MTH 120-07 BEGINNING ALGEBRA Fall 08Course SyllabusFall 08MTH 120 - Beginning AlgebraYou have enrolled in Jackson Community College’s Beginning Algebra. This is a four credit, 16-week course. We will be meeting for a total of 64 classroom hours.Course: Math 120 – 07 Beginning Algebra Instructor: Wayne M. LejaText: Beginning Algebra, 10th ed ISBN 0-321-43726-8Email: [email protected]: Lial/Hornsby/McGinnisPublisher: Pearson COURSE DESCRIPTION MTH 120 Beginning Algebra 4 creditsStudy variables and variable expressions, integers, laws of exponents, equations (linear, quadratic, and absolute value), linear inequalities, linear systems, coordinate graphing and problem solving.COURSE GOALSThe purpose of this course is to develop a progressive understanding of basic algebraic skills, concepts, and problem solving techniques; to obtain a sense of how and why algebra is used, and tobe able to relate these problems and use the learned problem solving techniques to real life applications. Emphasis will be placed on understanding of terms, concepts, principles and theories rather than cramming and memorization.PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES1. Simplify basic algebraic, exponential, rational, and radical expressions using mathematical processes and symbol manipulation.2. Use algebraic processes to solve linear, quadratic, rational, radical and literal equations and linearsystems of equations.3. Demonstrate understanding of concepts of linear equations by: graphing a linear equation, finding x- and y- intercepts, and finding the slope of a line.4. Solve basic application problems using algebraic processes and procedural techniques.5. Demonstrate knowledge of current technology and its uses and/or scientific issues.ASSOCIATE DEGREE OUTCOMESThe Board of Trustees has stated that all JCC graduates should develop or enhance certain essential skills while enrolled in the college. These are called Associate Degree Outcomes or ADOs. The ADOs that are addressed in this course are:* Computational Skills and understanding appropriate to the program (ADO 3)* Rubric for Critical Thinking (ADO 7)ATTENDANCEAttendance is an important part of your success in this class. You are expected to attend and participate in each class session. If you do not plan to attend regularly, you are advised to drop the class.Page 1 of 4MTH 120-07 BEGINNING ALGEBRA Fall 08HOMEWORK NOTEBOOKMath is as much about processes as it is about answers. I want to see processes. Because of this, you will be required to keep a math journal. This is to be kept in a binder. The journal will be used to work your homework problems. If you have questions about specific problems, make a note in your journal. This will be a quick reference once you come to class or myoffice and ask for help.EXAMSThere will be 5 chapter exams and a comprehensive final exam. You may use a calculator for these exams. Notes will not be allowed for exams. Exams are to be taken on the day announced. Please notify me immediately if you are unable to be present. You may take the exam early but not late unless appropriate documentation is presented. Once an Exam or Test is returned no make-up will be given. I realize that situations sometimes occur that are beyond our control. Therefore, in case of an extreme situation, if you must miss on the day of exam, the following procedure must be adhered toin order to make up the exam:1. I must be notified before class begins, that you will be missing the exam.2. The missed exam must be taken before I return the exams to the class. PORTFOLIO PROJECTEach student will complete an additional assignment referred to as the Portfolio Project. The projectwill be discussed in class and a due date will be announced. GRADINGYour final grade will be a compilation of your efforts on Exams, Portfolio Project, Homework, Quizzes and Class work. The weight of each is shown below.Chapter Exams 60% Final Exam 15% Portfolio Project 5% Homework/Quizzes/Class work 20% The Final Grade that you earn will be calculated by adding 60% of your Exam average, 15% of your Final Exam grade, 5% of your grade on the Portfolio Project, 20% of the average scores that you earned on homework, quizzes and class work. A combination of the lowest two homework/quizzes will be dropped.Page 2 of 4MTH 120-07 BEGINNING ALGEBRA Fall 08The grading scale is as follows:Grade Percent4.0 100 - 903.5 89 - 853.0 84 - 802.5 79 - 752.0 74 - 701.5 69 - 651.0 64 - 60E 59 - 0 SUCCESSThe faculty in the math department have noted that a student’s learning will be enhanced if you follow some guiding principals.1) Read your textbook. 2) Work the examples.3) Attend class regularly.4) Participate in class discussions.5) Do your homework regularly.6) Form a study group.These strategies have shown to contribute to success in the past. If you use even one of them your chances of success will be enhanced!FAILUREWhile it is expected that each student will succeed in this course, it is possible to fail. You may fail the course by not completing or performing poorly on class assignments and/or exams. Also, you may be dismissed from the course for, but not limited to, the following reasons as stated in the Academic Honesty Policy and the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. “Misconduct for which students or visitors are subject to discipline is as follows:1) Dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the College. 2) Forgery, alteration, or misuse of College documents, records or identification.3) Obstruction or disruption of teaching, lecturing, research, administration, or other authorized activities on College premises...”LATE WORKAll assignments are to be submitted on or before their due date. Late assignments not be accepted. If you miss a quiz, it can not be made up.WITHDRAWAL DEADLINEIf you do not wish to complete the course and receive a grade, for any reason, you must withdraw. Because courses vary in length, it is critical that you check the last day to drop or withdraw. Page 3 of 4MTH 120-07 BEGINNING ALGEBRA Fall 08INCOMPLETESIncompletes will be given only in accordance with JCC policy which states: A student may request an incomplete from the instructor. The Incomplete will be granted only if the student’s work up to that point is sufficient in quality but lacking in quantity due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. Furthermore, a written plan
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