Math 491 Transition Plans

after Hurricane Helene

As we all know, things have changed tremendously in Asheville since Hurricane Helene. Nonetheless, we are forging ahead striving to learn our subject matter as best we can. As we do so, we've got to account for the facts that

• Many folks have a changed living situation. Some may not have access to a disruption-free work environment. Some may not be able to make it to campus or (like me) may not be anywhere near Asheville.
• Some folks have a different employment situation. Some might have new familial responsibilities.
• Some might not have reliable internet access.

To account for all of this, UNCA faculty have been asked to shift to an online learning environment that allows the possibility of asynchronous access. Of course, we're hoping to do this within a compressed timeframe and without sacrificing our Student Learning Objectives.

As difficult as that sounds, I'm optimistic that can largely accomplish those goals.

The plan moving forward

Student Learning Objectives

First, let's make sure we understand our student learning objectives. They are essentially the bullet points under the Course Purpose section on our syllabus:

• To study real analysis
• To improve your understanding of mathematical proof

To be more explicit, students are expected expected to know the basic definitions and theorems involving

• limits,
• continuity, and
• differentiation.

Furthermore, you should be able to incorporate these properly written proofs using the language of epsilonics.

Thus, given the shortened time span, lack of in person class meetings or quizzes, and other challenges, my intention is to give you several opportunities to

Modality

Generally, I'll post one or two slideshow presentations a week. Each presentation will discuss one or two sections from the text. The presentations will not be complete or self-contained expositions of the material. Rather, they will draw your attention to what you need to focus on. Each presentation will be very clearly linked to the text and will also link to a video chosen from this series of YouTube videos.

Each presentation will posted just before a class period. My plan is to hold an optional Zoom meeting to go over each presentation. I emphasize, though, that this is optional; meetings will be recorded and there are plenty of supplementary materials.

Assessment

Your grade for the remainder of the semester will be based on your write up of five problems. Those problems will be a lot like the following textbook problems:

• 3.3.1
• 4.2.5
• 4.3.1
• 4.4.7
• 5.3.2

I will post variations of these problems to our class forum and you'll submit them to me via forum messages.

Final grades

I'll determine your final grade by averaging your performance on those write ups with your HW/Quiz/Exam performance from before the storm. Unfortunately, I left Asheville without the exams but will get that information to you as soon as I can.