Math 101

Prerequisite:              Math 202 or the equivalent (Algebra I, Beginning Algebra)

Class Meetings:          T,Th.  6:00 – 8:25.pm. Calaveras Center Rm 4

 

Instructor:      Dr. Kevin B. Taylor                           

E-mail: taylork@Yosemite.cc.ca.us  

 

Required Materials:  (please bring to class daily)

 Text:    Beginning and Intermediate ALGEBRA, The Language and Symbolism of       Mathematics 2nd  Edition  by Hall & Mercer  2nd edition (we will cover chapters 1-5)

 Graphing calculator Optional (TI-83 Plus recommended), Pencil (sharpened before class), Eraser

 

Course Description:

The ability to communicate precisely is an essential part of modern society.  Algebra is the language we use to communicate ideas involving numbers.  Its structure and rules allow us to simplify and solve complex quantitative problems.  Problem solving will be explored in a variety of contexts:  verbally, numerically, graphically and symbolically. 

My Objective:

My objective is to give each student a solid foundation in basic algebraic skills, thus preparing the student for future events requiring mathematics.

Student Responsibilities:

Learning mathematics is not a spectator sport.  It is your job to actively engage in the process of learning mathematics.

You are responsible for

1) All class announcements

2) Participating in class discussions.

3) Asking relevant questions, seeking appropriate help.

4) Understanding all class lectures, discussions, activities and associated text material.

5) Solving problems on homework assignments and writing up your solutions in a neat and complete manner (expect to spend 1-3 hours per class meeting).

6) Taking all quizzes and test during the scheduled class period.

Recommendations for success

1) Read text sections prior to lecture.

2) Start homework as soon after class as possible.

3) Work with classmates on assignments.

4) When you complete your homework, take some time to reflect on the assignment.  Summarize for yourself the general concepts, types of questions and problems solving techniques presented in the reading, lecture and assigned problems.

5) Seek help.  (Math Lab, Academic Achievement Center, etc.)

6) Do not fall behind.  Most lessons build on the foundations of the previous lesson. 

8) Keep lecture notes, assignments, and quizzes in an organized binder.

 

 

 

Grading Standard:

Home work notes will be collected at the beginning of each class ( 10% of grade). Late papers will not be accepted. A one page quiz will be given each Tuesday ( 50% of grade  ); each quiz will come from homework and notes, you may discard your two lowest scores, no make-ups. Chapters (1-3) test (20% of grade), and chapters (4,5) test (20% of grade). I usually grade on a straight percentage: (100–90) % A, (89–80)% B, (79–70)% C, (69-60)% D, and (59-0)% F.

 

Note: I will not stick to a predetermined schedule, at times we may need to slow down, spend more time on a particular concept, and at other times we may speed up; but to cover the required material we must average approximately 3 sections per week.

 

Calendar Notes:

Last day to add without instructor approval: 8/29/08

Last day for a refund: 9/7/08

No Penalty Drop: 9/21/08

Last day to withdraw: 11/13/08

 

A Final Note:

“Columbia College adheres to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that stipulates that no student shall be denied the benefits of an education, ‘… solely on the basis of disability.’ Disabilities covered by section 504 and the American Disabilities Act include but are not limited to learning disabilities, hearing, sight, or mobility impairments. If you have a condition that may impact your work in this class and for which you may need accommodations, please see me by the end of the 2nd week of classes. Please contact the Chief Operations Officer at 588-5112