2021 Spring Course Syllabus - Mathematics 0702.007
Course: Mathematics 0702.007.
Course Title: Intermediate Algebra.
How this course will be taught: Online classroom: Class will meet virtually via Zoom at all scheduled times.
Time: TR 11:40a-1:20p.
Place: Online Zoom meeting.
Instructor: Jessica Babcock.
Instructor Office: Zoom Information will be made available on Canvas.
Instructor Email: jbbabcock@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: 215-204-7523.
Course Web Page: canvas.temple.edu
Office Hours: TR 10:00-11:30a.
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: College Algebra with Intermediate Algebra: A Blended Course, by Beecher, Penna, Johnson, and Bittinger. Students have the following options for purchasing access to the text (Access to MyMathLab is required): 1) MyMathLab with eText 18-week Access. ISBN: 9780135234532. 2) MyMathLab with eText 24 Month Access. ISBN: 9780135909096. With either of the options above there is a Print Upgrade Offer available. 3) Package: College Algebra with Intermediate Algebra: A Blended Course, Binder Ready Edition, with MyLab Math - 18-week Access Card Package, Beecher & Penna & Johnson. IBSN: 9780136175858.
Technology specifications for this course: A working computer with a reliable internet connection, a Webcam, and audio capability. Recommended Internet Speed: 8mbps download & 5mbps upload. You can test your connection at https://www.speedtest.net. Please note: Hard-wired connections are more consistent than Wi-Fi for Zoom sessions. A scanning app such as AdobeScan or CamScanner is required as is access to Zoom and Canvas (the Canvas app is also recommended).
Limited resources are available for students who do not have the technology they need for class. Students with educational technology needs, including no computer or camera or insufficient Wifi-access, should submit a request outlining their needs using the Student Emergency Aid Fund form. The University will endeavor to meet needs, such as with a long-term loan of a laptop or Mifi device, a refurbished computer, or subsidized internet access.
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, solving systems of two linear equations in two variables, the laws of exponents, operations with polynomials, factoring polynomials and solving polynomial equations, and operations with rational expressions. The techniques learned for solving equations will be applied to solving application problems involving projectile motion and more.
Course Grading: Tests 1-3 (The higher two test scores will each be worth 20% and the lowest score 17% of the final grade), Quizzes (12%), MyMathLab Assignments (3%), Written Assignments (3%), Final Exam (25%). 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-, 65-69 D+, 55-64 D, 50-54 D-, 0-49 F.
Exam Dates: Test 1 - Thursday, February 11; Test 2 - Tuesday, March 16; Test 3 - Tuesday, April 13; Cumulative Final - Thursday, April 29, 3:30 - 5:30 pm.
Remote proctoring statement: Zoom, Proctorio or a similar proctoring tool may be used to proctor exams and quizzes in this course. These tools verify your identity and record online actions and surroundings. It is your responsibility to have the necessary government or school issued ID, a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection, the Google Chrome and Proctorio extension, a webcam/built-in camera and microphone, and system requirements for using Proctorio, Zoom, or a similar proctoring tool. Before the exam begins, the proctor may require a scan of the room in which you are taking the exam.
Attendance Policy: Attendance is required. Unexcused absences will affect your final grade according to the schedule given in the Student Guidelines. Nine unexcused absences will result in a failure for the course.
The University's attendance policy (opens in new tab/window) has been standardized to accommodate students who are ill or are required to self-quarantine for a period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To achieve course learning goals, students must attend in-person classes, and/or participate in classes or portions of classes that are taught remotely, to the extent that they are able. Though increased flexibility will be granted, in all cases, course assessments such as assignments, tests and exams must be completed for learning goals to be reached.
In order to facilitate contact tracing, instructors are required to ensure that attendance is recorded for each in-person meeting using an online attendance system designated by the university. Students who are exhibiting symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle or body aches, headache, chills, sore throat, congestion, or new loss of taste or smell, or who have been in close contact with others who have symptoms, or who are engaging in self-quarantine at the direction of the Philadelphia Health Department, Student Health Services, or any healthcare professional, should not attend in-person classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a healthcare provider for COVID-related absences. For more information, see the Student Health Services COVID-19 site (opens in new tab/window).
It is also important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Treat your classmates and instructor with respect in all communication, class activities, and meetings. All opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. You are encouraged to comment, question, or critique an idea but you are not to attack an individual. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement (opens in a new tab/window), will add richness to this learning experience.
Please consider that sarcasm, humor and slang can be misconstrued in online interactions and generate unintended disruptions. Profanity should be avoided as should the use of all capital letters when composing responses in discussion threads, which can be construed as "shouting" online. Remember to be careful with your own and others' privacy. In general, have your behavior mirror how you would like to be treated by others.
