Syllabus for Introductory Algebra

Course Description:
Linear equations , linear systems, linear inequalities, and quadratic equations verbally, numerically, graphically,
and symbolically. Explores topics using a graphic calculator as well as traditional approaches.
Notice: Credits earned apply for enrollment (eligibility) but do not apply toward a degree; satisfies no university
or college requirement.

Learning Objectives:
• To review basic math skills
• To learn how to master math skills for higher level math classes
• To learn how to use math skills and formulas to solve practical problems

Required Textbook, Class Notes, Calculator
Introductory and Intermediate Algebra, 2007; Miller, O’Neill, Hyde
Class notes and worksheets Stanley Leung
Calculator: TI-83 or TI-84 is highly recommended
• Bring your calculator to every class meeting.
• You must not share calculators, textbooks, or class notes during quizzes, tests, or the final examination.
Notice: You must not use cell phones or cell-phone calculators during quizzes, tests, or the final examination.

Class format
The course consists of lectures, demonstrations, in-class activities, and working problems together.

Grading Criteria

Points Allocated	Grade Assignment
The final course grade will be computed as follows: • 6 quizzes 15 points • 3 tests 33 points • In-class assignments 20 points • Homework assignments 22 points • Final examination 10 points • Math Skills test (You must pass with a score of 80% or higher)	A90 – 100 points B80 – 89.99 points C70 – 79.99 points D60 – 69.99 points E0 – 59.99 points
Important notice: To pass Math 70, you must pass the Math Skills test. The first Math Skills test is Thursday (Week 4). If you fail the test, you must re-take the Math Skills test every Thursday until you pass the test with a score of 80% or higher. You must pass the Math Skills test on or before Thursday (week 10).

• Absences and excuses do not improve grades.
• Patience, hard work, and determination lead to a rewarding learning experience in this class.

How to do well in this course?
To do well in this course, your responsibilities include: Attend all classes. Take all quizzes, tests, and the final
examination. Submit homework assignments and in-class assignments on time. Do all required course work.
Study class notes daily. Read the book daily. Do at least 20 math problems daily. Understand the connections
between concepts. Review the course syllabus and understand course polices.
Notice:
• Three or more absences can affect your grade, due to missed work, and explanation of concepts
• You are responsible for the material covered, course-related information, and announcements made during
the class(es) that you miss.
• To succeed in Math 70, attendance and class participation are essential.
Recommendations to succeed:
The number of hours per week that you will need to put into Math 70 depends on many factors including your
background in math and how long you have been away from math. Be aware that the expected average for a
college course is 2 to 3 hours outside of class for every hour in class (each credit hour) each week. You may not
need to spend that much time, or you may find that you need even more. If you are not able to spend 10 to 15
hours per week studying and working on the content of Math 70 outside of the classroom and you find yourself
falling behind, don’t get down on yourself and don’t start thinking you are just not good at math. Blame your
lack of time, not your abilities. Use office hours and tutoring center to get help. Do not wait.

In-class activities
Besides lectures, the instructor provides guided activities to illustrate and reinforce math concepts. The
instructor assigns and collects in-class assignments. Students may work in teams of two. Students studying in
teams can improve understanding math concepts, learning skills, and calculator skills; and make new friends,
too.
Notice:
• To receive credit for in-class assignments, you must be present in class . No excuses.
• In-class assignments must be turned in at the end of a class period, unless instructed otherwise.
• You can receive 50% of the credit if the following situation occurs: “I forgot to turn in my in-class
assignment yesterday (or last time).” This consideration can be used only one time per term .

Homework assignments
You and your classmate may solve homework problems together. However, the work you turn in must be
your own. The instructor gives you a homework assignment every day.
You must hand in your homework assignment at the start of class.
Homework deadline: 5 minutes after the start of class on the due date.
For each assignment, the instructor use random numbers to determine which problems will be graded. The
instructor takes two points off for every missing problem from that assignment.

Quizzes
Periodic quizzes verify your understanding of the lectures, textbook material, guided in-class activities,
homework assignments, and the course syllabus. All quizzes are closed-book and closed-notes. The quiz format
consists of true-or-false questions, multiple-choice questions, and problems similar to problems of homework
assignments and in-class assignments. Quiz questions may be taken from homework assignments. Quizzes start
at 4:00 p.m.

Tests
The test format consists of true-or-false questions, and multiple-choice questions, problems similar to
problems of homework assignments and in-class assignments, and the course syllabus. All tests are
closed-book and closed-notes. Tests start at 4:00 p.m.

Policy on quizzes and tests: If you are unable to take a quiz or test at the scheduled time due to unforeseeable circumstances, please observe the following: With a legitimate documented excuse (doctor’s note, employer’s note, or invoice), you will receive full credit for the make-up quiz or test. Without a documented excuse, you will receive a maximum of 30% full credit for the make-up quiz or test. The make-up test or quiz must be taken within 4 school days after the scheduled test or quiz. All make-up tests or quizzes must be taken during office hours. Situations such as job interviews may arise. Students must arrange (and get approved by the instructor) at least 24 hours before the scheduled time of a quiz or test. The instructor will not accept explanations for being absent from a quiz or test after the scheduled time of a quiz or test.

Final Examination
The final examination is comprehensive and covers all lectures through the end of the term. This is an openbook
and open-notes examination. The final examination consists of true-or-false questions, multiple-choice
questions, calculations, and applications.

Classroom courtesy
Students are required to maintain civilized behavior in the classroom, so that everyone can hear, and learn. Out
of respect for your fellow students, come to class on time.
Turn off electronic devices, including laptop computers, pagers, music players, and cell phones.
If you have to talk on the cell phone or your cell phone rings in the classroom, you are expected to leave the
classroom.
This is not a music appreciation class; if you must listen to music, you are expected to leave the classroom.

If you are late (more than 3 minutes late), wait until the class meeting is over, to ask the instructor for handouts,
graded work, or take your quiz. Do not interrupt the class.

Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions relating to the course materials or concerns about your progress in this course, contact me
by e-mail or stop by my office during office hours. Use office hours to discuss your graded assignments,
quizzes, and tests. I cannot take class time to discuss your individual issues.

Students with Learning Disabilities
If you have a documented disability which requires any academic accommodations, you must go to the Office of
Disability Services (ODS) for appropriate coordination of your accommodations. You can drop by APSC 405 or
contact ODS at (503) 838-8250 (V, TTY) to schedule an appointment.
Notice
• To be fair to all students in Math 70, the instructor strictly enforces the course policies. For individual
situations not covered in the course policies, the instructor will act at his discretion. Additional information
relating to the course material or assignments will be handed out or announced in class. You are
responsible for the material covered, course-related information, and announcements made during
the class(es) that you miss.
• The instructor does not use class time to return graded assignments, quizzes and tests.

Tentative Course Outline

Note: This outline gives you a rough sense of our course of study. We go faster on some simple topics, and
slower on some important concepts. We will cover and learn as much as we can.

As is so often the case in life, one major attraction of doing things the wrong way is that it is so
much easier.
Joel Best, Professor of sociology, University of Delaware