MATH 095 – Intermediate Algebra

Course Syllabus – Fall 2007

 

INSTRUCTOR:                           David Whittaker

STUDENT DROP-IN HOURS:      Mon/Wed 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, other hours by appointment

OFFICE LOCATION/PHONE:      CC1-323 / Phone: (425) 352-8381

E-MAIL:                                    dwhittaker@cascadia.edu

COURSE TEXT:                         Angel. Elementary and Intermediate Algebra. 3rd ed. ISBN: 0-13-233722-3

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

 

REQUISITES:    Completion of MATH 085 with a grade of 2.0 or higher or placement by testing in MATH 095 and placement by testing in ENG 100 or higher.

 

CLASS TIMES:  MW from 1:15 pm – 3:20 pm.  Beginning Monday, 9/24/07 and ending Wednesday, 12/6/07.

Username: ___________________

 

Password:  ___________________
 
 


WEBSITE:         http://www.wamap.org [Course id: 363, Enrollment key: cascadia].

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course builds on the knowledge developed in MATH 085. The primary content of the course is algebra, but topics in geometry, right triangle trigonometry, probability, and number theory are also included. Learners will continue to refine study skills and habits, team skills, logic, and the ability to express math visually, symbolically, and in written forms while working with both abstract and real world applications.  Note: Credits for this course are not transferable, nor do they apply to any college degree or certificate.

 

REQUIRED SUPPLIES:   Scientific Calculator, 3 x 5 index cards, 8½ x 11 lined notebook paper, three-prong folder,   composition book.

 

GRADING POLICIES

 

GRADE CALCULATION:

Exams – 45%, Quizzes – 15%, Homework – 10%, Teamwork – 10%, Journal – 10%, Gateways/Participation – 10%

The overall grade percentage will be converted into a GPA score according to the table posted on the course website.  Note: you must pass all Gateways in order to pass the course!

 

NON-                Grades such as “I” (Incomplete) and “Z” (Hardship Withdrawal) will only be considered for students

NUMERIC:        who are progressing well through the course, but, due to some significant life crisis, they are forced to leave the class early.  Last day to drop: Oct 5th; last day to withdraw: Nov 2nd.

 

EXAMS:            A total of 3 exams will be given throughout the course according to the course schedule to evaluate knowledge of current material.  (Previously tested material may also be included.)   Exams cannot be made up!

 

TEAMWORK:    Periodically, students will break into groups to practice current topics.  Each team will be graded as a whole and must fill out a single team answer sheet (by submitting the sheet, all students on the team are indicating they have reviewed the documented answers and agree to their correctness).  From time to time, teams will present their solution to a problem to the class.  Teamwork cannot be made up!

QUIZZES:          On a regular basis, UNANNOUNCED Quizzes covering recent material will be completed either before or after the lecture.  The purpose of these quizzes is to encourage students to keep up with the material and homework.   Missed quizzes may NOT be made up.  The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.  Quizzes provide a feedback mechanism in preparation for the exams.

 

GATEWAYS:     Electronic assessments will be provided so students can see developmental progress in their learning. Gateways will be delivered via the WAMAP website, giving freedom to access the material remotely. Students can rework problems as often as needed to pass the Gateway.

 

HOMEWORK:   Mathematics is like weightlifting: "no pain, no gain."  Not practicing math problems will most likely result in poor quiz and test scores and thereby increase the risk of failing the course.  Since questions on homework problems will be answered in class as time permits, students are expected to complete the assignment before the next class.  Students are encouraged to work together on these problems, but be confident of their ability to solve them on their own.  Individual practice after a group or tutoring session is often very rewarding.  See homework guideline sheet for more information and how to submit homework.  Each day, the homework corresponding to the last lesson will be spot-checked for completion as part of your participation grade.  All of the homework for a given unit will be collected on the day of the exam for that unit at the beginning of class.

 

JOURNAL:        Each class session will start with a daily journal entry.  The prompt for the journal will be on the board at the beginning of class.  This will include a writing assignment as well as a warm up problem set, all to be entered into a composition book.  Please have your homework out while you’re writing in your journal for the daily homework check.  Journals will be collected on Monday, 9/29, and Wednesday, 11/28.

 

PARTICIPATION:   Mastering mathematics requires ongoing effort.  Consistent participation in class improves your opportunities for success.  Points will be awarded for having your homework completed at the start of the next class session, diligently working on problems with your team, writing in your journal at the beginning of class, and asking questions and offering feedback during the class discussion.  Your participation in these activities and your ongoing involvement in the course play an essential part of your learning.

CLASS POLICIES

 

ACADEMIC          Cheating will not be tolerated!  Anyone caught cheating, as a minimum, will fail the assignment

DISHONESTY:     where violations of integrity were discovered.  See the student handbook for more information.

 

ATTENDANCE:     Students are expected to attend class and be in class on time.  Disruptions to the learning environment due to tardiness will not be tolerated.  Teamwork and unannounced quizzes will be given periodically and cannot be made up – so come to class! 

 

CALCULATORS:  All students must have a scientific calculator (must have a +/- key, fraction key, yx key, parentheses keys, and a square root key).  A TI-30 series is recommended.

                                                NO GRAPHING calculators ARE allowed! 

 

PREPARATION:   It is expected that each student come to class with his/her own notebook, paper, pencils, textbook, calculator, and COMPLETED homework.

 

DISABILITIES:      Cascadia Community College provides services to help students with disabilities successfully adapt to college life.  Students who meet specific criteria may also qualify for academic accommodations.  For information, or a referral, please contact Disability Support Services, Room 103, (425) 352-8383, and ask for the Disability Support Facilitator.

 

OTHER:               The College has developed statements and policies on many educational issues and these apply to all classes.  Please see the class website for more information.