Online Classroom Etiquette: It is expected that each student attends every class on time for the full duration of each class and behaves, in the same professional manner, as if you are in a regular classroom. This refers in particular to your location and attire. It is not appropriate to eat a large meal, drink alcohol, smoke, or get up often during an online class.
Statement on recording and distribution of recordings of class sessions: Any recordings permitted in this class can only be used for the student's personal educational use. Students are not permitted to copy, publish, or redistribute audio or video recordings of any portion of the class session to individuals who are not students in the course or academic program without the express permission of the faculty member and of any students who are recorded. Distribution without permission may be a violation of educational privacy law known as FERPA as well as certain copyright laws. Any recordings made by the instructor or university of this course are the property of Temple University.
Quizzes and Points: An in-class 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 lowest quiz score may be dropped in cases of an excused absence. Missed in-class quizzes will receive a score of zero and are to be counted among the dropped scores. Students will also complete Mini-Quizzes in Canvas to check for conceptual understanding of each major topic in the course. These will be due on Sunday nights at 11:59p as scheduled in Canvas. Other asynchronous learning activities will be assigned for points in Canvas throughout the semester, including the completion of mathematical tutorials, Guided Practice worksheets [21 assigned, 15 required], and other tasks determined to have significant value for student learning. Students are responsible for completing all required tasks (and are encouraged to complete those listed as optional!) by the date and time they are due. Class sessions will be taught with the expectation that all required tasks have been completed by all students, so no extensions will be granted for any assigned learning task.
Homework Assignments: Regular written assignments of problems from the textbook will be given by your instructor, and the exercises for these assignments will be sourced from the problems posted on the Assignment List. This is the content of the course for which you are responsible. These problems will be submitted weekly as a pdf. No credit will be given for problems without correct and complete supporting work. Students are responsible for checking their work to ensure they are completing problems correctly, and for seeking support in the form of tutoring or other academic resources to aid in the correct completion of homework. Students MAY NOT use "problem completion" apps and websites (such as PhotoMath, Symbolab, Chegg, etc) to "assist" in ANY assignments in this course.
MyMathLab Assignments: A subset of the homework problems from the Assignment List will be assigned and scored using MyMathLab. About 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.
Make-up Policy: There will be no regularly scheduled make up exams. In the case of a DOCUMENTED EMERGENCY that prevents a student from taking a test as scheduled, the student must contact their instructor and the course coordinator immediately to discuss alternative arrangements.
Exam Security Policy: We have a zero tolerance policy towards cheating. Students caught cheating on a problem in a test (receiving outside help, using unauthorized resources or devices such as calculators, apps, online resources, etc.) will receive a score of 0 for the entire test. 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.".
CANVAS: This is a registered CANVAS course. Please check CANVAS daily for important announcements and information regarding the course. Students are responsible for ALL assignments and tasks posted in Canvas.
Peer-Assisted Study Sessions: The Student Success Center (SSC) at Temple is offering Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) and STEM tutoring for this course online throughout Spring 2021. During weekly PASS sessions, you can work with a trained peer leader and your fellow classmates to practice and explore course content together. During STEM tutoring sessions, a tutor will work with you one-on-one to review and understand the concepts in this course. Both programs are free and open to all students enrolled in this course. More information about PASS and STEM tutoring, as well as other services offered by the SSC, is available at studentsuccess.temple.edu, by calling 215-204-8466, or by visiting our "Front Desk" Zoom room via the Meeting ID at 929-916-654.
Academic Support: The Student Success Center (SSC) and the Math TA and CA Consulting Center (MCC) both provide excellent support services for this course throughout the semester. Information regarding the services these centers provide will be posted on the course Canvas page. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these services! In addition, this semester the SSC will be hosting PASS study sessions. These sessions will start in approximately week 3 and more information will be posted to CANVAS at that time.
Calculator Policy: No calculators may be used for any quiz or test.
Common Final Exam: The final exam is scheduled for Thursday, April 29, 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.
Statement of Inclusion: While it may be presented in a variety of ways, the language of math is universal. From a young age, mathematical curiosity is present in humans across the globe and the beauty of its absolute truth and the infinite doors it can open are accessible to all. This classroom aims to enhance this atmosphere of embracing mathematical curiosity and the advancement of mathematical knowledge for all students, from all backgrounds. As the instructor, it is my responsibility to foster an environment where all students feel supported in their efforts to learn and understand the content, and are encouraged to offer their own ideas and suggestions to create a deeper learning experience. My intention is that the mutual respect between students and myself will allow for open communication and, when necessary, a dialog may take place regarding ways in which this classroom can be made more inclusive for all. I firmly believe each student in this class has valuable contributions to be made to our collective learning environment, and I will do my best to maintain an atmosphere in which these contributions are highly regarded by all.
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 (opens in new tab/window).
Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar (opens in new tab/window) 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).