SYLLABUS

Math 154A , also Math 185, Winter Quarter, 2009

Instructor:  Audrey Morrow

Class meets:  Tuesdays, Thursdays 10 am to 11:50 am

Room:  Room A211, Main campus upstairs.

Prerequisites:  This course is a continuation of Math 152B or Math 152BB.  Math 154A is an introduction to the definition of a function and its inverse; quadratic equations; systems of equations and inequalities; exponential and  logarithmic functions; Domain and Range of a function; sequences and series.  Math 185 is a 1-unit supplement to Math 154A, intended to offer the student an hour of extra time each week to work on more difficult problems. 

The class meets for 1/2 hour after the regular class.  There is no set agenda, the students take turns bringing up whatever each wishes to focus on. 

Instructor’s Phone Number:  College 541-4660 ext 573

Home Phone:  577-4141

Email:  ammathtype@earthlink.net

Textbook:  "Elementary and Intermediate Algebra" 2nd Edition, Mark Dugopolski.

Note:  Winter '09 is the last quarter that this textbook will be used at LTCC.

Items you’ll need to bring to class with you in addition to the book:  Lined notebook paper for daily note-taking; graph paper for the sections on graphing.  A six-inch straight edge; Several different colors of  pencils will help you in making your graphs easier to read, and more pleasing to the eye.  A yellow or light-green highlighter may be helpful also in notating handouts, marking useful portions of your text, and highlighting your class notes.

Important dates for Winter Quarter, 2008:

Friday, 1/9:  Challenge exams are given in the Learning Resource Center.  

Friday, 1/16:  Late Registration ends, also last day for refunds.

Friday, 1/30:  Last day to drop a full-quarter class with no record.

Friday, 2/20:  Last day to drop with a ‘W’ for full-quarter classes.

Final exam: Tuesday, March 24th 11:00am to 12:50 pm in Room A211.        

                             GENERAL INFORMATION

1)  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.

2) My make-up policy:  There is no makeup for quizzes.  You may make up one exam, with a 10% penalty.  If you can't take an exam with the class, you must let me know before the exam.  Either phone me at home, or leave a message at extension 573.  I'll arrange to have you either take my exam early, or we will agree on a makeup date.  Your makeup time for a late test allows you until the beginning of the next class meeting.  If you miss a test on a Thursday for example, you'll have to complete the test before class begins the following Tuesday.  Exam makeups are given and proctored in the Student Learning Center.  You will be asked for photo ID before taking the exam.  I accept two late homework assignments with no penalty.  If you are unable to get to class, you may have a friend bring in your homework, or you can turn it in through the student mail slot.  STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED INSIDE THE COLLEGE MAILROOM.

3)  I allow extra credit under the following 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'. 

4)  Learning disabled students:  If you have a certified learning disability that may affect your performance in the class, please see me so that I can make sure that 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 upstairs on the main campus.  DRC's telephone extension is 249.

GRADING POLICY

ü     Cellphones are not permitted in my lecture.  If your phone disturbs the class, you will be asked to leave and return next time. 

ü     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 2/23, 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.

Quizzes will be unscheduled, and given at the start of class.  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. 

ü     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.  

ü      

ü     ATTENDANCE:  Students are allowed two absences with no explanation required.  If you need to miss a class, please see me so that I know you aren't dropping.  Also, make a friend in class who can tell you what you missed, and share notes with you.

HOMEWORK:   I will accept two late homework assignments without any penalty for the student.  If you have to miss a lecture, you may drop your homework through the student mail slot on the due date, or have a friend bring it to class.                             

       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.