Math 120-15 Beginning Algebra Syllabus Class Time: Monday/Wednesday 6:00 – 8:34 pm Location: Northwest Community Schools Alt. Ed. Building Instructor: Cathy Hawes Contact Information: [email protected] Course Description: Math 120 is the study of the following: variables and variable expressions, integers, laws of exponents, equations (linear, quadratic, rational, radical, and absolute value), linear inequalities, linear systems, coordinate graphing and problem solving. Prerequisite(s): Math 098 or equivalent Course Goals: The purpose of this course is to develop a progressive understanding of more basic algebraic skills, concepts, and problem solving techniques; to obtain a sense of how and why algebra is used, and to be able to relate these problems and use the learned problem solving techniques to solve real life applications. Great emphasis will be placed on understanding of terms, concepts, principles and theories rather than cramming and memorization. Performance Objectives: I. Core Course Objectives 1. 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 linear systems 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. II. Associate Degree Outcomes: 1. The ability to comprehend and use information including written and oral forms (ADO 2) 2. Computational skills and understanding appropriate to the program of study (ADO 3) 3. Critical thinking and problem solving (ADO 4) 4. A knowledge of science and technology (ADO 11) Course Information and Requirements Attendance and Withdrawal Policy 1. Office Hours: I do not have office hours at JCC, however, you can reach me through email which I check several times daily. I am most always early to class and can help you understand the concepts being taught at that time. 2. Tutoring: Math Tutors are available Monday – Friday in the Math Lab on the JCC Campus, located in JM 245. Call McDevitt Hall for hours they are open. 3. I strongly encourage you to make a friend or friends in class that you can get together with outside of class. One of the best ways to study and to learn is by helping one another. From the three items above, I hope it is obvious that your success is of utmost importance to all of us at JCC. There is never a need to feel lost because of lack of understanding. There are so many ways for you to obtain math tutoring outside of the regular classroom. As long as you are being responsible for your learning by attending class, doing the assigned homework and other classroom activities, asking questions in class, and seeking help outside of class from the instructor, the tutoring service and your fellow classmates, you will be successful.4. You are responsible for the homework assignments. The way they are to be done and turned in is outlined in the pages of the syllabus. There is a strong positive correlation between doing homework and the quality of your performance. It has been determined that for each hour spent in class, you should spend at least two hours studying and reviewing outside of class. Be sure to allow time to do your coursework, to ensure success. 5. Calculators: A calculator is not required for Math 120, but it would be advisable to have a scientific calculator that performs the basic operations, percents and fractions. TI-30 would be appropriate. 6. Attendance is required but it will not count as points toward your final grade. I am required to notify the school if you are consistently not attending class and you will be dropped. 7. You bear the sole responsibility for your withdrawal from this course. 8. Classroom Behavior: As stated in the Student Handbook, “misconduct for which students or visitors are subject to discipline are 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, disciplinary procedures, or other authorized activities on College premises…” Grading Procedures Homework: Homework will be assigned for each class period. At the beginning of the semester I will hand out a Homework Assignment Sheet that includes all of the homework for the semester. These problems are to be completed and handed in at the beginning of each testing period. I would like to have the homework placed in a three-prong folder. Please use only pencil for your homework. Homework must be organized in the folder by labeling each assignment with the text section number and the assigned problems. I will work the homeworkproblems that the students have questions about at the beginning of the class and do as many as we have time for. Homework will be graded in the following way: I will collect the homework folder at the beginning of each testing period. The folder should include all of the completed assignments, in order, labeled with the assignment, and completed in pencil. I grade the homework folder on effort and completeness. I expect all work to be shown. I WILL GIVE ZERO CREDIT FOR ANSWERS ONLY OR WORK COPIED FROM SOLUTIONS MANUALS OR THE BACK OF THE TEXTBOOK. ********* Homework will count 10% of the final grade Projects/Miscellaneous In/Out of Class Assignments/ADO Requirement: There will be a project during the semester that will be done as an out of class assignment. This assignment will pertain to material that you have covered in the past or current material. This assignment will be due on the date specified when the assignment is given and will not be accepted late. ************ This project will count 10% of the final grade Exams: There will be five (5) exams that cover the topics of the text. Any exam may be taken early if you notify me in advance. Any missed exam will count as zero. ********Exams as a general rule may not be taken late for any reason. I realize that situations sometimes occur that are beyond our
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