2017 Fall Course Syllabus - Mathematics 0701.002
Course: Mathematics 0701.002.
Course Title: Elementary Algebra.
Time: MWF 9:20 - 10:30 am.
Place: Wachman Hall Classrooms 307.
Instructor: Ranjini Muhunthan.
Instructor Office: 1029 Wachman Hall.
Instructor Email: ranjini.muhunthan@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: 215-204-7841.
Course Web Page: learn.temple.edu
Office Hours: MWF 12:00-1:00.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of Pre-Algebra material is expected. Placement is based on the Placement Test score.
Textbook: Integrated Arithmetic and Basic Algebra, 5th Edition, by Bill E. Jordan and William P. Palow.
Course Goals: The goal of this course is to give students a firm foundation in the topics of elementary algebra as a basis for subsequent courses in mathematics and other disciplines. Included in this goal is the development and strengthening of one's skill in interpreting and solving application problems.
Topics Covered: Elementary Algebra begins with a presentation of some foundational topics of Algebra: variables, exponents, order of operations, perimeter, area, and volume of geometric figures, equivalence between mathematical and verbal expressions, and operations with integers. Further topics include solving linear equations and inequalities, understanding slope, graphing linear equations in two variables, finding the equation of a line, applying the laws of exponents, performing operations with polynomials, factoring polynomials, and solving polynomial equations. The skill of solving equations will be extended to formulating and solving equations of applied problems.
Course Grading: Tests 1 - 3: The higher two test scores will each be worth 20% and the lowest score 15% of the final grade; Quizzes (15%); Final Exam (30%).
Exam Dates: Test 1 - Wednesday, September 20; Test 2 - Monday, October 16; Test 3 - Monday, November 13; Cumulative Final - Thursday, December 14, 3:30 - 5:30 pm.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is required. Unexcused absences will affect your final grade according to the schedule given in the Student Guidelines. Thirteen unexcused absences will result in a failure for the course.
Quizzes: A quiz will be given every week except during those weeks in which a test is scheduled. No make up quizzes will be given, but your two lowest quiz scores will be dropped. Missed quizzes will receive a score of zero and are to be counted among the dropped scores.
Make-up Policy: The weekly quizzes cannot be made up. If an emergency arises and you cannot attend an exam, contact your instructor as soon as possible to make an appointment for a make-up exam. Documentation of the emergency is required and any make-up exam must be taken within one week of the exam date.
Tutoring: Free one-on-one tutoring is available throughout the semester at the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) located at 1810 Liacouras Walk, 2nd Floor. The CLASS offers a wide range of services to help students succeed at Temple and beyond. Peer Tutors can assist you with learning the content, and Peer Academic Coaches can help you develop your overall learning and study skills. Check out all that the CLASS has to offer by stopping by 1810 Liacouras Walk, Room 201, or online at www.temple.edu/class.
Calculator Policy: No calculators may be used for any quiz or test.
Common Final Exam: The final exam is scheduled for Thursday, December 14. Do not miss it. If a student misses the final exam, he or she will not be allowed to take a make-up exam unless there is a documented emergency.
Use of Electronic Devices: All cell phones and other personal electronic devices must be turned OFF during class sessions.
Exam Security Policy: Under no circumstance is the use of a personal electronic device, such as a phone, computer, or smart watch, allowed during exams. All such items must be stowed away and out of sight for the duration of the exam. Any student found with such a device during an exam will not be allowed to complete the test, will receive a score of zero for the test, and will be reported to the Student Code of Conduct Board. In addition, under no circumstance, will students be allowed to bring in any kind of paper for use during an exam. Should a student need extra paper during a test, the proctor will provide it. Any student found using papers that they themselves brought into the exam will not be allowed to complete the test, will receive a score of zero for the test, and will be reported to the Student Code of Conduct Board.
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible. Contact Disability Resources and Services at (215) 204-1280, 100 Ritter Annex, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here.
Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar for exact dates.
During the Drop/Add period, students may drop a course with no record of the class appearing on their transcript. Students are not financially responsible for any courses dropped during this period. In the following weeks prior to or on the withdrawal date students may withdraw from a course with the grade of "W" appearing on their transcript. After the withdrawal date students may not withdraw from courses. Check the University Calendar (Opens in new tab/window) for exact dates. See the full policy by clicking here. (Opens in new tab/window)
The grade "I" (an "incomplete") is only given if students cannot complete the course work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is necessary for the student to have completed the majority of the course work with a passing average and to sign an incomplete contract which clearly states what is left for the student to do and the deadline by which the work must be completed. The incomplete contract must also include a default grade that will be used in case the "I" grade is not resolved by the agreed deadline. See the full policy by clicking here. (Opens in new tab/window)