BASIC ALGEBRA (Part I)

Math 152A-2

Fall 2012 4 units

INSTRUCTOR:                     Cindy Littell

PHONE NUMBER:              541-4660, Extension 447 (voicemail only)

E-MAIL:                                ltcc.littellc@gmail.com ; littell@ltcc.edu

MEETING TIMES:              Monday and Wednesday 9:00a to 10:50a

MEETING PLACE: Room A213

REQUIRED TEXT:              Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, 5^th Ed, by Elayn                                      Martin-Gay

COURSE CODE:                  littell70243

Course Description: This course is an introduction to algebra.  I will be presenting the Real Numbers and their properties and operations, absolute value equations, simplifying algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, applications with formulas, the rectangular coordinate system, graphing linear equations and inequalities, polynomials and their operations, integral exponents, scientific notation, and an introduction to functions.  This course will connect math with the “real” world.  It is my desire to reduce math anxiety and build self-confidence in every student by the end of this class.

Prerequisite:  A grade of “C” or better in Math 187B or equivalent or appropriate skills demonstrated through the Math Assessment process.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Students requiring accommodations for a certain disability that may affect class performance are requested to schedule with a staff member at the DRC to discuss this during the first week of the quarter so that appropriate arrangements can be made. They only test and accept new students into the program during the first two weeks of each quarter, so don’t put it off.

Students with disabilities must identify themselves to me within the first two weeks of class.

The Math Success Center (within A201) has free tutoring for all registered students. Please Log In and Out so that the facility gets the funds it needs to continue this free service.

Attendance and Etiquette: As a college student, you have voluntarily signed up for approximately 16 hours of Math a week this fall. It is therefore important to remind you that missing four classes (the equivalent of two weeks of the regular quarter) will result in being dropped for non-attendance. Our time in class is a time of learning and is to be respected as such; therefore, disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. A two-class expulsion will be applied for any disruptive behavior.

As a Courtesy to everyone in class, please turn off your cell phones. Thank you.

How to succeed in a Math class:

1. Come to every class meeting.

2. Arrive early, be prepared, and take notes.

3. Ask questions, especially if you don’t understand a concept.

4. Do more than just the homework problems.

5. Take advantage of the free tutoring service in the MSC.

6. Study in groups and do your homework with a classmate.

7. Start preparing for exams at least one week in advance.

8. Do some math every day.

Dropping: In this class, it is your responsibility to drop the class in order to avoid an unwanted grade. For this, you must go to Admissions & Records or use the Passport System.

Drop Dates are listed on the back of the printed schedule.

Student Outcomes
The successful student will;
1. Exhibit a proficiency in the topics covered in the course;
2. Engage in logical and critical thinking;
3. Read technical and graphical information; and
4. Demonstrate the solution to problems by translating written language into mathematical statements, interpreting information, sketching relevant diagrams, analyzing given information, formulating appropriate math statements, and checking and verifying results.

Grading:  Your class letter grade will be based on the usual grading scale:

A:  90% & above,     B: 80-89%,     C: 70-79%,        D: 60-69%

              F: 59% and under

The following items will make up the course grade:

Online Homework Assignments                                                            250 points

Daily Quizzes                                                                                        150 points

Exams                                                                                                  450 points

Cumulative Final Exam (Dec 5):                                                            250 points

Total Class points:                                                                             1100 points

Methods of Evaluation:

Homework is all done online and is due by the time and date posted on the web-basically the next class because you need it for the quiz. The computer has a right answer only but missed problems can be eliminated by working a ‘similar problem’. After the due date, the assignments will available for score improvement only.

Daily Quizzes are held during the first five minutes of class from 9:00am to 9:05am. There is no making up of any quiz. Quizzes will consist of two questions. One question will come from the homework due at noon that day. The other will come from the section you are to have read prior to lecture and be a vocabulary or key idea from the lavender boxes and highlighted words.

Exams will take an entire class period. The exams will cover the sections from the previous weeks between exams. Your score will be out of 150 possible points. Tests may be taken early without penalty as long as you officially notify me at least one week in advance of the date you need to take the test in writing by email. Tests may not be taken late without a valid excuse, will receive a 10% deduction in score per school-day late, and must be made up by the Thursday of the next week.

The Final Exam is given according to the posted finals schedule in the schedule of classes for this quarter. It will include all of the ideas, and sections covered in this course. (December 5^th: 250 points)

Lecture Schedule: Tentative