Math 83 Syllabus

 

Course Syllabus:  Math 083 – Beginning and Intermediate Algebra for SLAM Syllabus

 

Your Instructor: 

Dr. Marty Romero

 

Course Description: 

A combined course in algebra that includes systems of equations, inequalities, graphs and functions, radicals, quadratic polynomials, rational expressions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and problem solving aimed specifically at liberal arts and social science majors going into Math 105, Math 204, or Math 219.

Class Expectations:

This course is different from traditional math classes in two ways. (1) Most of the material will be learned by doing rather than watching (Active Learning). We will spend a lot of our class time doing lessons in groups. (2) You will be learning the material in a contextual setting rather than learning rules and procedures. Our emphasis will be on the algebra, critical thinking, and analytic skills that you will need in Math 105, Math 204, and Math 219. Aim high, for an “A” or a “B,” please don’t aim at just passing. Your success in your transferable class is much more likely.

Approach this course by working to understand (as opposed to memorize) the terminology and concepts. Then it will be easier to build upon that understanding as we apply it. Remember that the most successful students are those who take charge of their own learning and follow a disciplined strategy. There are 3 steps to learning: understanding, practicing, and going solo. The last is most important. It is the only way you will know if you truly get it.   You may not have been taught how to do this, but you can do it, and you will likely surprise yourself with the results.

I want all my students to be successful. In order to do this you must first make the commitment to attend class on time and every day. Next, you must spend time outside of class practicing, just like a musician or an athlete. Plan on working and doing problems until you feel that a concept is easy. The amount of time will vary with each individual and with each topic. During intersession you will have to do homework on a nightly basis. Mathematics, unlike other subjects, needs short daily study sessions, rather than long cram sessions. Embrace the fact that the significant learning is often, or even usually, somewhat difficult. You will experience setbacks. These are signs of effort, not of failure. Setbacks come with striving, and striving builds expertise. Effortful learning changes your brain, making new connections, building mental models, increasing your capability. Your intellectual abilities lie to a large degree within your own control. Knowing that this is so makes the difficulties worth tackling.

 Lastly, you must ask questions whenever you don't understand something. Many hours outside of class are useless if you are accomplishing nothing. Sometimes a little help will do the trick. Feel free to stop me during class with questions or to slow me down.

Upon your 2^nd absence you may be dropped; two tardies or leaving early (45 or more minutes) count as 1 absence; keep me informed of any special circumstances.

 

 

TEXTBOOK:    

MATH 083 OER Packet – Fall 2018. We will be using a workbook that can be downloaded from our Canvas Course Website – it is free. However, you have the option to buy the workbook from our campus bookstore at a low price (under $15).

CALCULATORS:

You must have a scientific calculator for this course. I highly recommend the TI36X-PRO.  On quizzes and exams you must have your own calculator or you will not be able to use one. The TI36X-PRO is also great for Math 105, 204, and 219.  Phones cannot be used as your calculator.

YOUR WORK: 

Must be neat and organized, with erasures not cross-outs; Write questions, answers, and APPROPRIATE WORK. This is why I recommend using pencil or typing. Please, no paper torn from spiral notebooks with ragged edges. Be sure to label each assignment with the name of the assignment; Have questions stand out from answers.

ETIQUETTE:   

Be courteous to fellow students when they ask a question. Put all electronic devices in silent mode when class begins and store them in your bag – they are very distracting to you and others in class. No food (other than snacks) is allowed and only drinks in containers that will not break or spill if dropped are acceptable.

If you need to leave class during an exam; I may ask for your phone before you leave and only one person will be allowed out of the room at a time.

 OHM-MOM:

We will be using an online assessment and learning system called lumenOHM (MOM). This is where you will work on the mathematical skills needed for success in SLAM (statistics and liberal arts math) majors. The assignments are broken up into two categories – Prep and Homework. Prep assignments are completed before we do a lesson and Homework assignments are completed after we finish a lesson.

You will keep a notebook (I recommend a spiral to keep things in order) where you will write down the topic, problems, necessary work, and box your answers. This way your notebook will assist you in quiz and exam preparation. Count on spending a few hours every night outside of class working in OHM-MOM. Your Prep/Skills percentage will be worth 10% of your course grade and your Homework is worth 15% of your grade. These assignments are due at 7AM on the assigned due date. You do have 10 LATEPASSES that can be used for these assignments – a LATEPASS gives you a 24-hour extension.

LESSONS:   

The workbook / additional lessons are extremely important. This is when you learn the concepts during class. All your homework is related to these lessons. It is expected during this time you will be actively engaged in learning and practicing mathematics.  Exams/Quizzes are heavily based upon these lessons, the OHM-MOM objectives, and class discussions. My policies are strict to help keep you on schedule, since getting behind makes your successful completion of the course much more difficult. They are not only where you learn the material, but how you show your effort in this class.

STUDY SKILLS:    

Often it is not the mathematics that prevents success in a math course. These exercises are designed to assist you in developing the personal qualities and study skills necessary for success. These exercises will be part of the Prep/Skills assignments.

QUIZZES:    

There are 4 quizzes during the intersession. Quizzes will cover the previous work from the text, worksheets, and OHM-MOM objectives, so they are another incentive to keep up to date on everything. If you miss one due to absence, I will record a zero. However, I will drop your lowest quiz score. Quizzes are 10% of your course grade.

Exams:       

Four exams will be given. Each is worth 100 points.  There are NO make-up exams. If you must miss an exam, you must provide an acceptable reason along with proper documentation. This can only be done for one exam. So, please plan on taking all four exams. Exams will be 40% of your course grade.

Exam Corrections: After the exam returned, you will complete exam corrections for a Homework Assignment. Correcting your mistakes is an opportunity for you to learn important math content, prepare you for upcoming exams, and to learn how not to make those mistakes next time. On a separate paper, redo every question you missed. You receive a 5% increase on the corresponding exam when all are correct.

A mandatory, cumulative final will be given. Incompletes will not be considered if the final is missed unless there is a verified emergency.

CHEATING:     

Observed copying, use of notes, switching exams, or communicating with anyone other than me during a quiz or an exam will be deemed cheating. Cheating is also defined as an intentional act of fraud in which a student claims credit for the work or efforts of another without my authorization on any coursework.  On the first offense a zero will be given on that quiz or exam to you and any collaborators. A second offense or an occurrence on the final will involve the college administration. Giving answers is as bad as taking them.

GRADING SCALE:   

 90%     -  100%      A                                  

80%     -    89%      B         

70%     -    79%      C         

60%     -    69%      D

Final   25%           Exams  40%          Quizzes   10%       Homework   15%       Prep/Skills   10%

If you feel that a mistake was made in recording any score, the only way I can change it is if you bring me the graded paper in question. So, please keep all old papers until the end of the semester.