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    Instructor: Anita Johnston      office: JM 250
                phone: 517.796.8504   email: JohnstoAnitaM@jccmi.edu  

Syllabus
TEXT:    Beginning Algebra, 4^th edition by K. Elayn Martin-Gay (Publisher: Pearson)

1► Course Description:

MTH 120 is the study of variables and variable expressions, integers, laws of exponents, equations (linear, quadratic, rational, radical, and absolute value), linear inequalities, linear systems, coordinate graphing and problem solving.  Prerequisite(s): MTH 098 (formerly MTH 110) passed with at least a 2.0 or equivalent

 

2► Course Goals:

• Increase your understanding of and technical skill with basic algebraic skills, concepts, and problem-solving techniques.

• Learn and use the “language” of algebra.

• Learn to analyze problems and document solutions.

• Use problem-solving techniques to analyze and develop solutions to real-life applications.

 

3► Course Outcomes

• Simplify basic algebraic, exponential, rational, and radical expressions using mathematical processes and symbol manipulation.

• Use algebraic processes to solve linear, quadratic, rational, radical and literal equations and linear systems of equations.

• Demonstrate understanding of concepts of linear equations by: graphing a linear equation, finding x- and y- intercepts, and finding the slope of a line.

• Solve basic application problems using algebraic processes and procedural techniques.

 

The Board of Trustees has determined that all JCC graduates should develop or enhance certain essential skills while enrolled in the college. The Associate Degree Outcomes are addressed in this class are:
        ADO 3: Demonstrate computational skills and mathematical reasoning
        ADO 7: Think critically

 

4► Appropriate Behavior

• Be Honest:  (Excerpt from JCC policy: contact Student Services for a copy of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.)  Academic Honesty is expected of all students. It is the ethical behavior that includes producing their own work and not representing others’ as their own, either by plagiarism, by cheating or by helping others to do so. Faculty members who suspect a student of academic dishonesty may penalize the student by assigning a failing grade for the paper, project, report, exam or the course itself.  If I suspect dishonesty, the student(s) involved will receive no credit for that assignment or test.

• Attend Class:  Attendance is required and will be taken each class period (either by roll call or quiz).  If you do not plan to attend class regularly, you are advised to withdraw.

• Be Prepared:  You are responsible for reading the text and completing the homework assignments prior to attending lectures.  The lecture periods will be used to discuss mathematics, clarify and re-emphasize previous material and introduce new material.  Completing “college work” assumes that for each hour spent in class, you spend at least two hours learning outside of class.  Most students find mathematics courses require more time than the “two” hours outside of class. 

• Be Courteous and Respectful:  Be on time, do not come and go from the classroom, actively listen when I am presenting information and/or other students are speaking, and turn off cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices.  Contribute to a learning atmosphere and show respect to each other.  It is my responsibility to foster a learning environment, so students exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave the classroom and meet with me to discuss a plan for improved classroom behavior.

 

5► Available Help

• See me during office hours.

• Tutoring by mathematics personnel in McDivitt Lab, 2^nd floor of McDivitt Hall.  Hours are listed outside the Lab.

• Additional tutoring services (plus additional services for academic success) can be accessed by calling 796-8415 or by stopping by the Center for Student Success, Bert Walker Hall Room 123.

• Form a study group with other students in the course.

• Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act) should contact the Center for Student Success. This is the first step in acquiring the appropriate accommodations to facilitate your learning.

 

6► Other General Information

• Instructional Philosophy: Education is a self-initiated, active, goal-directed process, leading to a change and/or expansion of the students understanding of and ability to use the subject material. The student is expected to be accountable for the learning process. The instructor should be viewed as a facilitator and resource person to assist in the process.

• Audits: Must be registered during the first week of class. You will not receive a grade or credit for the course.

• General College Policies: Please read and acquaint yourself with the policies and procedures of the college as specified in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.