FYS 100-20: Numbers and Native American Mathematics
M W F 10:30-11:35 am.
Fall Term 2009
DA-304
Dr. Jon L. Johnson
Office: DA 217
Phone: 630-617-3571 (Office)
630- 832-5289 (Home)
E-mail: jonj@elmhurst.edu
Office Hours: Monday: 9:15 - 10:15
Tuesday: 9:30 - 10:30
Wednesday: 9:15 - 10:15, 3:00 - 4:00
Thursday: by appointment
Friday: 9:15 - 10:15
and at other times by appointment
S. Dean Ellens
Office: Goebel Hall
Phone: 630-617-3059 (Office)
708-269-4969 (Cell)
E-mail: ellenss@elmhurst.edu
Office Hours: Monday: 8:00 – 4:00
Tuesday: 8:00 – 4:00
Wednesday: 8:00 – 4:00
Thursday: 8:00 – 4:00
Friday 8:00 – 4:00
Best to schedule an appt when possible
Course Web page: through http://www.elmhurst.edu/~jonj
Course Description: The course will trace the development of numbers and mathematics from ancient civilizations in the Americas to the current use of mathematics in a computer-driven society. Along the way, we’ll investigate ancient and current number systems, patterns in Native American art, how language and culture influence number representation, and the influence of mathematics in today’s world.
Texts: Native American Mathematics, Edited by Michael Closs
The Numerati, by Stephen Baker
Book VII of The Republic, by Plato (on-line version -- FREE)
http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/p/plato/p71r/introduction7.html
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
Meet FYS Learning Outcomes
1.Articulate an understanding of the value of a liberal arts education and its synergy with professional preparation.
2. React ethically to varied perspectives and experiences to stimulate intellectual curiosity and to expand cultural awareness.
3. Articulate and demonstrate ways to ethically gather, synthesize, and present information in school, work, and life, (educational, professional, and personal settings).
4. Respond critically to various texts from different disciplinary spheres of knowledge and perspectives.
5. Contribute to the campus and/or society through varied means, including civil engagement.
Meet Course Topic Learning Outcomes
6. Evidence understanding and application of college skills, including time management, note taking, test taking strategies, and use of resources.
7. Develop a working knowledge of some of the mathematics of Native Americans and be able to place the mathematics in the context of the particular cultures.
GRADES:
The Final will involve material from the course. The Final Examination will be on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 from 8:00 to 10:00 am. Your semester grade will be based on the following:
1. Course Involvement -- attendance and participation (required assigned article write-ups and sharing) (10% of final course points)
2. Two (2) Blog Assignments for Information Literacy (5% of final course points)
3. Three (3) Cultural Events Reflections (10% of final course points)
4. One (1) Service/Experiential Learning with Write Up (10% of final course points)
5. Homework, Quiz and Test(s) grade (20% of final course points)
6. Oral Group Presentation(s) (10% of final course points)
7. Topic papers/Projects (20% of final course points)
8. Final Integrative FYS Goals and Paper (15% of final course points)
The GRADE in the course is based on a percentage of the total available points: 90% and above is an "A", below 90% and 80% or above is a "B", below 80% and 70% or above is a "C", below 70% and 60% or above is a "D", and below 60% is an "F".
Academic Integrity Policy:
Students are expected to be familiar with the Code of Academic Integrity in the Elmhurst College E-book and with the statement posted at http://www.elmhurst.edu/~mth/acadint.html . In particular:
● You may work with others on your homework and projects. (Homework that is graded need not be all of your own work).
● Tests are to be your own work (no help from others or other sources unless specifically stated otherwise -- e.g. "group" work section, "open book" and "open notes ").
● For projects and other group work, the group is to be treated as an individual on a test.
● On tests and projects you may always ask questions of your instructors.
Notes:
1. The College will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this course, please contact the Disabilities Service Provider at 630-617-3753.
2. The number to call to find out whether the College has canceled all classes is: 630-617-3777.
3. Departmentally sponsored tutors will be available in the Learning Center during the week. A schedule of the tutoring hours should be available within the first two weeks of class. Students can also set up times to get special l help from the Mathematics Specialist (Emmi McAdams), by calling her at 617-5376 for an appointment.