Math 120.72 Beginning Algebra Syllabus Winter 2011 Tuesday and Thursday 1/11-4/28 12:30PM-2:25PM 1 Instructor: Name: Jo Lynne Hall Phone: 517-264-2036 E-mail: [email protected] Hours: I am usually available for help before and after class sessions. I am also willing to schedule appointments to help you at other times, upon your request. Course Materials: Textbook: Beginning Algebra 10th edition by Lial/Hornsby/McGinnis (NOT REQUIRED) Course-pack IS REQUIRED. (It can be purchased in the JCC bookstore) Software: My Math Lab is REQUIRED. (It is packaged with new textbooks in JCC bookstore or sold individually) Calculator: No calculator is required for the course; however, a scientific calculator is recommended. You may NOT use a cell phone calculator during any class activity. 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. Prerequisites: Math 098 or equivalent Course Goals: The purpose of this course is to develop a progressive understanding of more basic algebra 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 real life applications. Great emphasis will be placed on understanding of terms, concepts, principles, and theories rather than cramming and memorizing. Course Outcomes: Students who are successful in Math 120 will be able to: • Simplify basic algebraic, exponential, rational, and radical expressions using mathematical processes and symbol manipulation.Math 120.72 Beginning Algebra Syllabus Winter 2011 Tuesday and Thursday 1/11-4/28 12:30PM-2:25PM 2 • Use algebraic processes to solve linear, quadratic, rational, radical, and literal equations and linear systems of equations. • Demonstrate understanding of concepts of linear equations by: graphing a linear equation, finding x-intercepts and y-intercepts, and finding the slope of a line. • Solve basic application problems using algebraic processes and procedural techniques. • Demonstrate knowledge of current technology and its uses and/or scientific issues. Associate Degree Outcomes: The Board of Trustees has determined that all JCC graduates should develop or enhance certain essential skills while enrolled in the college. The Associate Degree Outcomes are addressed in this class are: ADO 3: Demonstrate computational skills and mathematical reasoning. • Demonstrates a basic knowledge of the structure of the real number system. • Demonstrates computational skills using positive and negative numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, and percents. • Demonstrates an understanding of algebra (manipulating algebraic expressions, solving linear equations, applying the rules of exponents), geometry and measurement, data and descriptive statistics. • Uses and understands basic mathematical terminology. • Translates situations into mathematical symbols. • Represents mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically, and/or verbally. • Understands that connections exist between mathematics and real-world situations. ADO 7: Rubric for critical thinking. • Incorporates new knowledge with old. • Converts complex concepts into useful personal language. • Solves new problems in new contexts. Course Requirements and Grading: Your final grade for this course will be determined by your performance in five categories. Category Percent of Final Grade Homework 20% Attendance, Participation, Class Work 10% Life Skills Project 5% Exams (Unit) 50% Final Exam 15%Math 120.72 Beginning Algebra Syllabus Winter 2011 Tuesday and Thursday 1/11-4/28 12:30PM-2:25PM 3 Homework Information: • ALL HOMEWORK IS COMPLETED USING MY MATH LAB AND SUBMITTED USING A COMPUTER. You will need access to the internet to do your homework. If you do not have internet access at home (or a computer), you can (and are expected to) complete the work using the computers provided here by JCC. • I will take a periodic homework grade based upon your performance/scores on the problems posted in My Math Lab. These dates are noted on your class calendar. • When I take a homework grade from My Math Lab, it is based upon your assignment score totals at that point out of the total number of points available at that time. (Any sections that should be completed at that point, but are not completed, will count as zeros toward your total points.) I will report this score as a percentage score (out of 100 possible points). • Each time I take a homework grade from My Math Lab, it is a homework grade that will contribute to your final overall homework grade for the class. Once a grade has been taken, it will not change. • If you get behind in your homework, you will be able to “catch-up” on that homework for the next homework check. However, the grade already taken will not change. • You can also go back into finished incorrect problems and correct them. They will be taken into account at the next homework check. Again, the grade already taken will not change. • At the end of the semester, I will compute a final homework grade based upon your periodic homework scores averaged together. • Do NOT put off homework until the last minute. As we cover sections in class, you should be completing the assigned My Math Lab problems. (Homework is a way for you to practice skills so that you are successful on exams. Exams are not practice for homework assignments.) • Please DO NOT wait until the end of the semester to complete homework. If you do so, you will have several homework scores of zero being computed into your final homework grade. • At the end of the semester, I will drop your two lowest section scores from My Math Lab, before I compute your final homework score. • I DO NOT accept late homework. • My Math Lab Information: My Math Lab gives you the opportunity to be in control of your understanding of the material being covered. You are able to re-work problems in math lab until you are satisfied with your understanding of the material. You are able to re-work problems in math lab until you are satisfied with your homework scores on the material. My Math Lab gives
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