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Instructor:	Anita Johnston
Office:	JCC Main Campus - McDivitt 250
Phone: FAX: email	517.796.8504 517.796.8637 JohnstoAnitaM@jccmi.edu
Text:	ALEKS: 1-Semester Access Code and User's Guide   Optional but recommended: Elementary Algebra Schaum's Easy Outlines Crash Course
Calculator:	Any calculator except a graphing calculator.

1► Course Outcomes: This course will contribute to the student's ability to

• 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 (in two variables) 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.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of current technology and its uses and/or scientific issues.

The Board of Trustees has determined that all JCC graduates should develop or enhance certain essential skills while enrolled in the college. Several of these Associate Degree Outcomes (see below) are addressed in this class:

ADO 2. The ability to comprehend and use information including written and oral forms
ADO 3. Computational skills and understanding appropriate to the program of study
ADO 4. Critical thinking and problem-solving
ADO 11. A knowledge of science and technology

Associate Degree Outcomes: Mathematics is required for graduation from Jackson Community College and is a component of general education. General education promotes essential skills and understandings that collectively define the educated person. One aspect of general education is the development of practical skills which is guided by the associate degree outcomes (ADOs).  A graduate from JCC should possess the following skills (associate degree outcomes):

Highest Priority Skills
1a. The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and intelligibly, using writing skills
1b. The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and intelligibly, using oral skills
2. The ability to comprehend and use information including written and oral forms
3. Computational skills and understanding appropriate to the program of study
4. Critical thinking and problem-solving
5. Working productively with others
6. Scientific reasoning
7. Facility in the use of computers and other technologies appropriate to the program of study
8. An understanding of wellness and the relationship between life-choices and the quality of life.
Transcendent Understandings
9. An understanding of social, political and economic systems
10. An understanding of human behavior
11. A knowledge of science and technology
12. An appreciation of the visual and performing arts
13. An international perspective and the interdependency of all peoples and nations
14. An understanding of, and appreciation for, our multi-ethnic and multicultural society
15. An historical perspective

2► Course Topics and Assigned Homework (ALEKS)

• See Calendar for timeline of topics covered, exams and portfolio.

• See Pies for topics covered.

• See Grading System for course requirements and scoring.

3► Late Work Policy

• Exams are to be completed on the day due.  Please notify me immediately if you are unable to be at an exam.

• Portfolio must be completed by the deadline on the calendar. 

4► Available Help

• Tutors (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

• 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.

5► 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.

Academic Honesty: (Excerpt from JCC policy; see instructor for a copy of the complete policy.) Academic Honesty is expected of all students. It is the ethical behavior that includes producing their own work and not representing others’ 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.

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

Drop and Withdraw deadlines are on the Academic Calendar website. If you do not wish to complete the class and receive a grade, because you are not happy with your grade or for any other reason, you must withdraw by this date. Contact Student Services and they will tell you how to withdraw.

Incompletes will be given only in accordance with JCC policy. (Excerpt from JCC policy; see instructor for a copy of the complete policy.) A student may request an incomplete from the instructor. The incomplete will be granted only if the student can provide documentation that his or her work up to that point is sufficient in quality, but lacking in quantity, due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. Furthermore, a written plan for making up the missing work within one semester must be completed by the student. Final determination of whether an incomplete will be given is the instructor’s decision.

General College Policies: Read the policies and procedures of the college as specified in the "Student Handbook" which is included in your package of information sent with this course.