2018 Spring Course Syllabus - Mathematics 0702.007
Course: Mathematics 0702.007.
Course Title: Intermediate Algebra.
Time: TR 08:00 - 09:40 am.
Place: Wachman Hall 207.
Instructor: Sherwood V. Polter.
Instructor Office: 1034 Wachman Hall.
Instructor Email: sherwood.polter@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: (215) 204-7840 Math Office.
Course Web Page: math.temple.edu/ugrad/coordinated/0702/
Office Hours: TR 07:15-08:00 Appointment Only.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of Introductory Algebra is expected. Placement is based on the Placement Test score, a grade of C- or better in Math 0701, or transfer credit for Math 0701.
Textbook: Intermediate Algebra, 7th edition, by Elayn Martin-Gay. You may obtain the textbook either by purchasing it from the Temple Bookstore (for a physical copy) or directly from the publisher (for the online version). Please do not delay getting book. The book is necessary for this course.
Course Goals: The goal of this course is to cover the core topics of algebra as a preparation for precalculus mathematics.
Topics Covered: This course covers these topics: solving linear equations and inequalities, compound inequalities, and absolute value equations and inequalities, an introduction to functions, graphing linear equations and finding equations of lines, the laws of exponents, operations with polynomials, factoring polynomials and solving polynomial equations, operations with rational expressions, finding roots, and operations with radicals. The techniques learned for solving equations and inequalities will be applied to solving application problems involving projectile motion, finance, mixtures, and more.
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 (10%), MyMathLab Assignments (5%), Final Exam (30%).
Exam Dates: For TR sections: Test 1 - Tuesday, February 6; Test 2 - Thursday, March 1; Test 3 - Tuesday, April 10; Cumulative Final - Thursday, May 3, 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. For TR sections the limit is: Nine unexcused absences will result in a failure for the course.
Quizzes: A quiz will be given every week except for first week and during those weeks in which a test is scheduled. No make-up quizzes will be given. Please don't ask for make-ups or extra credit as they are not permitted. Your two lowest quiz scores will be dropped if more than 8 quizzes are administered during the term, and your lowest single quiz score will be dropped if 8 or fewer quizzes are administered. Missed quizzes will receive a score of zero and are to be counted among the dropped scores as NO MAKE UP's are permitted by the math department rules. Quizzes are given during the last 15 or 20 minutes of the class. You must be present in person during class to take the quiz.
Homework Assignments: Regular written assignments of problems from the textbook will be given, and these assignments will be made from the problems posted on the Assignment List. This is the content of the course for which you are responsible. Not all homework assignments will be covered in class. Assignments will be checked randomly in class for completion during quizzes and tests. If you miss a homework check it cannot be checked at another time. Homework check is a once and done process.
MyMathLab Assignments: A subset of the homework problems assigned by your instructor will be assigned and scored using MyMathLab. In the range of 20 - 25 MyMathLab assignments will be given throughout the term. If you are able to successfully complete 90% of the work assigned, you will receive a score of 100 for this part of the course. Extra credit can be earned by any amount of work completed above the level of 90% and loss of credit due to incomplete or incorrect work is concurrently mitigated by this formula. MyMathlab Assignments WILL NOT be covered in class.
Make-up Policy: The weekly quizzes cannot be made up regardless of the emergency. If an emergency arises and you cannot attend an exam (Test), contact me as soon as possible to make an appointment for a make-up exam. Make-up exams may be harder problems given on test so you do not want to miss test. Documentation of the emergency is required and any make-up exam must be taken within one week of the exam date with a proctor at the math department. Make-up exams must be taken no later than 2:30p. Tests are 70 minutes long.
Tutoring: Every student regardless of your scores in the class should take advantage of the free one-on-one tutoring throughout the semester at the Student Support Center located at Tuttleman Learning Center, Suite 100. Don't wait until the last minute (i.e. a day before a major test to get help). Getting math help should be done on an interval basis. Get to know your tutor. Get to know classmates to study together and put in your own time to study. This course requires at least 2 to 3 hours on your own time to study and do homework problems for every hour spent in class not counting the time you spend with tutor or classmates. See www.temple.edu/class for more information.
Calculator Policy: No calculators may be used for any quiz or test.
Common Final Exam: The final exam is scheduled for Thursday, May 3, 3:30 - 5:30 pm. 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 including smart watches (such as i-phone watch) must be taken off and turned OFF and stowed away during class sessions. Place all phones in AIRPLANE MODE during quizzes and tests.
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.
Enter note 10 heading here: This course requires 2-3 hours on your own time to study and complete homework assignments for every hour spent in the classroom not counting time spent with tutors or classmates.
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)