Instructor: Tim Chumley
Office: Clapp 423
Phone: 538-2299
e-mail: tchumley

Course: Math 102, Calculus II

Prerequisites: Math 101 (Calculus I) or equivalent

Textbook: Textbook: Calculus: Single Variable, 7th edition by Hughes-Hallett et al.

About the course: Second semester calculus tells an interesting, far reaching story that interconnects a few important areas of math: sequences, series, and integration. In your first calculus class, you probably talked a lot about derivatives, and likely spent some time thinking about the idea that a linear function (eg. a tangent line) can approximate the value of a differentiable function. One could argue that the key goal of our class this semester is to understand how higher order polynomials (quadratics, cubics, etc.) can approximate functions that have second, third, etc. derivatives, and how to make sense of polynomials with infinitely many terms (called power series). Along the way, we’ll learn more about sequences and series of numbers—concepts you might have never studied in depth—and learn some useful ideas, techniques, and applications of the Riemann integral.

Learning goals: During the semester the plan is to learn to

  • evaluate integrals using techniques likes substitution, integration by parts, and partial fraction decomposition.
  • use integrals in the context of applications.
  • understand the notions of limits, sequences, and series
  • understand tests that determine whether a given infinite series converges.
  • understand convergence of power series.
  • use Taylor series to approximate important functions including the sine, cosine, exponential function, and logarithm.

Attendance: When healthy, I expect everyone to come to each class ready to do math. This means that you should bring paper, pens, pencils, and other equipment that you may need. Before each class please prepare by doing any assigned reading and suggested problems. Please expect to talk in small groups as well as in class discussions. Activities may involve worksheets and informal presentations that will be designed to contribute significantly to our learning.

Participation: Besides attending class and doing homework, I encourage everyone to participate actively and frequently since it makes such a difference in your learning. I suggest asking and answering questions during lecture and on our online discussion board, working in groups in and out of class, coming to office hours, responding to feedback surveys, and keeping in touch with me and your classmates.

Homework: There will be weekly homework assignments due, except on weeks when there is an exam.

Quizzes: There will be weekly quizzes, except on weeks when there is an exam, with an emphasis on understanding concepts and doing problems similar to worksheets and homework.

Exams: There will be two midterm exams and a self-scheduled final exam.

Technology: Here are some general remarks on the use of calculators, software, and phones:

  • For all homework, quizzes, and exams, you may use a scientific calculator, but it is not necessary or required.
  • Software like Wolfram Alpha or Desmos can be used on homework or other outside the class work, but its use should be cited and you’re expected to show your work on problems. These resources will not be available on quizzes and exams.
  • ChatGPT or other large language models should be avoided when doing assignments since one of the fundamental focuses of our class is learning to reason and explain thought processes through writing. Such software can also sometimes be unreliable when it comes to mathematical reasoning. Especially as you’re learning a new subject, it can be hard to tell if it is leading you astray.
  • It’s ok to take photos of the board for note taking, but please don’t post these online.
  • Please keep your phones on Do Not Disturb mode in class, especially during quizzes and exams, so as not disturb others with ringers or vibrations.
  • If you’re unsure whether something is ok to use, please feel free to ask.

Late work, makeups: In general, I ask you to turn homework in by the deadlines and take exams on time because it helps you keep up with the class and it helps me to stay organized. However, I nearly universally say yes to short extensions on initial (ie. non-redo) submissions of homework if you ask. Please just get in touch as soon as possible and suggest how long you think you’ll need (one day, for example, is reasonable). The only caveat is that you’ll get less time to submit redos on late work since redo deadlines are firm. If you miss a quiz or exam, please get in touch as soon as possible. We’ll need to have a longer conversation and make detailed plans if you go through an extended absence or missed deadlines or assessments start to pile up, but my goal is to help anyone who falls behind.

Getting help: Here are some of the resources that will be available:

  • TA help: Our class will have a TA who will be available for help on weeknight evenings. More information on their availability will be announced.
  • Office hours: These times (which will be posted near the top of the class web page) are open drop in sessions where there may be multiple students getting help. It’s expected that you come with specific questions about notes, homework problems, or the text that you have thought about already. If you need to schedule a time to meet with me one-on-one, either to discuss something private or because you can’t make my office hours, please send me an email with times that you are available to meet, and I will find a time that works for both of us.
  • Study groups: Other students in the class are a wonderful resource. I want our class to feel like a community of people working together, so I encourage forming study groups and collaboration, but work to be turned in should be written up individually and on your own.

Grading: Grades will be assigned based on homework, quizzes, and exams according to the following weighting:

  • Participation: 5%
  • Homework: 25%
  • Quizzes: 10%
  • Exam 1: 20%
  • Exam 2: 20%
  • Exam 3: 20%

Overall letter grades will be based on a scale no stricter than the usual:

  • 93-100: A
  • 90-93: A-
  • 88-90 B+
  • 83-88: B
  • 80-83: B-
  • 78-80: C+
  • 73-78: C
  • 70-73: C-
  • 68-70: D+
  • 63-68: D
  • 60-63: D-
  • 0-60: F

Academic integrity: It is very important for you to follow the Honor Code in all of your work for this course. Collaboration on homework assignments is encouraged. However, it is important that you only write what you understand, and that it is in your own words. My first instinct is always to trust you, but I cannot give credit for plagiarized work and might have to refer such issues to the academic deans. If you have any questions about whether something is an Honor Code violation, please ask me.

Students with disabilities: If you have a disability and would like to request accommodations, please get in touch with me. We’ll work together, along with Disability Services, to make sure the class is accessible and equitable.