take care of
yourself.
That's
the contract: We're adults here. You work in good faith, and I refrain from any
un-necessary academic nonsense. But in exchange, you do your end of the work.
And in the end, your letter grade reflects your demonstrated proficiency in the
concepts of the course.