Syllabus

// Logistics

  • Professor: Dr. Laura Taalman, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
  • Textbook: Calculus I with Integrated Precalculus, Taalman, First Edition
  • Section 05 time and location: MW 2:30-3:45pm, Roop 129
  • Website: geekhaus.com/math232_spring2018

// Course Description

MATH 231 and MATH 232 form a sequence that combines first-semester calculus with algebra and trigonometry, designed for students whose pre-calculus skills are not strong enough for MATH 235. MATH 232 is a continuation of MATH 231. Calculus topics include limits and derivatives of transcendental functions, the theory of integration and basic integration techniques. MATH 231-232 together are equivalent to MATH 235 for all prerequisites. Not open to students who have already earned credit in MATH 235.

The prerequisite for MATH 232 is to complete MATH 231 with a grade of “C-” or better. If you earned a grade lower than C- in MATH 231 then you have an extremely high probability of failing MATH 232, so please take this requirement seriously. Speak to me if you are trying to take MATH 232 without this prerequisite, so we can work out a strategy for you to succeed.

// Course Information

This course covers differential calculus of algebraic functions of one variable, including developing an understanding of limits, continuity, differentiation, and derivative applications from both theoretical and calculational perspectives.

Information on grades, quizzes, office hours, and more can be found on the class website. For official university syllabus information, see www.jmu.edu/syllabus.

// Attendance Policy

You do not need to notify me about missing regular class days. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to get notes and announcements from another classmate and by consulting the class website. Missed quiz times cannot be made up, but there are numerous retake opportunities built into the schedule. If you will be absent for a prolonged period of time due to special circumstances, please let me know.

// Technology Policy

Cell phones may not be used as calculators or clocks or in any capacity during quizzes and exams. Calculators, tablets, and/or computers are also not permitted during quizzes or exams. However, limited use of cell phones for calculators, clocks, notifications, photos of the blackboard, etc is permitted in regular classes during non-testing situations.

For work done outside of class I suggest that you check your answers with a graphing calculator or computer program. Any graphing calculator is probably fine, as are many others. A better (and free!) alternative is the website www.wolframalpha.com, which is an online tool that can do much more than a standard graphing calculator, including symbolic differentiation and integration, with steps explained.

// Inclement Weather Policy

Information concerning cancellation of classes due to inclement weather is available at www.jmu.edu, on the campus radio 1610 AM, or by calling (540) 433-5300.

// Statement of Compliance With Americans With Disabilities

JMU abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which mandate reasonable accommodations be provided for students with documented disabilities. If you have a disability and may require some type of instructional and/or examination accommodations, please contact me early in the semester so that I can provide or facilitate provision of accommodations you may need. If you have not already done so, you will need to register with the Office of Disability Services, the designated office on campus to provide services for students with disabilities. The office is located in Wilson Hall, Room 107 and you may call 540-568-6705 for more information.

// Religious Accommodations

All members of the faculty are required to give reasonable and appropriate accommodations to students requesting them on grounds of religious observation. The faculty member determines what accommodations are appropriate for his/her course. Students should notify the faculty by no later than the end of the Drop-Add period the first week of the semester of potential scheduled absences and determine with the instructor if mutually acceptable alternative methods exist for completing the missed classroom time, lab or activity.

// The JMU Honor Code

I completely support and encourage working together in groups both during and outside of class. Having said that, I take the JMU Honor Code very seriously, and you should too. Any instances of suspected cheating or academic dishonesty will be referred to the JMU Honor Board for investigation. For more complete information, please consult the JMU Honor Code.

// Who am I?

Most students call me “Laura” but you can also call me “Taalman” or “Dr. Taalman” or “hey, I have a question.” I prefer not to be addressed with gender-specific prefixes like “Mrs” or “Miss”, etc. I’m married, have an 13-year-old son, would if I had more free time I would probably play Minecraft.

You can see my academic website at educ.jmu.edu/~taalmala. I wrote the textbook for this class. I am sorry.

When I’m not doing math I work in 3D printing and design in the JMU 3SPACE 3D printing classroom in Carrier Library. I spent a couple of recent years in New York City working in industry, with the 3D printing companies Ultimaker, Shapeways, and MakerBot. I’m known as “mathgrrl” on Thingiverse, where you can download hundreds of my 3D-printable designs for free. If you want to know more about how to get started with 3D printing or design, feel free to ask me anytime!

// Who are you?

I have aphantasia, which among other things makes it difficult for me to recognize people, especially when they are out of context — for example, if you switch seats in class, come to my office hours, or run into me at the grocery store. In class, I will ask that everyone use nametags at their seats and write their names next to their work when they use the whiteboards.

Please do not be insulted if it takes me a long time to be able to recognize you or remember your name. When you see me outside of the classroom, just remind me of your name and what class you are in, or maybe what we were talking about the last time we met. Once I place you I will remember you and everything that we talked about, and the fact that I look confused at first does not mean I don’t care about you!

I look forward to meeting and working with all of you this semester!  🙂