FALL QUARTER,   2011.    MATH  154  SYLLABUS

 

 

Instructor:  Audrey Morrow

Phone:  541-4660 Ext 573

Email:  ammathtype@earthlink.net

Home phone:  577-4141

 

Welcome to Intermediate Algebra at LTCC.  I will do everything possible to help you understand the class, and to succeed academically, while you are my student. 

 

Online  class id for registering on Course Compass:  morrow73604

 

Class meets:  Tuesdays and Thursdays  1:30PM – 3:20 in room A213. 

 

Textbook:  "Beginning and Intermediate Algebra" 4th Edition, Martin-Gay.

 

You’ll need a software license to use the MyMathLab/Course Compass portion of this class.   If you purchased your textbook new from the LTCC bookstore, it comes with the license.  If you got your book another way, you’ll need to purchase the license alone either from the bookstore or online.   In order to complete the homework, you must sign up with MML online, using your license. You will also need a valid email address for the homework portion of the class.  If you do not have an email address, you can sign up for one in the Math Success Center.   (Tutoring lab, ext. 740)  This is free for LTCC students.

 

1)     General assistance with the program is available at 800-677-6337  Mon-Fri 5am – 5pm & Saturday 2pm – 9pm. 

 

2)     Assistance is available online 24/7 at 247pearsoned.custhelp.com. 

 

3)     The  tutors in the MSC are trained to help in both the problem-solving for  this class, and in how to get started in MyMathLab to complete your homework assignments.  Tutoring is free.

 

4)     You’ll need a calculator for this class.  Make sure you have the following keys:  log, ln, (natural log) and an exponent key, either  yx button, xy or the carat ^.  

 

5)     Your homework will be turned in online, but for the most part, the work of learning and organizing the information in any math class is done on paper. Items you’ll need to bring to class with you in addition to the book: 

 

6)     Materials needed for class:  Lined notebook paper for  note-taking, also graph-paper; Several different colors of  pencil will help you in making your graphs more pleasing and legible when we reach that part of the class.  A yellow or light-green highlighter may be helpful  in notating your handouts, marking useful portions of your text, and highlighting your class notes.  A small ruler is a great graphing aid.

 

 

Important dates for fall quarter 2011:

 

 

Friday, 9/30:  Last day for textbook refunds in the bookstore.

 

Friday, 10/14:  Last day to drop a full-quarter class with no record.

 

Friday, 11/4:  Last day to drop with a ‘W’ for full-quarter classes.

 

Thursday, 12/8:  Final exam from 1-2:50  pm in Room A-213.

                            

                                                         

 

 

 

GENERAL  INFORMATION

 

 

Getting registered:  With WEBREG, Students may enroll online up until 11:00 PM on the first day that class meets.  After that, you'll need a permit from A&R with the instructor's signature in order to enroll.   If you are on campus, you may also register at the Admission desk inside the front doors.

 

 

Homework:   Your homework assignments will be completed online in MyMathLab.  You’ll use the course id to register.  The due dates are firm, so please don’t ask me to move them around, just be aware and give yourself the time to get your homework in.

 

 

My make-up policy:  Quizzes are unannounced.  There is no makeup for quizzes.   Like the quizzes, your exams will be taken in class, offline.  You may take one exam late, under the following conditions: 

 

1)  Let me know before the exam that you will be unable to take it with the rest of the class.  You have three ways to contact me. 

 

2)  There is a 10% penalty for taking the exam late. You will have until the start of the following class to turn in a completed exam.  For example,  if  you  miss a Thursday exam, you have until 1:30 PM on the following Tuesday to complete the makeup exam.

 

3)  Late exams are proctored in the Learning Assistance Center, Ext. 740.

You'll be expected to furnish a photo ID before taking the test.  Be sure to call ahead to check on their hours in order to give yourself enough time.

 

If you know that you need to take an exam early, please see me at least two weeks in advance and we can make an arrangement for you.  In general I strongly encourage taking the tests on time, with the rest of  your class. 

 

 Extra credit is allowed under the following three conditions:  The student has missed no more than one lecture, is current on the homework, and your grade just before the final exam is below 'C'. 

 

Learning disabled students:  If you have a certified learning disability that may affect your performance, please see me so that I can make sure your needs are met.  If you think that you may have a disability but have not yet been tested, you may inquire about this at the Disability Resource Center Extension 249.

 

 

                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                      GRADING POLICY

 

During the quarter, students will take four exams including the final, several quizzes, and complete 19 or so homework assignments.  If you are still enrolled on Monday, November 7th,  you will receive a letter grade for Math 154A. Your course grade is structured as follows:

 

Midterms + Final exam:  85% of your course grade.

Combined homework and quiz scores:  10% of your course grade.

Attendance, participation and conduct:  5% of your course grade.

 

A course grade of 'F' is usually reserved for students who drop out without informing A&R.  I will not be utilizing the online “gradebook” so if you’re wondering where you stand gradewise, just ask me.  Also, throughout the quarter your quizzes and tests will be returned with a “to date” grade circled.

 

Cellphones:  Please leave cellphones, headphones and computers outside of class, or make certain that they are turned off during the lecture.  Phones have no place in an interactive classroom.  Allowing your phone to disturb everyone else is an unpardonable breach of courtesy.  Remember, conduct is 5% of your grade!

 

With only four letters at the instructor's disposal, many students end up evenly positioned between two letter grades at the end of the class.  For example,  it would be equally fair and appropriate for you to receive an A or a B. When this happens, your attendance and conduct play a part in your final course grade.   Responsible behavior will net you the higher course grade.  Attend class regularly.  Be courteous and respectful of those around you. This means arriving in class on time or early; avoid chit-chatting with your neighbors.  Make sure your cellphone is turned off at all times when class is in session.

 

ATTENDANCE:  Your presence and participation in the class are a positive sign to your instructor that your success in class matters to you.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  In this class you will learn how to solve linear equations and inequalities; use and understand terminology relating to polynomials in one variable; graph linear equations; manipulate expressions with one or more exponents; apply course methods to "real-world" situations.

 

 

          HABITS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS

 

1)  Attend every lecture if you possibly can.  Sit where you know you won’t be distracted, and where you can see and hear what's going on in class.

 

2)  Take notes, working along in class and keeping a glossary of unfamiliar terms. Graph along with the class on the days that we do curve-sketching.

 

3)  Do all assigned reading before class, so that you can bring up points in class that you found confusing.  Work the example problems as part of your reading.

 

4)  Do all of the assigned homework, even problems you are not able to finish.  Staple each assignment separately.  No paper clips, please.

 

5)  Ask questions in class.  If you are having trouble understanding a concept the chances are good that other students are experiencing the same problem.

 

                            

Audrey's commitment to this class: 

 

I care as much as you do about your success, comfort and accomplishments in our class.  Everything I do is designed to help you achieve positive results in math.

 

I will maintain, at all times, a respectful and learning-friendly environment for my students.  Your questions and your input are encouraged and appreciated. 

 

I will never embarrass or humiliate you.  Period.   You'll receive a courteous and respectful answer to any math question you wish to ask me.  If you feel awkward about bringing something up that was covered previously, ask anyway.  If we need to spend more time than we can take at the moment, we can meet outside of class.

 

I will be on time, prepared and organized when I get to class.  Your tests and quizzes will be graded in a thoughtful manner.  I won’t shortchange anyone by setting low standards, or allowing my personal life to interfere with class.