2020 Summer2 Course Syllabus - Mathematics 0702.021
Course: Mathematics 0702.021.
Course Title: Intermediate Algebra.
Time: MTWRF 8:30 - 10:05 am.
Place: Online.
Instructor: Nahed Hamid.
Instructor Office: NA.
Instructor Email: nahed.hamid@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: NA.
Course Web Page: canvas.temple.edu
Office Hours: MR 12pm - 1:30pm or by a confirmed appointment.
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), directly from the publisher (for the online version), or any other vendor offering the 7th edition.
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, and more.
Course Grading: Tests 1 and 2 (30% for the better score, 20% for the worse), Quizzes and Homework (20%), Final Exam (30%). Numeric-To-Letter-Grade Scale: 93-100 A, 90-92 A-, 87-89 B+, 83-86 B, 80-82 B-, 77-79 C+, 73-76 C, 70-72 C-, 67-69 D+, 63-66 D, 60-62 D-, 0-59 F.
Exam Dates: Test 1 - Monday, July 13, Test 2 - Monday, July 27, Final - Wednesday, August 5.
Attendance Policy: Attendance in class is required, promptness is expected. Students who miss more than 4 classes without an excuse will have their grades lowered by one notch (e.g., from B to B-). Those who miss more than 8 classes will have their grades lowered by two notches, etc. Failure to attend class on quiz dates will also affect your Quiz Average. Some absences are excused such as illness or a death in your family, given that documentation (with a contact phone number) is provided. If there is another reason for absence, the situation will be evaluated by the instructor on a case-by-case basis.
Quizzes: There will usually two quizzes every week. Each quiz will consist of 4-5 problems similar to the ones assigned from the textbook. No make-up quizzes will be given. Missed quizzes will receive a score of zero. Your lowest quiz score will be dropped.
Homework Assignments: Regular written assignments of problems from the textbook will be given by your instructor, 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.
Make-up Policy: There are no make ups available for online tests.
Tutoring: Free tutoring may be offered online. Information will be posted on Canvas as it is made available.
Calculator Policy: No calculators may be used for any quiz or test.
Final Exam: The final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5. Do not miss it.
Exam Security Policy: We have a zero tolerance policy for cheating on the tests and quizzes. Any student caught cheating will receive a score of 0 on the test or quiz and will be reported to the Student Code of Conduct Board. This is consistent with the Temple University Academic Honor Code (see https://secretary.temple.edu/sites/secretary/files/policies/03.70.12.pdf ) that states: "Every member of the university community is responsible for upholding the highest standards of honesty at all times. Students, as members of the community, are responsible for adhering to the principles of academic honesty and integrity." All electronic devices required for testing must be used only for the purposed of accessing and submitting the exam. They are not allowed to be used for accessing information from outside sources. Students are not permitted to communicate with one another during the exam or quiz. See additional details pertaining to online courses in Canvas.
Technology Requirements: A working computer with a reliable internet connection. * A smart phone. (You will be required to log onto BOTH a computer and a smart phone for testing.) * Webcam and audio capability on both. * Recommended Internet Speed: 8mbps download & 5mbps upload. You can test your connection at https://www.speedtest.net (Links to an external site.) Please note: Hard-wired connections are more consistent than Wi-Fi for Zoom sessions. * A scanning app such as AdobeScan or CamScanner on your smart phone. * Access to Zoom and Canvas. The Canvas app is also recommended for your smart phone.
Electronic Devices Policy: All electronic devices must be used only for class purposes for the duration of the class.
Important Dates: Tuesday, June 23: First day of class. Tuesday, June 29: Last day to drop a course. Friday, July 3: Independence Day - No classes. Thursday, July 16: Last day to withdraw from the course.
Any student who has a need for accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability or medical condition should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) in 100 Ritter Annex (drs@temple.edu; 215-204-1280) to request accommodations and learn more about the resources available to you. If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with me, or you would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact me as soon as practical. I will work with you and with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential.
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)