College Algebra

Course Details

Course Number: MATH 1233  Section Number: 202

Spring 2011

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 311

Days & Times:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Tim Fosnaugh   
view Profile »

Course Objectives

From the University Catalog:

Equations, inequalities, rational expressions, exponents, logarithms, radicals, functions, graphs, and systems of equations. This course is designed for students planning to take additional mathematics.


Course Expectations

Prerequisite:  MATH 1003 with a grade of C or bettor, math THEA score of 270, math Accuplacer score of 90, or satisfactory score on placement exam.

Graphing Calculator: 

I will use a TI-83 or a TI-86 for classroom demonstrations, but any graphing calculator will be acceptable.

Textbook:  The class will be using an online textbook, so students will need access to a computer.

All students are required to purchase the access code to My Math Lab for the class.  Many homework and quiz grades will be submitted online by the student (with immediate feedback).  The website includes the textbook, College Algebra, 3rd ed., by Beecher, Penna and Bittinger, videos, and several other learning aids that can assist the student.  A hardcopy of the text is available for purchase at the bookstore, but is not required for the class.

 


Grading Standards

The course grade will be based on 650 possible points earned in the following categories:

400 points from 4 Hour Exams (100 points each)

100 points from homework/quizzes

150 points from the comprehensive final

The course grade will be determined by the following point totals.

                 585 - 650    A

                 520 - 584    B

                 455 - 519    C

                 390 - 454    D


Final Exam12/4/2010  10:30-12:30

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

The late policy for homework/quizzes is covered on the syllabus.

For exams, the student is expected to contact/leave a message for the instructor on or before the day of the exam whenever possible.  Notification later than the next class meeting will require formal documentation.  Normally, a student will be allowed one week to take a make-up exam.  This may not be done during normal class hours, nor may it cause the student to miss another class.

If a student misses a second exam, I will probably count how you performed on that section of the final as your exam grade.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance at all classes is expected.  Excused absences (eg. doctor's appointment, university activity) must be documented on official letterhead.  A student with four or more unexcused absences will lose five points from the course total for every absence in excess of four.  If a student needs to leave class prior to the dismissal of class, he/she must have the permission of the instructor.  If the student has not received permission prior to leaving class early, the student will be counted absent for that class period and any work done during class or handed in will not be graded.  If a student leaves class early a second time, he/she will be required to conference with the instructor.  A third offence will result in a referral to the dean of students and the student may be dropped from the course.


Other Policies

All cell phones must be turned off or set to silent.  If a student is caught text-messaging during class, it will be assumed that he/she is cheating and he/she will receive an “F” on the day’s assignment/quiz/exam.  

Excessive cell phone use may result in confiscation of the phone.  A student may retrieve the phone after conferencing with the instructor or the department chair. 

MP3players may not be used during class.       

 

**All students should refer to the MSU Student Handbook for university policies related to student responsibilities, rights and activities.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.