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

Syllabus
TEXT:    Intermediate Algebra: Functions and Authentic Applications, 3^rd edition by Jay Lehmann (Publisher: Prentice Hall)

1► Course Description:

MTH 131: Intermediate Algebra emphasizes simplifying expressions, solving equations, and graphing functions, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic.  Problem solving and mathematical modeling are integrated throughout.  Appropriate technology includes a graphing calculator.  Prerequisite: MTH 120: Beginning Algebra or equivalent.

 

2► Course Outcomes:  Students completing MTH 131: Intermediate Algebra should be able to:

1.   Simplify Algebraic expressions involving polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

2.   Solve equations, inequalities, and systems of equations and inequalities.

3.   For functions described algebraically or graphically: 

      a.   evaluate, find domain and range, find inverse

      b.   perform algebraic operations and graphical translations

4.   Solve application problems, including the ability to: 

      a.   represent a situation using a graph, table or equation 

      b.   forecast outcomes from above representations 

      c.   solve optimization problems 

5.   Use appropriate technology as part of their completing the objectives above.    

6.   Demonstrate a knowledge of current technology and/or scientific issues.

3► Associate Degree Outcomes:  All courses at Jackson Community College address one or more institutionally defined Associate Degree Outcomes (ADOs).  MTH 131 contributes to the following outcomes:

·         Computational Skills and understanding appropriate to the program of study

·         The ability to comprehend and use information including written and oral forms

·         Critical thinking and problem solving

·         Facility in the use of computers and other technologies appropriate to the program of study

·         A knowledge of science and technology

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.