College Algebra

Course Details

Course Number: 1233  Section Number: 202

Spring 2013

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 311

Days & Times:

10-10:50 AM, MWF

Course Attachments

Textbooks

A Graphical Approach to College Algebra
Green, with pictures of windows
  ISBN: 032164476X
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Jeffrey Braidon Hood   
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Course Objectives

This course is designed for students who plan to take further courses in mathematics and will cover equations, inequalities, rational expressions, exponents, logarithms, radicals, functions, graphs.  These materials are covered in chapters 1-5 of the text. 


Course Expectations
  • Text: Graphical Approach to College Algebra, Fifth Edition, by Hornsby, Lial and Rockswold
  • Calculator with graphing capability

Students are required to have a calculator with graphing capability for this course.  Quizzes will be given at the start of the class period over previous material, unless the homework is taken up, in which case, the homework will count as the quiz grade for that day.  There will be 3 exams and a comprehensive final.  The dates of these exams will be announced in as timely a manner as possible.


Grading Standards

Quizzes&Homeworks :               35%
Exams:                                           40%
Final Exam:                                    25%

Scale: 90-100%  A, 80-89%  B, 70-79%  C, 60-69%  D, 0-59%  F


Final Exam5/8/2013  1 PM

Submission Format Policy

Homework will be assigned every day, but not always taken up.  Instead, the quizzes may be used to assess your comprehension of the material.  It is in your best interest to do the homework, even though it may not be collected.  Once a week, on a day selected at random, homework will not be collected and graded, and a quiz will be given instead.  Homework will never be accepted late for any reason.



Note: 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 two lowest quizzes will be dropped, and any quizzes missed for an excused absence will not have to be made up, however you are still responsible for learning the material you missed.  Absences are not considered excused without a written note from a third party, on letterhead, with a (valid) reason for absence, signature and contact information.  Acceptance of absence excuse is at the discretion of the instructor.  If an exam is missed, you will be given the opportunity to make it up with your final exam.  If you arrive after the quiz is given, are not excused for an absence or if you leave early without a valid excuse, your quiz grade for that day will be forfeit.

Homework will never be accepted late for any reason.


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

It is in your best interest to attend every class.  Attendance is taken in the form of the quiz or homework, and missing (or being late for) class will put you behind and it will be difficult to catch up.  The two lowest quiz/homework grades will be dropped, and any quiz/homework missed for an excused absence will not have to be made up, however you are still responsible for learning the material you missed.  Absences are not considered excused without a written note from a third party, on letterhead, with a (valid) reason for absence, signature and contact information.  Acceptance of absence excuse is at the discretion of the instructor.  If an exam is missed, you will be given the opportunity to make it up with your final exam.  If you arrive after the quiz is given or the homework is collected, are not excused for an absence or if you leave early without a valid excuse, your quiz/homework grade for that day will be forfeit.

 


Other Policies

Grading Policy:
                Quizzes:                  35%                                                         Your grades are always available for your perusal,
                Exams:                    40%                                                         in Dr. Hood’s office.
                Final Exam:             25% 

                Scale: 90-100%  A, 80-89%  B, 70-79%  C, 60-69%  D, 0-59%  F

Civility in the classroom:

Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment, which is conducive to learning.    Questions are encouraged and discussion is acceptable, provided it is pertinent and does not distract from the lesson.
Cheating will not be tolerated in any form.  Any evidence of cheating may result in a 0 on the assignment or an ‘F’ in the course.

Tutoring Resources:
                Math Help Lab – Bolin 101, Monday – Thursday, 2-5PM, and Friday 2-4

Notes:

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the Disability Support Services Office (Clark Student Center, rm 168, phone: 397-4140 or TDD 397-4515) as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations.

Information on this syllabus may be subject to change.  In that event, these changes will be announced in a timely manner.

Students should refer to the current MSU Student Handbook and Activities Calendar for university policies on academic dishonesty, class attendance, student 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.