INSTRUCTOR SYLLABUS  MATH 240  -  PREALGEBRA

 

INSTRUCTOR:    Mr. Larson

PHONE:  225-4912
OFFICE:  1121C

                                                                                                           

BASIC MATERIALS FOR THE COURSE:

 

1.         Basic College Mathematics, K. Elayn Martin-Gay, Second Edition, 2003, Prentice Hall

2.         Scientific calculator

 

GRADING:     Tests   (4 @100 points each)              300   (drop lowest test score)

                        Final                                                     150

                        Quizzes                                               100

                        Homework/In-Class Assignments      100

                        TOTAL 650

 

Grading Scale:  90-100% = A;  80-89% = B;  70-79%= C ;  60-69%= D;  Below 60% = F

 

TESTS:  There will be 4 chapter tests, worth 100 points each.  I will drop the lowest of your 4 test scores.  No make-up tests will be given.  There will also be a cumulative final exam, worth 150 points.

 

HOMEWORK:  In order to succeed in this class, it is imperative that you keep up with the homework.  Also, it is very important that your homework is complete, organized, and clearly labeled.  On most days, we will have Homework Discussions at the beginning of class.  For this, you will get in to groups and discuss any questions you might have on homework.  You may receive up to 2 points during each Homework Discussion.  These points will be based on your participation in the discussion and whether your homework is completed or not.  These points add up fast, so it is imperative that you come to class every day with all of your homework done.  I may also randomly collect homework.  If I collect homework, I will assign 0-5 points based on neatness, completeness and correctness.

 

QUIZZES:  Quizzes will consist of problems either directly from your homework or very similar to homework. You will be allowed to use your homework notebook for the quizzes.  You will not be allowed to use your textbook.  For problems directly from the homework, you will be given the section number and problem number.  Otherwise, you will be given a new problem and directed to a similar problem in your homework to use as a guide.  Success on quizzes requires that your homework is complete, organized, and clearly labeled..

 

IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS:  These will be short, in-class assignments made up of problems intended to reinforce the concepts introduced in class.  You will work on these assignments in groups, but each person will hand in their own paper before leaving class.  You will not be allowed to make these up.

 

Help!  Please feel free to ask questions during or after class.  If something is unclear to you in class, ask for clarification right away.  There is no such thing as a stupid question.  If you need extra help and my available times do not fit your schedule, please talk to me so we can set up an appointment.  You may also get help in the Math Learning Center (Room 1102).

 

Success in mathematics requires regular class attendance and at least 2 hours of reading and homework for each hour of class time.  A student who missed class for any reason is responsible for the material covered in class that day.  There are videotapes in the Math Learning Center that one may find helpful for going over missed material.  You are also encouraged to form study groups with other people in the class.

 

Mathematics Faculty Expectations of all Students;

 

The Mathematics Faculty believes that all students should have an equal opportunity to learn. In order to achieve this goal all students are expected to exhibit respectful behavior to other students and to the instructor.  Please observe the following specific guidelines.

 

CHEATING:  Unless specifically announced otherwise, all tests will be closed book with no use of notes allowed.  Use of these materials or receiving or giving aid during an exam will result in a zero grade on that exam and may result in being suspended from the course.  This zero score will count in the final grade determination. 

 

FINAL EXAM:  A final exam and /or regular class activity will be conducted during the scheduled final exam period, and all students will be expected to attend.  Failure to attend during the final exam period will result in an “F” grade for the course unless special arrangements have been made in advance with the instructor.

 

CREDIT BY EXAMINATION:  No class taught by mathematics faculty is eligible for credit by “credit by examination.” 

 

GUESTS/CHILDREN/PETS:  Only authorized persons are allowed in the classrooms.  Children will not be allowed in the classrooms or the learning center.  Children should not be left unattended in the hallway.  If a student needs assistance with childcare during class time, please contact the EOPS office.  EOPS may be able to help with long-term day care; however, it does not provide day-care service on a drop-in basis.  No pets (with the exception of those which aid a physically challenged individual) are allowed in the 1100 building. 

 

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR:  A student may be suspended from the class if he or she engages in a classroom behavior that interferes with the learning environment.  Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, disruptive conversations with fellow students, regular tardiness, leaving the classroom during class time, and eating or drinking in class.  Students are expected to turn off all pagers, cell phones, and other electronic devices during class time.

 

ATTENDANCE:   Students are expected to attend all class meetings.  A student who fails to attend the first meeting of a course without notifying the instructor may be dropped from the class.  In addition, an instructor may drop a student for excessive absences.  Nevertheless, it is always the student’s responsibility to officially drop or withdraw from the class.  Students who fail to file the necessary forms, even though they stop attending class, will be assigned a course grade. 

 

 

 

R/4/02