Math 80: Elementary Algebra, Section 07

Spring 2008, 12:30pm-02:50pm Tu/Th, Room 2205

 

Instructor: Rosalie Tepper

Office: 5335 (FOSS Building)

Email: rtepper@shoreline.edu (the best way to reach me)        

Course Website: http://www.shoreline.edu/rtepper/math80

Office Hours: Tuesdays/Thursdays 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM, or by appointment

 

Course description: Fundamentals of algebra including simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations in one variable, plotting points & graphing lines, exponents & their properties, operations on and factoring polynomials, simplifying rational expressions, solving rational equations. Applications.

 

Prerequisites: Math 070 (2.0 or better), or a score of 55 or higher on the Pre-Algebra COMPASS test (or equivalent score on SAT, ACT or ASSET.)

 

Text: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra, 3rd Edition by Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis

 

Calculators: Graphing calculators may not be used for this class.  You may use scientific calculators for class activities and homework, but they are not required.  Calculators are not allowed during quizzes or exams unless distributed by the instructor.

 

Other materials: Pencil, eraser, straight edge, graph paper.

 

Course Grade:           5%       Worksheets

                                    10%     Homework

                                    20%     Quizzes

                                    45%     Midterm Exams (15% each)

                                    20%     Final Exam

Quarter grades range from 0.0 to 4.0.  See the course website for the conversion from percentages to decimal grades.  Since this is a pre-college level class, students may request a P/NC grade instead of a decimal grade at any time until the last day of instruction.

Worksheets: Worksheets are in-class assignments to be completed in small groups, though each student will write their own solutions.  There will at least one worksheet per week, so good attendance is essential.  Worksheets will be graded based on participation.  There will be no make-up worksheets; however, I will drop your lowest two worksheet scores.

Homework: Homework assignments will be posted on the course website.  They will be collected every Tuesday.  Assignments must be neat and stapled.  You must show all work to receive full credit.  Each assignment will be graded for overall completion, out of 5 points.  I will drop your lowest homework score at the end of the quarter.

Late Homework Policy: Late homework will only be accepted within 24 hours of when

the assignment is due, and will only receive half credit.  Late assignments may be put in

my mailbox in the FOSS building.

Quizzes: There will be a 15 minute quiz at the end of class every Tuesday on the previous week’s material.  Quiz problems will be similar to the homework problems due the same day, so be sure you complete the homework early enough to get extra help before the quiz if needed.  You will not be allowed to use any materials other than a pencil during quizzes.  There will be no make-up quizzes; however, I will drop your two lowest quiz scores.

Exams: There will be three 50 minute midterm exams and a 90 minute final.  You will be allowed one 8.5 × 11 handwritten sheet of notes for all exams.  You may not share note sheets.

Midterm Exams: Tentatively the following Thursdays: April 24th, May 15th, June 5th.

Final Exam: The final exam is Thursday, June 12th, 12:15-1:45 PM.

Make-Up Exams: There will be no make-up exams.  If you have an unavoidable conflict with an exam, see me as soon as possible to schedule taking the exam early.  If you miss an exam due to an emergency, email me immediately and be prepared to provide documentation for your absence.

 

Emergency School Closure: If Shoreline Community College is closed unexpectedly (snow day, earthquake, etc.), we will pick up where we left off at the next class.  For example, if the school is closed on the day of an exam, the exam will be given at the next class meeting.

 

Academic Dishonesty: Cheating or plagiarism of any kind will not be tolerated.  You are encouraged to work together on homework, but all submitted work must be entirely your own.  Copying homework solutions or answers from another student, the back of the book, or a solutions manual are forms of cheating.  You must work entirely independently on exams.  Any student caught cheating will receive a zero on the assignment or exam.  Two incidences of cheating may result in a 0.0 grade for the course and may receive further disciplinary action.  For more details, see Shoreline CC Policy 5033.

 

Other Class Policies: Be prepared and on time for every class.  Students are expected to stay for the entire class period unless there is an emergency.  Cell phones, mp3 players, and other electronics (aside from calculators) must be silenced and put away before class.  Headphones may not be used in class at any time.  Disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from class.  Students are expected to behave responsibly and respectfully, in accordance with Shoreline CC Policy 5030.  If you miss a class, you are responsible for getting the class notes from another student or emailing me immediately to find out what sections to read in the textbook to keep up and any announcements you may have missed.

 

Math Learning Center: The Math Learning Center is in the 2200 building, rooms 2201-2204.  The MLC staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have on the material, making it an ideal place to work on homework or study independently or with other students in the class.  The MLC is your friend – it’s even open most Sundays!  The MLC website is http://www.shoreline.edu/math.

 

Students with Disabilities: The Services for Students with Disabilities office can help accommodate students with disabilities.  To receive accommodations or services, students are responsible for requesting them in room 5229 in the FOSS Building or by calling 546-5832 or 546-4520 (TTY).

 

This syllabus is subject to change.  Any changes will be announced in class and an updated syllabus will be posted on the course website.