2025 Fall Lab for College Algebra Syllabus - Mathematics 1019.006

Course Title:

 Lab for College Algebra

Course Credits:

2

Course Mode:

In person

Course Days and Time:

TuTh 2:00-2:50 PM

Course Room:

Wachman 015

Course Instructor:
John Matulis
Instructor Email:
john.matulis@temple.edu
Instructor Office:

Wachman 1029

Instructor Phone:

610-800-0641

Office Hours:

W 2-4 PM; Th 11 AM -12 noon

Course Materials:

There is no textbook required for this course, however, students are encouraged to use OpenStax: Intermediate Algebra 2e, as well as other Algebra books to which they have access, to supplement their learning.

 

You need to purchase a Pearson access code for your MATH 1021 course. You will NOT need to purchase an additional code for this course. You will access MyLab Math through Canvas.

Course grading scheme:

Pearson MyLabMath: 30%; Assessments: 40%; Class Activities/Participation: 30%; This course is Credit/No Credit. A final average of 75% is needed to earn credit in the course.

Course prerequisites:

Placement test Math GQ/1015 ALEKS placement; a grade of C- or higher in Math 0702.

Course goals:

This course is designed to supplement Math 1021: College Algebra and to provide support in intermediate algebra topics essential for success in this and subsequent courses.

Topics covered:

Topics include operations with fractions, solving linear equations and inequalities, solving compound inequalities, the laws of exponents, operations with polynomials, factoring polynomials, simplifying roots and rational exponents, solving quadratic and polynomial equations, graphing linear and quadratic functions.

Exam dates:

N/A.

Attendance policy:

Attendance in class required. More than three unexcused absences will result in a 5 point penalty applied to a student's final grade. A student with more than five unexcused absences will automatically earn No Credit for the course.

Technology Specifications for this Course:
Students will need regular access to Canvas.
Math 1019.006:

See details below

Other information:

See below

Attendance and Your Health:

To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to the course requirements. However, if you have tested positive for or are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, you should not come to campus or attend in-person  classes or activities. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as you are able to do so, and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion.

Expectations for Class Conduct :

It is important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. 

Disability Statement:

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 Howard Gittis Student Center South, Rm 420 (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.

Academic Freedom:

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).

Add/Drop Policy:

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).

AI Policy:

The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc.) is not permitted in this class unless specifically announced for a particular assignment; therefore, any use of AI tools for work in this class may be considered a violation of Temple University's Academic Honesty policy and Student Conduct Code, since the work is not your own. The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in a grade of zero on the assignment; a second offense will be reported to the Student Conduct Board.

Incomplete Policy:

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).

Student Support Services:

The following academic support services are available to students (all links open in a new tab/window): 
    The Math Consulting Center 
    Student Success Center 
    University Libraries 
    Undergraduate Research Support 
    Career Center 
    Tuttleman Counseling Services 
    Disability Resources and Services 
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs.

Pearson MyLab Math Assignments:

You need to purchase a Pearson access code for your MATH 1021 course. You will NOT need to purchase an additional code for this course. You will access MyLab Math through Canvas.

Assessments::

Students will be assessed weekly on their understanding of the processes needed to complete necessary intermediate algebra content in support of college algebra topics. Some of these assessments may be completed in groups, so collaboration with peers will be an essential component of the course. Any student who does not earn a perfect grade on any assessment will have one week to submit corrections to earn full credit.

Class Activities/Participation::

Students will be collaborating with their peers, and the instructor will act as a facilitator of these activities and collaborative exercises. Points will be assigned per each student's participation in these regular activities.

Make-Up Policy::

There are no make ups for any coursework so absence will also result in a loss of points for any missed in-class work.

Tutoring: :

Free tutoring is offered by the Math Consulting Center and the Student Success Center. Please see links below. The Student Success Center (SSC) at Temple offers Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) and STEM tutoring for this course. 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 emailing sscdesk@temple.edu, or by calling 215-204-0702.

Calculator Policy::

No calculators may be used for any quiz or test.

Preparing for 1021 Tests::

The purpose of this course is to support students in their successful completion of College Algebra. Therefore, activities focused on preparing students for the test by completing review problems and identifying the supporting intermediate algebra topics will take place in this class prior to College Algebra tests. This will culminate in a final group project which will include group presentations on final exam review problems. These presentations will not only include the completion and explanation of a subset of review problems, but also simultaneous identification of the intermediate algebra topics necessary to complete the problem(s). Completion of this final project is required to earn Credit in the course.

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.

