Ventura College Spring 2009
Math 1 Elementary Algebra
Instructor: Mrs.
Michelle Beard
Class
Info: Section
32667; M-Fr; 8:30-9:20; SCI-352
Contact
Info:
E-mail: mbeard@vcccd.edu or phone: 654-6400 ext.2286
Office
Hours:
10:30-11:20 M-Th and 7:30-8:20 Friday; Office: SCI-244
Prerequisite:
Math
10 or 1 year of high school prealgebra with a grade
of C or better
Text: Beginning
Algebra (tenth
edition) by Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis; published by
Addison Wesley
Student
Learning Outcomes: Students will use
appropriate techniques to:
1) Simplify elementary algebraic expressions;
2) Solve elementary algebraic equations;
3) Graph linear equations in two variables; and
4) Solve elementary word problems.
Materials:
1.
A calculator is highly recommended, but not required for
the class. Calculators on
cell phones are not
allowed. I will clearly state when a calculator may or may not be used on a
test.
2. Graphing
paper will be needed when covering chapters 3 and 4.
Attendance:
Regular
class attendance and class participation are essential to succeed in this
class. If you miss class, you are
responsible for the material covered during the missed time. It is your responsibility to attend class
regularly, arrive on time, and be prepared for the class period. Attendance is taken daily with a sign-in
sheet. If you miss more than 10 class periods before the last drop day
(April 24, 2009), you may be dropped from the course.
Homework:
Homework is an important part of your success in this course. It is the best way to prepare you for the
class discussions and tests. All
homework will be done on-line through My Math Lab. Each section that is covered will have a
corresponding homework assignment; all of the chapter assignments must be
completed by the time of the chapter test.
You will not be allowed to access previous homework assignments once the
chapter test has been taken. My Math Lab
is not only a way for you to complete your assignments, but it gives you
immediate feedback, examples, and explanations, as needed. Each person needs to register on My Math Lab
using the access code accompanying a new textbook. Access codes can be purchased separately online
for $55.00.
Exams: There
will be 7 tests and one comprehensive final exam. There will be a chapter test
given at the end of each chapter. The
lowest test score will be dropped. If
you have to miss a test, you will receive a zero, and this will be the score
that is dropped. No
make-up tests will be given.
Alternative test dates will only be scheduled for legitimate, verifiable
circumstances, and requests must be made prior to the test date. The test dates
are outlined below, but may be changed.
Chapter #1: Friday, 1/23 Chapter #5: Wednesday, 3/25
Chapter #2: Friday, 2/6 Chapter #6: Friday, 4/24
Chapter #3: Friday, 2/27 Chapter
#7: Friday, 5/8
Chapter #4: Wednesday, 3/11
Grading: A: 90-100%
B: 80-89% Homework:
20%
C: 70-79% Tests:
50%
D: 60-69% Final:
25%
F: Below 60% Participation:
5%
Additional
Help:
There are additional resources for help outside of the classroom. The Math center and the LRC provide free
tutoring services. If you need help
outside of class or it is necessary for you to miss a class period, be sure to
use these resources. Also connect with
as many people in the class as possible.
Study groups can definitely help!
Miscellaneous:
1.
Keep cell phones off during the class period. If a student’s phone rings, or if a student
is texting during class, the instrument will be kept by the instructor for a
24-hour period. You will not be allowed
to use this technology outside of class for 24 hours, if you choose to use it
during class.
2. If you do not understand the
material, please ask questions. I
cannot
help explain a math problem if I am unaware of the need.
3. Final
Exam date: Friday, May 15, 2009 (7:30-9:30am)