College Algebra Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MATH-1314-075 College Algebra

Prerequisites

MATH 0303-minimum grade of C, an Accuplacer score of 75, a THEA score of 270, an equivalent score on a state-approved test or Department Chair consent

Course Description

Study of quadratics; polynomial, rational, logarithmic and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions, sequences and series; matrices and determinants.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Supplies

\ Course Materials:

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• \ A graphing calculator.  The recommended calculator for this course is a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus.  Other forms of Texas Instruments or Casio graphing calculators will also be permitted at the i

  Student Performance

  \ Learning Objectives: After completing this course, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the following topics as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program:

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  1. \ Recognize, solve, and apply radical, absolute value, linear, quadratic, and rational equations
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  2. \ Recognize, solve, and apply inequalities
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  3. \ Recognize, solve, graph, and apply polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions
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  4. \ Explore functions, graphing techniques, operations of functions, composition of functions, and inverse functions.
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  5. \ Evaluate all real roots of higher degrees of polynomials
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  6. \ Recognize, solve, and apply systems of linear equations, including the use of matrices and matrix algebra
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  7. \ Identify sequences and series, and calculate the sum of a sequence
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  Students Rights and Responsibilities

  Student Rights and Responsibilities

  Log in using the AC Connect Portal

  In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

  If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

  Expected Student Behavior

  \ Scholastic dishonesty: Scholastic dishonesty (cheating) will not be tolerated in this course and will result in a zero on the assignment or exam involved and may result in you being denied access to this course.  Further action may be sought if necessary.  Scholastic dishonesty is clearly defined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities.  You are expected to conduct yourself in this course according to the standards outlined in Student Rights and Responsibilities. 

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  \ Behavioral  expectations/classroom ground rules:  Students are expected to behave in the online environment the same way as in a traditional classroom.    In order to receive credit for a course, all material listed on the syllabus must be covered.  The instructor sets the pace to ensure that these requirements are met.  Complaining about the pace will not result in less material being covered.  Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or “Student Rights & Responsibilities” will be subject to disciplinary action which may include but is not limited to; denied access to online course, consultation with department chair and/or other AC authority, withdrawal from the course and/or the college.

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  \ Expectations and Requirements for this course

