Instructor:  Jennifer McCandless

Office: 1111

Phone: 225-4759

E-mail Address: jmccandless@shastacollege.edu

Office Hours:  MF 10-11, W 8-9, TTH 4:30-5:30, and whenever I’m in my office

Other Help:            Math Learning Center (Room 1102)

The Math Learning Center (AKA Math Lab) is a place to go to get free tutoring.  It is staffed with helpful math tutors who love to help students.  In addition to tutors, there are software, videotapes, and solutions manuals.  The hours for the math lab are Monday – Friday 8:00am – 9:00pm and Saturday 8:00am – 4:30 pm.

Required Text: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 2^nd Edition by K. Elayn Martin-Gay

 

Required Materials (Bring to class):

Scientific Calculator

                                    3-ring binder for notes and homework with a divider and binder paper

                                    Pencil and eraser

                                    Graph Paper (beginning in Chapter 3)

                                    Ruler or any straightedge

 

Optional Materials:             Student Solutions Manual to accompany textbook

Spare pencils

                                   

Grading:  Your letter grade for this course will be based on points accumulated from the following:

                        Tests (4@100 pts each)            300 (drop lowest test score)

                        Homework Quizzes                   50

                        Homework/In-Class Assignments     100

                        Final                             150

                        TOTAL                             600

 

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

 

Tests:  There will be 4 tests, worth 100 points each.  I will drop the lowest of your 4 test scores.  No make-up tests will be given.  The final exam will be comprehensive and worth 150 points.

 

Homework:  In order to succeed in this class, you must DO THE HOMEWORK.  You should expect to do 2 hours of homework per class day.   It is very important that your homework is always complete, organized and clearly labeled.  Every so often, we will have Homework Discussions.  For this, you will get into groups and discuss any questions you might have on homework.  You may receive up to 5 points for 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 make sure you come to class every day with your homework done. 

 

Homework Quizzes: These quizzes will consist of problems either directly from your homework or very similar to homework.  You will be able to use your homework notebook for the quizzes.  You will not be allowed to use your textbook.  Success on quizzes requires that your homework is complete, organized, and clearly labeled.  Quizzes cannot be made up.

 

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 pairs, 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 during class, ask for clarification right away.  There is no such thing as a stupid question.  If you need help with homework, feel free to visit me or go to the math lab. 

 

To be successful in this class:

·        Come to class …… If you have to miss class, copy someone’s notes from the day you missed

·        Be prepared …… Bring all required materials and your textbook

·        Do your homework

·        Find someone to study with

·        Do your homework

·        Ask questions

·        Do your homework

·        Study for all tests

 

 

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/4/01