Syllabus

 

COURSE: Math 101: Algebra 1 Fundamentals

 

SEMESTER: Fall 2008

 

TIME/PLACE: MTWR 8:00-9:10 AM Juniper 1

 

PREREQUISITE: Math 202 or equivalent on the placement exam

 

INSTRUCTOR : Michael Sweeley

Email: Sweeleym@yosemite.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS: TBA

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

 

Ÿ  Text: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra: The language and symbolism of Mathematics, 2nd edition, Hall and Mercer.  ISBN 9780072933222

Ÿ  Graph Paper

Ÿ  Scientific or graphing calculator (TI-83 or TI-84 recommended)

Ÿ  Ruler

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

 

This course is an introduction to algebra, the language of mathematics and science.  The big topics are: the order of operations, solving equations, and linear relationship with a variety of applications.  Two of the over-arching themes (S.L.O.s) of the course are:

 

1.       Algebraic Modeling.  We will bridge the gap between the familiar and the abstract.  You will see mathematical relationships in the world around you.

2.       The connection between language and mathematics.  We will represent mathematical ideas both in math language and in plain English.

 

TENTATIVE OUTLINE OF TOPICS:

Ÿ  Numbers and the number line

Ÿ  The Order of Operations

Ÿ  Solving Linear Equations

Ÿ  Linear Functions and their graphs

Ÿ  Ratios and Proportions

Ÿ  Slope and Applications

 

GRADES:  The final course grade is a weighted average with the following components:

 

Average of quizzes and exams                                                         60%

Cumulative Final Exam   (Monday December 8th from 8-10 AM)                             20%

Class work/Homework/Projects                                                        20%

 

NOTE:  Homework is due at the beginning of class (usually the day after it is assigned).  No late work will be accepted and no makeup tests/quizzes will be given without prior arrangements.  Two homework grades and one quiz grade will be dropped.  Your lowest exam grade will be replaced by your final grade, if your final is better.

 

GRADING SCALE:

 

A     90% -100%

B     80% -89%

C     70% -79%

D     60% -69%

F     less than 60%

 

HOW TO SUCCEED:

 

1.  Attend class (every day, on time). Attendance is strongly correlated with student achievement.  Being in class every day is the easiest way to succeed.  Every day in this class, we will cover more than twice the material that would be covered in a high school class.  I strongly advise you attend every class meeting.  Please be on time, as this will also help the class run smoothly. 

 

2.  Put in the time.  In college, two hours of outside work is expected for every hour spent in class, and this is never more true than in a math class.  Focus on understanding the concepts more than on rote memorization.

 

 

3.  Work with fellow students.  Discussing the material with other people will help you to internalize new ideas.  Study groups are a very effective way to learn.

 

4.  Read the sections in the book prior to lecture.

 

5.  Review that material and begin the homework shortly after lecture.  Research shows that people learn material better and faster when it is reviewed soon (about 15 minutes) after lecture.

 

6.  Make use of available resources such as the Math Resource Center (Juniper 5) and the Academic Achievement Center (Manzanita 18), and see me in office hours.  These facilities are here for you, and we expect you to take advantage of them.

 

NOTE:

I expect that answering questions will be a big part of this class.  As students, nothing is more appropriate than for you to ask questions.  I want you to feel comfortable asking questions in class, and I am committed to providing a safe learning environment.

 

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES

 

September 19th     Last day to drop without getting a “W”

 

September 23rd   Last day to elect pass/no pass grading

 

November 13th    Last day to withdraw