DEVS 0320 INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA

Spring 2004 Course Syllabus

9 a.m. MWF    E213

INSTRUCTOR:  Mrs. Rachael Bein

OFFICE:  Academic Enrichment Center

OFFICE HOURS: MWF 10-12 a.m., 1:30-4 p.m.

                             TR  10:00-12 a.m., 1:30-4 p.m.

OFFICE PHONE:  (325) 793-4621 or campus ext. 4621

EMAIL ADDRESS: beinr@mcmurryadm.mcm.edu

COURSE TEXTBOOK: Introductory Algebra 5^th ed., D. Franklin Wright

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

To provide you with a fundamental understanding of algebra in order to prepare you for a course in College Algebra.

ATTENDANCE:

You are required to attend all classes. An absence may be excused for illness or approved school activity. Repeated or excessive tardiness may be considered as an unexcused absence.   If you have more than 5 unexcused absences or you miss three classes consecutively you may be dropped from the class.  You must inform me via phone, email or in person that you will be absent before class in order for the absence to be considered excused.

 TUTORIAL SOFTWARE:

Your textbook included a copy of Adventure Learning Systems: Introductory Algebra (ALS IDA) that can be installed on your personal computer system.  If you don’t have a computer, you can access the software in the AEC.  You will need to bring your CD Rom and register your software access code that is printed on the CD cover.  If you are having trouble, the tutors in the AEC will be able to help you.

HOMEWORK:

All homework will be assigned during class.  Some assignments will be from the book, others will be to complete certification on the ALS software.  You will be required to complete the homework and show all work or the ALS certification before the start of the next class.  Most of the assigned problems from the book will be the ones that have the answers in the back.  I do this so that you can check your work and try to figure out where you went wrong.  Since the answers will be given, you must show all work in order to receive credit for the assignment.  You will not be able to go on to College Algebra if all you do is copy the answers out of the book.  You may be asked to work problems on the board so please make sure to come prepared to every class.

QUIZZES:

You should come to class prepared to take a quiz every day.  Quizzes will take no more than 5 minutes and will be given promptly at the start of class.   If you arrive after the quiz you will not be allowed to make it up and will receive a 0 for that quiz.  If you are absent, again your quiz grade will be a 0.  There are no make-ups on quizzes.

EXAMS:

Exams will be closed book and you will not be allowed to use a calculator.  Each exam will cover all the material up to that point and the final exam will cover everything.  If you are absent when a test is given, your score will be a 0, unless you notify me before the test that you will be absent, and that absence is excused for one of the following reasons: 1) participation in a university athletic activity, 2) a documented illness (you must provide a note from a doctor or the campus medical center), or 3) a death in the family.  In the case of an excused absence it is your responsibility to arrange a time to make up the exam within one week of the exam date.  After an exam you may be given the opportunity to make up some points.  Complete details will be given after the each exam.

A diagnostic test will be given the first day of class.  This will not affect your grade in any way.  The test will be given again at the end of the course and your performance on this test as well as your grade in this class will determine whether or not you will be able to move on to the next class.

NOTEBOOK:

You must maintain a 3-ring notebook with dividers for the following three sections: 1) class notes, 2) homework, certificates & graded group work (if assigned), and 3) quizzes. All material in each section is to be ordered by chapter/section. You will be required to turn in your notebook during each exam, not including the final exam, for grading.

TUTORING:

You will be required to spend an hour a week in the AEC.  You need to sign in and also sign a sheet for Introductory Algebra (don’t forget to sign out as well).  This will be included in your quiz grade.  If after a test you are passing with a grade higher than an 80 you will be exempt until the next test from this requirement and will receive a grade of 100.

CLASS SCHEDULE:  Schedule of reading assignments and exams is available on my website.
 

CHEATING: 

Cheating will not be tolerated!!  If you are caught cheating on a quiz or exam your grade will be a 0 with no possibility of make up and you will be reported to the Dean of Student Services. 

GRADING:                                        GRADING SCALE:

                                                                 
In order to pass this course you must score at least 40% on the final diagnostic test AND earn a grade of C or higher in the class.  Students who earn a grade of A- or higher in the class AND a score of 70% or higher on the final diagnostic test will have the opportunity to move straight into College Algebra from this course.

The mission of McMurry University is to provide a Christian liberal arts education that prepares students for a fulfilling life of leadership and service.
 

EXAM REVIEWS:
 

Disability Services

McMurry University abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which stipulates that no otherwise qualified student shall be denied the benefits of an education “solely by reason of a handicap”.  If you have a documented disability that may impact your performance in this class and for which you may require accommodations, you must be registered with and provide documentation of your disability to the Disability Services Office, located in Old Main, Room 102.