MATH  154A-3 SYLLABUS

Instructor:  Audrey Morrow

Phone:  541-4660 Ext 573

Email:  ammathtype@earthlink.net

Intermediate Algebra

Class meets:  Tuesdays and Thursdays  4PM – 5:50 in room A213. 

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

You’ll need a software license to use the MyMathLab portion of this class.  Also, you’ll need to have a valid email address that you check regularly.  If you purchased your text 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’ll need to sign up with MML online, using your license.

The course id for this class is:  morrow  47195.  For assistance with MML, you may call 800-677-6337  Mon-Fri 5am – 5pm & Saturday 2pm – 9pm.  Assistance is available online 24/7 at 247pearsoned.custhelp.com.  You’ll need a hand-held calculator for this class.  Make sure you have the following keys:  log, ln, and an exponent key, either a y^x button, x^y or the carat ^.

Welcome to the third class in the algebra sequence at LTCC.  The learning objectives for this class are:  Be able to apply the class topics to real-world situations; Sketch and interpret the graphs of functions and relations that are introduced in this class;  Simplify mathematical expressions into more readable and understandable forms; Solve equations using the methods learned in basic algebra.

Items you’ll need to bring to class with you in addition to the book:  Lined notebook paper for daily note-taking; Several different colors of  pencil will help you in making your graphs more pleasing and easier to read when we reach that part of the class.  A yellow or light-green highlighter may be helpful also 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 Spring quarter 2010:

Friday, 4/16:  Last day for textbook refunds in the bookstore.

Friday, 4/30:  Last day to drop a full-quarter class with no record.

Friday, 5/21:  Last day to drop with a ‘W’ for full-quarter classes.

Tuesday, 6/22:  Final exam from 4:00-6:00 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.

Homework:   Your homework assignments will be completed online in MyMathLab.  You’ll use the course id to register.

My make-up policy:  Quizzes are unannounced.  There is no makeup for quizzes.  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 may use 541-4660 extension 573 for this, or email 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, you miss a Thursday exam, you have until 4PM 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. 

 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 three exams including the final, several quizzes, and complete 19 or so homework assignments.  If you are still enrolled on Monday May 25th, 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. Each time I return a test or quiz to you, I'll circle a letter at the top to represent what your course grade looks like at the present time. 

Cellphones:  Please leave your cellphones outside of class, or make certain that they are turned off during the lecture.  Phones have no place in an interactive classroom.  Allowing yours to disrupt the educational process is an unpardonable breach of courtesy.  Each student starts the class with 10 extra points.  If your phone rings in class, you lose all 10 points.  If your phone disrupts us a second time, you’ll be asked to leave .

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, pointwise it would be equally fair and appropriate for you to receive the C as the 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 the foundation of your learning experience.  Your questions and comments in class will help others learn, and their input will help 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 work will be read and graded.  The earlier part of my day stays outside the door.  I will not shortchange you by setting low standards.

I will give 100% of my attention to the class.