South Plains College MATH 0320 – Intermediate Algebra −−−Section 004, M W 12:30 2:15 pmSection 007, T R 10:00 11:45 amSection 010, T R 12:30 2:15 pm Math Bldg., Rm. 108Math Bldg., Rm. 123Math Bldg., Rm. 105, respectively Updated on July 28, 2011 Page 1 of 5Created on 7/28/2011 4:45 PM Fall ‘11 Instructor: Ms. S. Davis Office Hours: Office: 103 MATH Bldg. Phone: (806) 894 – 9611 ext. 2699 E-mail address: [email protected] Course Description: Math 0320. Intermediate Algebra (3:3:1). This course is designed for those students who need MATH 1314 (College Algebra) or MATH 1324 (Math Analysis I). It includes factoring, fractions, linear equations in one unknown, graphs, systems of linear equations, exponents, radicals, and quadratic equations. Time in math lab maybe required. This course will not satisfy graduation requirements. This course is required if testing indicates a need. (copied from current SPC catalog) TSI: The Texas Success Initiative is a state program designed to ensure that all Texas institutions provide placement, personal advisement, and appropriate instruction to students to enhance their opportunities for success in their college studies. All new students entering Texas colleges and universities are required to take a placement test prior to enrolling in college-level courses, unless exempt from testing under specified state standards (i.e., scores on ACT, SAT, or TAKS). Testing will indicate whether a student possesses adequate basic college-level skills in reading, writing, and mathematics necessary to begin an undergraduate program of study. (copied from current SPC catalog) Text: Elementary & Intermediate Algebra, 2nd Edition, by Sullivan, Struve, & Mazzarella, 2010 Prentice Hall/Pearson Supplies: Graph paper, a ruler, (at least a 3 in ring) notebook, hole puncher, stapler, a staple puller, & a red pen/pencil. (If your lack of responsibility results in you asking to borrow any of the supplies from me then there will be automatic 5 point deduction from your final grade. Bring your supplies to class everyday!) Purpose: This course is to provide the fundamental algebraic basis that the student can use to lay a foundation for the study of College Algebra and other freshmen level mathematics courses as well as exposure to some concepts present on the Accuplacer/THEA placement test. Attendance: Attendance and effort are the most important activities for success in this course. Records of your attendance are maintained throughout the semester. If your lack of attendance (i.e., excessive absences) is determined by the instructor to put you at risk of failing the course, you may be dropped from the class with a F as a final grade. Excessive absences consist of two consecutive weeks or 4 cumulative days. Sleeping in class constitutes an absence. If you unfortunately happen to incur an absence, please contact the instructor either by phone or email and refer to the website to get the assignment before the next class. Please read the “Drops and Withdrawals” policies in the current South Plains College catalog. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 9:30 – 11 a 9:30 – 11 a 2:45 – 3:45 p 2:15 - 3:15 p 9 –12 p or by appointment At the times with this designation, I will be in my office to help you. You do not need an appointment to come see me at these times. When you come, I will be doing something else, but I will stop and help you. I am available at other times, but please give me a call before coming to make sure I am there.Fall ‘11 Page 2 of 5 Assignment Policy: Homework will be assigned daily. The homework assignments will not be graded. However, the practice is required in order to more fully understand each topic and to successfully negotiate the quizzes and the tests. Homework, quizzes, tests, and other useful material will be kept in a notebook. Notebook: You will keep a notebook which will be used as a reference and study guide. The notebook will be brought to class everyday! The following material will be placed in the notebook in the order listed: 1. Cover sheet including Name, Class, and Semester 2. Syllabus 3. Assignment sheet Grade sheet 4. Notes 5. Homework 6. Quizzes 7. Tests 8. Miscellaneous a. Each section will be separated by a labeled divider and contain the appropriate procedure page corresponding to the section. The “procedure” pages are: the notebook procedure, the note-taking procedure, the homework procedure, the classroom behavior etiquette, the classroom testing etiquette, and the “How to Study” guide. All homework assignments are to be prepared by the homework procedure. The above order of the notebook does not constitute its order. Reference the notebook procedure for proper order. **To print the above material, visit my Blackboard. All printed material needs to be read at least once during the term of this course.** Grading Policy: There will be random quizzes given over the assigned homework in which no make-ups will be allowed. The total number of quizzes for the semester is unpredictable but only a portion will count as the quiz grade. Make-up quizzes will NOT be given. There will be four tests. Any excused (notification must be made in advance) missed exam will be discussed with the instructor. The final exam will be comprehensive since the intent of this class is preparation for College Algebra. The final exam can replace your lowest test course provided that it is greater than the lowest test grade (the exception is the H.E.R.) In order to advance to MATH 1314 – College Algebra, at least a C must be attained in this course. Make-up Policy: There is no automatic provision for making up exams. Only under extreme circumstances (e.g., death in the family or hospitalization) will make-up exams be given, and these circumstances must be documented. If at all possible, the instructor should be notified prior to missing an exam. If you happen to miss an exam, a grade of 0 will be administered, and under the H.E.R. (Honest Effort Rule), this missed exam of grade 0 will not be replaced by the final exam even if the final exam is greater. Study: You should normally spend approximately 2-3 hours outside of class in study for each hour of lecture. Try to study the assigned lesson as soon after the class meets as is possible. Refer to the “How to