MTH 120 Beginning Algebra Fall 2007MTH 120 Beginning Algebra Fall 2007 Textbook: Beginning Algebra: Fourth Edition by K. Elayn Martin-GayInstructor: Tammy J. Johns E-mail: [email protected]. Course DescriptionStudy 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: MTH 0982. Course OutcomesStudents will be able to:Simplify basic algebraic, exponential, rational, and radical expressions using mathematical processes and symbolic manipulation.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 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.3. Associate Degree OutcomesThe Board of Trustees has determined that all JCC graduates should develop or enhance certain essential skills while enrolled in the college. The Associate DegreeOutcomes addressed in this class are:The ability to comprehend and use information including written and oral forms (ADO 2)Computational skills and understanding appropriate to the program of study (ADO 3)Critical thinking and problem-solving (ADO 4)A knowledge of science and technology (ADO 11)4. Course Topics and Assigned Homework See Class Calendar for timeline of topics covered and exams. To help you learn it is recommended that you:Read the textbookWork through the examples Attend class regularlyParticipate in class discussionsComplete assignmentsForm a study group with other students in the class5. Course Requirements and Grading SystemThe final grade is calculated by adding:15% of the homework average10% of project average55% of the exam average+ 20% of the final exam scoreFinal GradeNo extra credit is offered for this course. There are no make up exams. See Class Calendar for dates of exams and the primary focus of each one. Please note that revisions to the Class Calendar may be necessary because of unforeseen circumstances. Class attendance will assure that you are aware of these revisions.On Exams 1 through 5 you may use one side of a 3 by 5 note card for notes. For the final exam you may use one side of an 8 ½ by 11 sheet of paper. 6. Technology Scientific Calculators are allowed for homework and exams however graphing calculators are not.7. Points to GradePercentage 100-90%89-85% 84-80% 79-75% 74-70% 69-65% 64-60% 60% >Grade 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.0LetterGradeA B+ B C+ C D+ D E8. Homework and AttendanceHomework will be due every week. Depending on the assignment I may grade each problem, select problems to grade, or check over the homework to see if itis completed. Expect occasional homework quizzes.Attendance is mandatory. The only reasonable excuses are family/personal emergencies, and/or close family funerals. I will need documentation if you miss class for these reasons. You are allowed two excused absences. Missing class regularly is setting yourself up for failure.If you leave class early or arrive late it will be considered an absence. 9. Late Work PolicyI do not accept any late work. This means if you had homework to turn in it must be turned in by the beginning of the class you will be missing or it will be considered late. Also, if you miss a class it is your responsibility to contact me ora classmate and get the homework assignment that is due the next class period.Exams are to be taken during class on the day announced. 10. Participation GradeTo comply with Federal Regulations, I am to grade you after two weeks, five weeks, and eight weeks from the start of the course. These grades are letter grades that do not count toward your GPA. V-verifies that you are participatingH-means that you are participating, but your work is not acceptable and need help to be successfulQ-means that you have not participated and have really quitIf you receive a Q, you are withdrawn from the course.After midterm I can no longer drop you from the course. If you want to withdraw, you will need to do it yourself.11. Available HelpTutors (plus additional services for academic success) can be accessed by calling or stopping by the front office.Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act) should contact the front office. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning.12. Other General InformationInstructional Philosophy: Education is a self-initiated, active, goal-directed process, leading to a change and/or expansion of the students understanding ofand ability to use the subject material. The student is expected to be accountable for the learning process. The instructor should be viewed as a facilitator and resource person to assist in the process.Academic Honesty: (Excerpt from JCC policy; contact Student Services for a copy of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.) “Academic Honesty is expected of all students. It is the ethical behavior that includes producing their own work and not representing others’ their own, either by plagiarism, by cheating or by helping others to do so. Faculty members who suspect a studentof academic dishonesty may penalize the student by assigning a failing grade for the paper, project, report, exam or the course itself.”Audits: Must be registered during the first week of class. You will not receive a grade or credit for the course.Withdraw deadline for this semester is December 3, 2006. If you do not wish to complete the class and receive a grade, because you are not happy with your grade or for any other reason, you must withdraw by this date. The instructor may withdraw any student who does not complete assignments and/or tests in a timely manner. However, do not assume that I will withdraw you.Incompletes will be given only in accordance with JCC policy. (Excerpt from JCC policy; contact Student Services for a copy of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.) “A student may request an incomplete from the instructor. The incomplete will be granted only if the student can
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