Course SyllabusWinter 08MTH 120 - Beginning Algebra You 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 Beginning Algebra Instructor: Joan VerheydenText: Beginning Algebra, 4th ed ISBN 0-13-144444-1Office: JCC@VoTech LenaweeAuthor: K. Elayn Martin-Gay Email: [email protected]: 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 to be 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 equationsand 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. 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:* Comprehend and use information including written and oral forms (ADO 2)* Computational Skills and understanding appropriate to the program (ADO 3)* Critical thinking and problem solving (ADO 4)* Knowledge of science and technology (ADO 11)ATTENDANCEAttendance is an important part of your success in this class. You are expected to attend and participate in each class session. Attendance will be taken by calling roll and/or daily class work. If you do not plan to attend regularly, you are advised to drop the class. HOMEWORK NOTEBOOKYou will be required to keep a math journal. This is to be kept in a one subject spiral notebook or 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 my office and ask for help. Math is as much about processes as it is about answers. I want to see processes. You will show me how you got your answers in your journal. This will also allow me to identify where you went wrong if you are having trouble. Bring your journal to class everyday. I will ask to see your journals on occasion to be sure that you are showing your work correctly. EXAMSThere will be 5 chapter exams and a comprehensive final exam. You may use a calculatorfor these exams. Notes will not be allowed for exams. Necessary formulas will be supplied. 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. These times are generally infrequent and not usually on test days. These times may happen once a semester to only one or two people (and usually not to the same person). Therefore, in case of an extreme situation, if you must miss on the day of exam, the following procedure must be adhered to in 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. Since you know the dates of the exams for the entire semester, it is expected that all appointments and activities you need to attend should be made at times other than test day. PORTFOLIO PROJECTEach student will complete an additional assignment referred to as the Portfolio Project. The project will 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 and Quizzes and Class Work. The weight of each is shown below. Chapter Exams 55%Final Exam 15%Portfolio Project 5% Homework 10% Quizzes 15% The Final Grade (G) that you earn will be calculated by adding 55% of your Exam average, 15% of your Final Exam grade, 5% of your grade on the Portfolio Project, 10% of the average scores that you earned on homework, and 15% of the average grades from Quizzes. The 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! Even though it is listed last, forming a study group is one of the most important actions you can take. Working together, verbalizing your learning, teaching someone else and learning from another point of view can be a very powerful learning strategy!FAILUREWhile it is expected that each student will succeed in this course, it is possible to fail. Youmay 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 are as follows:1)Dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly
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