Year
Semester
Course
Section
Course Extra
Title
Math 1019.006
Description

See details below

Title
Other information
Description

See below

Title
Attendance and Your Health
Description

To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to the course requirements. However, if you have tested positive for or are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, you should not come to campus or attend in-person  classes or activities. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as you are able to do so, and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion.

Title
Expectations for Class Conduct
Description

It is important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. 

Title
Disability Statement
Description

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 Howard Gittis Student Center South, Rm 420 (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.

Title
Academic Freedom
Description

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).

Title
Add/Drop Policy
Description

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).

Title
AI Policy
Description

The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc.) is not permitted in this class unless specifically announced for a particular assignment; therefore, any use of AI tools for work in this class may be considered a violation of Temple University's Academic Honesty policy and Student Conduct Code, since the work is not your own. The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in a grade of zero on the assignment; a second offense will be reported to the Student Conduct Board.

Title
Incomplete Policy
Description

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).

Title
Student Support Services
Description

The following academic support services are available to students (all links open in a new tab/window): 
    The Math Consulting Center 
    Student Success Center 
    University Libraries 
    Undergraduate Research Support 
    Career Center 
    Tuttleman Counseling Services 
    Disability Resources and Services 
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs.

Title
Pearson MyLab Math Assignments
Description

You need to purchase a Pearson access code for your MATH 1021 course. You will NOT need to purchase an additional code for this course. You will access MyLab Math through Canvas.

Title
Assessments:
Description

Students will be assessed weekly on their understanding of the processes needed to complete necessary intermediate algebra content in support of college algebra topics. Some of these assessments may be completed in groups, so collaboration with peers will be an essential component of the course. Any student who does not earn a perfect grade on any assessment will have one week to submit corrections to earn full credit.

Title
Class Activities/Participation:
Description

Students will be collaborating with their peers, and the instructor will act as a facilitator of these activities and collaborative exercises. Points will be assigned per each student's participation in these regular activities.

Title
Make-Up Policy:
Description

There are no make ups for any coursework so absence will also result in a loss of points for any missed in-class work.

Title
Tutoring:
Description

Free tutoring is offered by the Math Consulting Center and the Student Success Center. Please see links below. The Student Success Center (SSC) at Temple offers Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) and STEM tutoring for this course. 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 emailing sscdesk@temple.edu, or by calling 215-204-0702.

Title
Calculator Policy:
Description

No calculators may be used for any quiz or test.

Title
Preparing for 1021 Tests:
Description

The purpose of this course is to support students in their successful completion of College Algebra. Therefore, activities focused on preparing students for the test by completing review problems and identifying the supporting intermediate algebra topics will take place in this class prior to College Algebra tests. This will culminate in a final group project which will include group presentations on final exam review problems. These presentations will not only include the completion and explanation of a subset of review problems, but also simultaneous identification of the intermediate algebra topics necessary to complete the problem(s). Completion of this final project is required to earn Credit in the course.

Title
Statement of Inclusion:
Description

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.

Course title

 Lab for College Algebra

Course credits

2

Course mode

In person

Course Days and Time

TuTh 2:00-2:50 PM

Course room

Wachman 015

Your office

Wachman 1029

Your office hours

W 2-4 PM; Th 11 AM -12 noon

Course materials

There is no textbook required for this course, however, students are encouraged to use OpenStax: Intermediate Algebra 2e, as well as other Algebra books to which they have access, to supplement their learning.

 

You need to purchase a Pearson access code for your MATH 1021 course. You will NOT need to purchase an additional code for this course. You will access MyLab Math through Canvas.

Course grading scheme

Pearson MyLabMath: 30%; Assessments: 40%; Class Activities/Participation: 30%; This course is Credit/No Credit. A final average of 75% is needed to earn credit in the course.

Course prerequisites

Placement test Math GQ/1015 ALEKS placement; a grade of C- or higher in Math 0702.

Course goals

This course is designed to supplement Math 1021: College Algebra and to provide support in intermediate algebra topics essential for success in this and subsequent courses.

Description of topics covered

Topics include operations with fractions, solving linear equations and inequalities, solving compound inequalities, the laws of exponents, operations with polynomials, factoring polynomials, simplifying roots and rational exponents, solving quadratic and polynomial equations, graphing linear and quadratic functions.

Exam dates

N/A.

Attendance Policy

Attendance in class required. More than three unexcused absences will result in a 5 point penalty applied to a student's final grade. A student with more than five unexcused absences will automatically earn No Credit for the course.

Technology Specifications for this Course
Students will need regular access to Canvas.
Course Instructor
John Matulis
Instructor Email
john.matulis@temple.edu