INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA

• Catalog Description
• Goals
• Text and Suggested Aids
• Attendance Policy
• Grade Policy
• Homework
• Test Procedures
• Assignments
• Test Schedule
• Grade Report

Catalog Description:
This is an introductory course in elementary algebra .

Goals:
Math 1050 will introduce the concepts of algebra. Six chapters (ch. 1- 6) and the review section in the text will be covered. The topics are pre -algebra review, the real number system, solving equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring and graphing linear systems.

The course will be self-paced and lectures will be available via videotapes in the LRC and the TCI Education Department. The text/workbook is excellent and provides abundant examples that should allow students to progress on their own and determine where they need instructor or tutorial help. There is an excellent CD-ROM, “MathXL”, that is also available with the workbook. It follows the text nearly section by section. If you are planning to take additional math classes, you should plan to get an “A” or “B” in Math 1050 in order to be ready for the next class.

Text and Suggested Aids:
Required materials:
1.
Have the text “INTRODUCTORY ALGEBRA” by Lial, Hornsby and Miller, 8th Ed.” With MathXL and Math Tutor Center (for the students with Internet access). ISBN 0-321-28587-5

Other materials available:
1. Student Solutions manual , ISBN 0-321-28580-8
1.
Tutorial CD-ROM in the LRC. InterAct Math. The text author developed this. This is available in the LRC.
2.
Videos of the lectures are available for viewing in the LRC.
3.
Tutors are available in the LRC, if needed.
4.
The instructor is available through his email address. You don’t have to do this on your own.
5.
If you have Internet access, see the Taft College Math 1050 web site for additional help for each chapter.
6.
The most valuable resource you have is time. Unless you already have a good background in algebra, expect to spend at least 8 to 15 hours a week on mastering this subject. It is critical that you get an “A” or “B” if you plan to advance further in math classes.
Attendance Policy:

Students should attend an orientation session, Monday, August 25, 2008 in A-10 (Library Conference Room) at 6:00PM. All work (homework and tests) must be completed and turned in by December 15, 2008. The final exam must be taken and returned by December 19, 2008. The tests and the final will be taken in the LRC, TCI Education Department or given by an approved proctor.

Students may be dropped from the class if they are not making “continuing progress” in the class. Continuing Progress is defined as taking the chapter tests no later than the last day scheduled. The testing schedule is attached. Work on this class every day!!! Continuous work is necessary for success.

Grade Policy:
Grading will be according to the following breakdown:
 

Test Policy:
When the studies and homework for each chapter are completed, take the test at the LRC, TCI Education Department or schedule your test with your respective proctor. Note there is a “LAST DAY TO TAKE THE TEST”. If you have not completed your test by the last day to take the test, you may receive a zero on that test . When all of the chapters are completed, take the final. You may move forward in the class as quickly as you would like . The Final can only be taken during the Final Exam testing period. But, you must be completed by the end of the semester.

If you do not live in the Taft area, you may arrange for your tests to be proctored near where you live. Contact Mr. Maier by e-mail and download the proctor form to start this procedure. It would be very beneficial to begin the proctor procedures before the semester begins.

Two chapter tests may be retaken with permission of the instructor. Retests may be taken anytime after the original test was given and before December 12, 2008. Tutoring will be required before a test can be retaken. Four hours of tutoring in the LRC or TCI will be required to take a retest and an additional four hours for the second retest. The higher of the two test scores will be recorded for the appropriate chapter.

Assignments:
 

Homework:
Every odd problem in each section in the text, including the summary exercises in each chapter, every problem in the review exercises at the end of each chapter, and every problem in the practice chapter test. You should have 100% on all homework before you hand it in. This will demonstrate that you have mastered the concepts and are ready for the chapter test. On the practice test, all the answers are in the back of the book so grade your practice test. If you don’t get a very good score on the practice test, you are not ready for the real chapter test. Study more and re-take the practice test. Have all your questions answered before the chapter test is taken. All homework needs to be turned in when you take the respective chapter test to receive 100% credit. Any homework turned in after the test will receive half credit.

Note: No credit will be given if all work is not shown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Test Procedures:
Unless other arrangements are made with the instructor, tests will be taken in the LRC, TCI Education Department or at scheduled proctoring times according to the test schedule attached as part of the syllabus. Hand in all homework when you take the test. You will have 1.5 hours for each chapter test and 3 hours for the final. To stay current in class, at least one test should be taken every two weeks. See the attached test schedule. Calculators WILL be allowed during tests.

Note: All work must be shown to receive full credit.

Math 1050-30 Distance Learning Fall 2008

Grade Report
The progress of the class will be available on the TC Math 50 website at all times and will be updated on a weekly basis. Please check for progress on the website via this syllabus.
The student’s last four digits of their social security number are used as the password and ID number.