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  \ Every online class is different; it makes sense to outline my policies and expectations so that each student is well informed as they begin the class as to what will be required of them.
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  \ 1.    This is a difficult course. Online classes are not necessarily more difficult than in-class courses, but they require additional skills of the student. You will be expected to learn the material by utilizing the online resources at webassign.com and by reading your textbook.  Help is available to you when you need it in a variety of forms. You will also be required to use two different sites to complete your work.  You will need some familiarity with downloading software, e-mail programs, and bulletin board programs.  You will need to be a strong reader and have a very high reading comprehension level.
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  \ 2.    You will need internet access. You will need internet access for several hours each week. To use webassign.com, you will need specific software that may not be available on all public computers, so I do not suggest using the computer at a public library for this course. You should plan to use either your personal computer or a computer on the  Amarillo College campus .  If you plan to use an at Amarillo College , please keep in mind that the library may have limited hours on weekends or holidays and keeping up with the library's hours is your responsibility. By signing up for an online course, you are communicating that you have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection with the appropriate software.
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  \ 3.    This class demands a great deal of time. Online courses often take more time than in-class delivery courses. Please expect to spend at least 1-15 hours each week on this course (this is for fall and spring semester courses; double this time commitment for summer courses). If your other life commitments do not allow you this amount of time to spend on the course, you may want to choose another course or delivery method.
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  \ 4.    Deadlines are your responsibility. Due dates are given to you in the syllabus. Online classes give you the freedom to complete your assignments at your own pace and in your own time. With this freedom comes responsibility--you are responsible for completing your assignments by the posted due dates regardless of other commitments you may have in your life beyond this class.  Completing assignments a few days ahead of the due date is the best way to ensure that all your assignments are turned in on time.
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  \ 5.    Technical difficulties happen. Yes, technical difficulties happen, and usually at the worst possible times.  Plan on it.  If ever your internet connection is going to go out, it will happen the night you left the online test until the last minute. If you have technical difficulties while completing a test, I can help you; however, I will not be online at 10:00 p.m. on the due date.  If technical difficulties prevent you from completing an online test on time, your grade will be submitted as it stands when the technical difficulties occurred. Completing assignments a few days ahead of time ensures that if you have any technical difficulties, we can take care of them before the due date and your assignments will be completed on time.
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  \ 6.    You are responsible for getting help when you need it. There are many ways to get help in this class, but you are the only one that will know when you need help.  I can't see you, and I don't really know if a low test score means you need help or you just had a bad week. There are lots of resources available to help you succeed in this course, just ask and we can work together to find help for you.
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  \ 7.    This course requires organization and a good study plan.  Online courses take a lot of self-motivation and discipline. This will usually be easier if you develop a system for keeping up with your assignments in the course.
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  \ 8.    Don't ask for extra credit. If extra credit is offered, I will notify you by e-mail or by placing an announcement on the homepage for the course on ACOnline.  Don't expect extra credit to be offered, and please don't e-mail me asking for extra credit.
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  \ 9.    The same rules for a traditional classroom apply. You are expected to conduct yourself in this course according to the standards outlined in Student Rights and Responsibilities.  Pay specific attention to the sections on plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Please also note that disrespect in any form toward your classmates or instructor will not be tolerated and may result in you being denied access to the course.
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  \ Course Policies continue in the Orientation section of the course in ACOnline.  Please refer to this material as part of the syllabus, policies and general information about the course.

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  \ Last semester, we experienced a week of class where ACOnline was unavailable.  This brought to my attention that this is a possibility (although very unlikely) that we will need  to prepare for. Please print out this information for your reference if ACOnline is unaccessible:

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  \ 1.    You can contact me through the AC e-mail.  Please DO NOT use this address to contact me unless ACOnline is down--I don't check it very often unless ACOnline is out.  
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  \ 2.    If ACOnline is unavailable and it is at least one week into the semester, all due dates on coursecompass.com and  your written exams will be as stated in the syllabus.  ACOnline will not prevent you from completing those assignments.

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  \ If you have questions about assignments,  I'll be glad to answer those over e-mail.  I have backups of the files in ACOnline, and I can access information for you and send it to you.

  Grading Criteria

  \ The final grades of A(90-100), B(80-89), C(70-79), D(60-69), and F below 60 will be computed as the average of the earned grades from:

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  • \ Average of Homework Grades - 5% 
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  • \ Average of Quiz Grades  - 10%
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  • \ Average of 5 online Chapter Exams - 25%
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  • \ 1st Paper (Written)  Exam - 20%
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  • \ 2nd Paper (Written) Exam - 20%
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  • \ Final Exam - 20%   
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  \ If you miss taking an exam or quiz by the deadline, it will be up to you to contact your instructor.

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  \ Instructional Method/Examinations:  There will be graded online homework assignments, oline chapter exams, online quiz grades, two written or paper exams and a written or paper final.

