Math 152A Syllabus

MATH 152-A, Section 5
FALL QUARTER, 2003

Class: Basic Algebra, Part 1

Instructor: Audrey Morrow

College Phone Number: 541-4660 Extension 545

Home Phone: 577-4141

Class Meets: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00 pm ~ 7:50 pm

Room: PC6 at South Tahoe High School

Required Text: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, 1st Edition, by Mark Dugopolski
Registration: You must register for this course by Friday, September 26

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and problem-solving techniques of algebra. The main task of "Algebra" is finding ways to determine the value of unknown numbers or quantities. Math 152-A is designed to furnish the student with the foundation needed for comfort and success in more advanced math classes. We begin with a general review of the signed numbers, equation solving, and translating of verbal expressions into mathematical statements.   By week five we'll be graphing linear eaquations, which provides visual depth and dimension to math previously viewed only as terms. The course concludes with a study of polynomials and an introduction to functions. The following material is covered in Math 152A: Chapter 1; Chapter 2 with 2.4 omitted; 3.1 ~ 3.3 to Page 144 only; Chapter 4 with 8.6 included, Chapter 5, and 11.3. This will be the order of the material covered.

ATTENDANCE & GRADING POLICY

You'll receive a letter grade (A-F) upon completion of this course. You'll be assigned homework at every lecture, except for exam dates, and we will have three quizzes during the quarter. As well, you'll take three midterms and a final exam.   You may have all the time you need on exams. Your final course grade will be structured as follows:

Midterms + final exam:                      70% of your grade
Combined homework & quiz scores: 25% "      "        "
Behavior & participation in class:         5%     "          "

As you can see, your grasp of the course material will determine your grade for the most part, but your personal behavior, your attitude and your courtesy to others will also be reflected.

           ATTENDANCE & GRADING POLICY, CONTINUED

Please take note of the following, as you are responsible for this information:

1) You are allowed to make up one exam.   Unless you have a sudden emergency, you must inform me either in person or by phone, before the date of the exam.

2) Late exam scores are penalized 10% regardless of your reason. For example, a score of 80 points on a make-up exam is penalized by 8 points, for a final score of 72 points.

3) Your attendance is critical in this course. If you miss class more than twice, you may be dropped from the class. Leaving class early, on the break, counts as ½ of a missed class.

4) There are no make-up quizzes. Quizzes must be taken on time, with the class.

5) I will occasionally assign extra credit work to a student who requests it. Extra credit is available to students who: Are borderline between a grade of C and D, or lower; And have missed fewer than two classes.   Extra credit is not a substitute for regular attendance.

LEARNING DISABLED STUDENTS: Please see me if you are in the Learning Disabled program, or if you think that you might have a disability. I'll need to know if you have special needs.

CALCULATORS: This course is intended to be taught without the use of a calculator. A small number of exercises may be enhanced with use of a calculator. Those problems are indicated by a calculator icon. Be aware that calculators will not be allowed for exams in 152A, so you should practice doing your homework without them. In particular, graphing calculators are forbidden in Math 152A.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Friday, 9/26. You must complete registration for this class. If you would like to be placed in a higher level math class than 152A, you may take the challenge exam on this date. Call 541-4660 ext. 740 for specifics about the challenge exam.

Friday, 10/3: Last day to drop this class with no record.

Friday, 11/21: Last day to drop this class with a grade of ‘W'.