MAT 152A Basic Algebra Part I
Fall ‘07, Section 4
Course Outline and Syllabus

Instructor:                  Steve Richardson   
Office:                         D127                          
Meeting Venue:         D123,  T,(Th)  10:00 - 11:50
Phone:                         541-4660 extension 333
email:                          richardson@ltcc.edu          

Class Schedule and Assignments (subject to revision):

Required Textbook:           Beginning and Intermediate Algebra Third Edition  by Elayn Martin-Gay.

Required Software: It is required to have the software for this class.  Students have two choices.  The first is to purchase the textbook from the bookstore.  The textbook comes with the software.  The second choice is to purchase the software from the bookstore.  The software comes with the textbook online.  This is a more economically reasonable choice, but is only recommended to students who have online access and feel comfortable reading a computer screen instead of a traditional book.  Purchasing the textbook used without buying the software is not a possible choice for this class.

Course Overview:

This course will study the basic concepts of algebra. Topics include the real numbers their properties, solving linear equations and inequalities, the four basic operations with polynomials, graphing linear functions and inequalities in two variables, properties of exponents and introduction to functions.

Goals and Objectives:

The successful student will:

• Exhibit a proficiency in the topics covered in this course
• Engage in logical and critical thinking
• Read technical information
• 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.

Suggestions, Tips and Advice:

• Class time is valuable.  Arrive on time, be prepared having read the assigned reading and having completed any due assignments.
• Bring your notebook and your textbook to each class
• Take notes in class
• The textbook has been carefully selected.  Read it! 
• Practice. You must practice in order to succeed at math. Do some math every day.
• Use me and the tutors available to ask questions and get help.

Good Reasons for Taking a Computer Mediated Course:

• I have difficulty learning in a traditional lecture format class.
• I learn well when I can use a computer.
• I often need the instructor to slow down and repeat what was said.
• Math lectures rarely move at a pace that is appropriate for me.
• I learn well with any format, but the computer mediated course will fit my difficult work schedule.

Poor Reasons for Taking a Computer Mediated Course:

• Most of my learning occurs during lecture, but this was the only course that fit my schedule.
• I do not know how to use a computer and thought that this would teach me computer skills.
• I heard that I do not have to work as hard in this section.
• The computer will do the work for me so that I do not have to learn the math.
• I do not want to take pencil and paper exams.

Exams:

There will be two midterm exams given in the quarter. We will have a comprehensive final examination. Students are to bring pencils or pens, and paper to each exam. Exams will be traditional paper and pencil exams.  Grading will based on the progress towards the final answer, and the demonstration of understanding of the concept that is being tested, therefore, work must be shown in detail. Any student who cannot make it to an exam may elect to take the exam up to two days before the exam is scheduled.  Without a proven medical excuse, a 10% per day penalty will be given for each day the exam is taken late.

Quizzes:

Each week you will take a MyMathLab quiz. before you take the quiz, make sure that you have done the guided exercises, looked at the video, followed each link for the week, and received assistance from either a tutor or your instructor on any difficult topics.  Please ask for help if you need it.  If you do not take a quiz, a zero will be recorded for that grade.  Quizzes must be completed by midnight each Thursday.

Homework Assignments:

Homework is due each Thursday by midnight.  You will be using the MyMathLab website to work on your homework.  Feel free to consult a fellow classmate, a tutor, your instructor, or anyone else for assistance on the homework.   Homework that is turned in within one week of the due date will be counted as half credit.

Evaluation Criteria:

Grading will be based on your total scores from:

No extra credit work will be assigned or accepted.

The letter grade assigned will be based on the following cutoffs:

Help:

I am here to help you learn.  I want you to succeed in this course and beyond.  Use me as your resource.  See me during my office hours.  Do not hesitate to make arrangements to see me anytime outside of class or office hours. Make arrangements with me if you have any difficulties or special needs.  We have tutoring and a Learning Assistance Center available.  We have the Gateway Math Center with tutors, computers and help available. We have a Learning Disabilities Lab available and I will accommodate any learning disability you may have to the best of my and the College’s ability.  If you find that you are lost or behind please do not hesitate to see me.

A Word on Honesty:

Cheating or copying will not be tolerated. People who cheat dilute the honest effort of the rest of us.  If you cheat on a quiz or exam you will receive an F  for the course, not merely for the test.  Other college disciplinary action including expulsion might occur. Please don’t cheat in this class.  If you are having difficulty with the course, please see me.