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  \ \ Homework \	\ \ Homework will be assigned over each section.  The assignments are posted on the http://www.coursecompass.com/ website.  I have due dates assigned to keep you on track for the course.  I will allow you to rework any homework assignment throughout the semester for you to improve your score and also to help you prepare for quizzes and exams.. \
  \ \ Chapter Examinations \	\ \ Five chapter exams will be timed, taken online and graded electronically.  These online exams will be due by 11:59 p.m. Central time on the due date.  No late exams will be given.  To compensate for this, the lowest online exam grade will be dropped.    \
  \ \ Quizzes \	\ \ Ten quizzes will be timed, taken online and graded electronically.  These online quizzes will be due by 11:59 p.m. Central time on the due date.  No late quizzes will be given.  To compensate for this, the lowest online quiz  grade will be dropped.    \
  \ \ Two Written Exams  &    Final Exam \	\ \ There is no midterm exam but there are two written exams and a final that will be given during the semester.  The first written exam will be given roughly after 5 weeks into the semester.  This exam will cover only material covered this first 5 weeks.  The 2nd written exam is given roughly after 10 weeks into the semester.  It will be over material covered after the 1st written exam. These two exams and the final exam, which is comprehensive, covering material covered since day 1, will be timed and must be taken at the Washington Street Campus or at an approved testing site.  If you will be taking an exam at a site other than Washington Street, you must make arrangements with the instructor no later than September 12 for the 1st written exam, October 17 for the 2nd written exam and November 21 for the final exmam. \ \ The two written exams and final exam will be given in 2-hour blocks of time.  Students will be required to sign up for a time to take each exam.  The sign-up will take place in AC Online after the semester begins.  Once the two written exams and final exams are completed, they will be kept on file at Amarillo College.  The 1st written exam will be given from September 26 through September 29.  The 2nd written exam will be given from October 31 through November 3. \ \ Only under extenuating verifiable circumstances and at the instructor's discretion will you be allowed to complete the two written exams or final after the posted due date. \ \ Deadline for completing the 1st written exam is September 29, 2011. \ \ Deadline for completing the 2nd written exam is November 3, 2011.. \ \ Deadline for completing the Final is December 7, 2011. \ \ You will receive a grade of “0” on each of the two written exams and Final if you fail to complete it by the due date without making prior arrangements.  No exceptions!!! \
  \ \ Due Dates \	\ \ All due dates will be kept current on the calendar in AC Online.  \
  \ \ Late Work \	\ \ No late work will be accepted and no late exams will be given. \

  Attendance

  \ You are responsible for logging into the online course to get your assignments and checking messages several times a week.  You can reach the online course by going to www.actx.edu and clicking on ACOnline.  If you need technical assistance, please call 371-5000.

