ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA SYLLABUS

Math 090 Guidelines and Rules

Text: ALGEBRA: A GRAPHING APPROACH by Hubbard and Robinson

Instructor: Ann Mayes

MCC phone numbers: 288-6052 Toll free: 1-800-351-4669

Office Hours: M-F 8:30-9:20, 2:00-5:00 (unless in meetings)

Catalog Description: A beginning course for students with little or no background in algebra. Covers basic concepts, linear equations and inequalities, graphing and linear equations in two variables, exponents and polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, and roots and radicals. Graphing calculator very highly recommended.

General Course Goals: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Demonstrate mastery of course content and techniques necessary for further study in mathematics. 2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of problem solving approaches used to investigate and understand mathematical concepts. 3. Recognize and place in algebraic notation, application problems within mathematics. 4. Read, write, and orally express mathematical ideas utilizing mathematical notation. 5. Represent and solve situations that involve variable quantities using expressions, equations, and inequalities. 6. Appreciate both the intrinsic and extrinsic nature of mathematics.

Homework and testing: Tentative dates for sections to be covered will be given on a course calendar. Homework assignments or quizzes will be given each class period. If an assignment is not completed on time, only partial credit will be awarded if received within a reasonable time allowance. Quizzes may not be made up. Early assignments will be accepted if a student knows that (s)he will be gone. Exceptional cases must be discussed individually with the instructor. The homework assignment for each section will be given out on a daily basis; therefore, it is the student's responsibility to attain any missed assignments. Each homework assignment should be done on lined paper. Please, no torn edges. The following information should be included: name, hour when the class meets, chapter number, and all scratch work. Answers should be identified by circling, hi-liting, or marking with any other method to clearly relay the answer. Homework/quizzes will account for one-fifth (1/5) of the final grade.

Test dates are indicated on the calendar. A student should retake a test if a score of less than 60% is earned. If a student wishes to raise a test score, one retake will be allowed per test. However, if a student misses a test day, NO RETAKE WILL BE ALLOWED. A student wishing to retake a test must notify the instructor of his/her intent to retake. To compensate for extra tests, additional time outside of the class time will be needed. Retests are given in the Skills Center in Loper Hall. The student must go to the Skills Center Staff and pre-register for a specific date and time to take the retest. The higher of the test scores will be the score for that chapter. Once a new chapter is started, a student may retake a test for the previous chapter only.

Grading Scale: The chapter tests will be averaged for three-fifths (3/5) of the final grade, the homework/quizzes will be averaged for one-fifth (1/5) of the final grade, and the final exam will account for one-fifth (1/5) of the final grade. A final grade is earned only after all homework is turned in, all chapter tests are taken and the final exam is completed. It is based on a straight percentage scale. Class attendance and any extra credit assignments will be considered for students whose final average is on the borderline between two grades. However, if a student does not have a passing average on the chapter tests and does not have a passing score on the final, a final grade of "F" is earned (homework and extra credit will not be determinants of a passing grade). In figuring the average of the chapter tests, one test score (the lowest) will be dropped. Plus/minus grades will be given in addition to A,B,C,D,F.

Class time will be used for short lectures, group questions and assignments, quizzes, discussion of homework assignments, and testing. A tentative calendar which spaces out the material covered in the algebra class will be given with this guidelines handout. If a student will not be in class for a day, it is his/her responsibility to cover the required material for that missed period or to find out from any other student in the class what material was covered. There are also video tapes and computer drill exercises that match this text material for supplemental work if a student so desires. Tutoring free of charge to the student is available when requested through the Skills Center. Simply ask the instructor for assistance in getting extra materials. Also, please inform the instructor if there is any special assistance needed in regard to learning or physical accommodations.

Academic honesty is expected. All work submitted must be completed individually as original work, not copied from any other class member or tutor. I would also like to reinforce that academic respect, courtesy, and cooperation is expected as well. Thank you for your understanding with these very important qualities that I require from you as a mature student.

Class Needs: Text, calculator (scientific required/graphing highly recommended), hi-liter, ruler, lined paper, two bookmarks, graph paper, notebook for class notes.

The Elementary Algebra course will NOT fulfill elective credit or math/science credit toward graduation. It is for those students desiring information that will help them perform in other college level math courses. It will, however, count toward financial aid, scholarships, or veterans' credit for hours taken. It is a pre-requisite for higher level math classes when deemed appropriate. A suggested grade of C or better is recommended for success in subsequent math courses.