CORE 1140B FALL 2009
Tentative Syllabus
Computer Applications

DATES/TIME: OCTOBER 5 - NOVEMBER 4; Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30-9:30 AM
LOCATION: Smith 322
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Fay A. Riddle
OFFICE: Smith 305
OFFICE PHONE: 706.880.8279
OFFICE HOURS: Mon./Wed./Fri.: 9:40-10:40 AM; Tues./Thurs.: 11:15-11:55 AM (except for faculty meeting days) and 1:10-2:30 PM. Available by appointment at other times.
EMAIL: friddle at lagrange.edu or driddle at charter.net
WEBSITE: http://webpages.charter.net/driddle
OPTIONAL TEXTBOOK: Mathematical Applications with Excel Guide, custom published for LaGrange College

CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION: Mathematical techniques and computer methods with spreadsheets will be used in the development of quantitative reasoning skills. These techniques will be examined in the contexts of business and economics and of sustainability through managing one's personal finances. Prerequisite: MATH 1101 or higher.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS: All correspondence (assignments, test information, etc.) will be via e-mail. Students will be expected to check their e-mail on a daily basis. Cell phones and audible pagers must be turned off in class unless there is a prior arrangement with the instructor.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Since this class (1 hour credit) only meets for 13 class days, it is essential that students attend all class meetings. For that reason, any student missing more than one class meeting may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor.

HOMEWORK::
Homework will be assigned daily and students will be responsible for all problems assigned. Homework will not be a percentage factor in the student's final grade.

MAKE-UP WORK:
There will be no make-up exams given in this course. Late take-home exams will be accepted, as long as they are turned in prior to the beginning of the next class meeting. Grades for late take-home exams will be reduced at a rate of 20% per day that the assignment is late. (Take-home exams turned in later than the beginning of class will be considered late.)

TESTS AND GRADING:
Your grade for the course will be determined as follows:
(1) Two 100-point take-home exams (each counting 25% of your grade):
Exam 1 distributed on Wednesday Oct. 21; due on Friday Oct. 23 (8:30 AM).
Exam 2 distributed on Friday Oct. 30; due on Monday Nov.2 (8:30 AM).
(2) The take-home exams are to be taken under the following conditions: Once you begin an exam, you may use your books and/or your notes, but no other sources may be used. In particular, this means that you cannot receive assistance from anyone else on these exams. This will be emphasized in the directions on each of these exams.
(3) (3) A 100-point in-class, one-hour comprehensive exam (counting 50% of your grade, open book, open notes) will be given on Wednesday, November 4 from 8:30-9:30 AM.
(4) (4) To determine your average, compute the following: .25 times first take-home exam grade + .25 times second take-home exam grade + .5 times final exam grade.

NOTES:
(1) An important objective for this course is that students become better critical thinkers and more effective problem solvers. In addition, students will see that sustainability also involves sustaining oneself by learning personal financial skills.
(2) Another objective of this course is for students to demonstrate fluency in the terminology of finance. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between financial concepts and social and economic sustainability.
(3) Take-home exams and the final exam will be comprehensive.
(4) Exams are to be done in Excel and submitted via email as Excel attachments. In addition, all answers are to be appropriately labeled.
(5) Final grades will be computed as follows:
97-100 = A+, 93-96 = A, 90-92 = A-
87-89 = B+, 83-86 = B, 80-82 = B-
77-79 = C+, 73-76 = C, 70-72 = C-
67-69 = D+, 60-66 = D, below 60 = F
(6) Class will not meet on Friday, October 16, due to Fall Break. (7) The last day to drop this class with an automatic W is Monday, October 26. (8) The last class day for this course is Wednesday, November 4, plus the exam on that day. (9) The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments in the course outline, as deemed necessary.
(10) The student is expected to refrain from smoking and/or unnecessary conversation in class. Also, the use of foul language and the wearing of inappropriate clothing will not be tolerated. Violations of these policies may result in the student being asked to leave the classroom. Repeated violations may result in the student being withdrawn from class by the instructor.
(11) Students who are having difficulties with any of the material are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with the instructor at a mutually convenient time.
(12) It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor if he or she cannot be in class or cannot complete an examination on time.
(13) Students are expected to abide by the LaGrange College Honor Code.
(14) In case of an emergency requiring evacuation of the classroom, follow your instructor.

SCHEDULE:
Day 1: 6.1
Day 2: 6.1
Day 3: 6.2
Day 4: 6.2, distribute practice problem to be turned in---not for a grade
Day 5: 6.3
Day 6: 6.3
Day 7: 6.4, distribute first take-home exam (covering sections 6.1-6.3)
Day 8: Take-home exam due, 6.4
Day 9: 6.4, 6.5
Day 10: 6.5
Day 11: 6.5 distribute second take-home exam (covering primarily sections 6.4 and 6.5)
Day 12: Take-home exam due, review for final exam
Day 13: In-class final exam (comprehensive)