  Calendar

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  \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \   \ \ \ TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE \ \ \ Week 1 \ \ \ \ Read the pages in Orientation. \ \ Register in MyMathLab \ \ Start Lesson 1  over Sections P.3 and P.4.  Follow the steps above for both sections. \ \ \ \ Week 2 \ \ \ \ Finish Lesson 1, Sections P.5 and P.6.  \ \ Take Lesson 1 Quiz (Located in MyMathLab.) \ \ Begin Lesson 2 Section 1.4. \ \ \ \ Week 3 \ \ \ \ Continue Lesson 2 over Sections 1.5 & 1.6 \ \ Take Lesson 2 Quiz in MyMathLab. \ \ Take Test 1 over Sections P.3, P.4, P.5, 1.4, 1.5 %1.6.in MyMathLab. \ \ \ \ Week 4 \ \ \ \ Begin Lesson 3 over Sections 1.7, 2.1, and 2.2.  Sections 2.1 & 2.2 are two very important sections and they contain many concepts.  Be sure to work hard to learn these concepts. \ \ The 1st Written Exam is in week 6..   If you are unable to come to the Washington Street Campus to take your exam, find a proctor for your test and contact your instructor with the email address or phone number of the proctor. Inform your instructor when you intend to take your exam. \ \ Take Lesson 3 Quiz. \ \ \ \ Week 5 \ \ \ \ Begin Lesson 4 Sections 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7. \ \ Take Lesson 4 Quiz. \ \ Review the material sent to you by your instructor for the 1st written exam.  If you need help on any of these problems, watch them worked on MyMathLab "Test Prep Videos". \ \ \ \ Week 6 \ \ \ \ Take Test 2 over Sections 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6 & 2.7. \ \ Come on campus to the testing center and take your first Written (Paper) Exam.  This exam covers Sections P.3, P.4, P.5, P.6, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6 & 2.7. \ \ Begin Lesson 5 with Section 2.8. \ \ \ \ Week 7 \ \ \ \ Finish Lesson 5, Sections 3.1 & 3.2. \ \ Take Lesson 5 Quiz. \ \ Begin Lesson 6 over Sections 3.3 & 3.4. \ \ \ \ Week 8 \ \   \ \ \ \ Finish Lesson 6, Section 3.5. \ \ Take Lesson 6 Quiz. \ \ Take Test 3 over Sections 2.8, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 & 3.5. \ \ Begin Lesson 7, Section 4.1. \ \ \ \ Week 9 \ \ \ \ Finish Lesson 7, Sections 4.2 & 4.3. \ \ The 2nd Written Exam is in week 11..   If you are unable to come to the Washington Street Campus to take your exam, find a proctor for your test and contact your instructor with the email address or phone number of the proctor.  Inform your instructor when you intend to take your exam. \ \ Take Lesson 7 Quiz. \ \ Begin Lesson 8, Section 4.4 \ \ \ \ Week 10 \ \ \ \ Finish Lesson 8, Sections 5.1 & 5.2. \ \ Take Lesson 8 Quiz. \ \ Review the material sent to you by your instructor for the 2nd Written Exam.  If you need help on any of these problems, watch them worked on MyMathLab "Test Prep Videos". \ \ Take Test 4 over Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.1 & 5.2. \ \ \ \ Week 11 \ \ \ \ Come on campus to the testing center and take your second Written (Paper) Exam.  This exam covers Sections 2.8, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.1 & 5.2. \ \ \ \ Week 12 \ \ \ \ Work Lesson 9 Sections 6.1, 6.2 & 6.5. \ \ Take Lesson 9 Quiz. \ \ \ \ Week 13 \ \ \ \ Work Lesson 10, Sections 8.1, 8.2 & 8.3. \ \ The last day to withdraw from this class is November 16, 2011. \ \ Take Lesson 10 Quiz. \ \ \ \ Week 14 \ \ \ \ The Final Exam is in week 16..   If you are unable to come to the Washington Street Campus to take your exam, find a proctor for your test and contact your instructor with the email address or phone number of the proctor.  Inform your instructor when you intend to take your exam. \ \ Take Test 5 over Sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 8.1 8.2,& 8.3. \ \ HAPPY THANKSGIVING! \ \ \ \ Week 15 \ \ \ \ Study for your Final Exam.  Use the material sent to you by your instructor..  If you need help on any of these problems, watch them worked on MyMathLab "Test Prep Videos".  TO PASS THE FINAL EXAM, YOU MUST STUDY. \ \ You may use Thursday or Friday of this week to take your exam if you wish. \ \ \ \ Week 16 \ \ \ \ Take your proctored exam by the end of the day on Tuesday.. \ \ Good Luck!!! \ \ \

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  \ Remember that the deadline for withdrawing from any class at AC for the Fall 2011 Semester is Wednesday, November 16, 2011.  If you stop working assignments and you do not officially drop the course by this deadline, you will receive a grade of F for the course.

  Additional Information

  \ Two Sites are used in the course.

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  \ "AC Online" this link is on the Amarillo College Homepage:  www.actx,edu   Use the AC Online site to find course information, email your instructor, take an orientation quiz, and look at your grades.

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  \ "MyMathLab" site.  Access to this site can be purchased at: www.CourseCompass.com or in the Amarillo College Bookstore.  The site contains the entire textbook, many resourses (including video lectures),  power point  slides, and practice tests, your homework assignment, quizzes, and tests.

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  \  If you add this course after the official starting date,  you are still responsible for all the information and all due dates still apply.

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  \ Additional Contacts:

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  \ Dr. Kathryn Wetzel, Department Chair, 371-5097, kcwetzel@actx.edu

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  \ Gina Garrett, Administrative Clerk, 317-5158, ggarrett@actx.edu

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM