Beginning Algebra Syllabus for 2013-2014
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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

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Administrative Drop Policy

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Student Withdrawal Procedures

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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-0302-019 Beginning Algebra

Prerequisites

MATH 0301-minimum grade of C, Accuplacer score of 41, THEA score of 180 or an equivalent score on a state approved test

Course Description

Operations with real numbers with an introduction to the complex number system; exponents and polynomials; operations with algebraic expressions, linear equations in one and two variables; linear inequalities in one variable; basic geometry; introductory graphing; systems on linear equations in two variables; factoring polynomials; applications.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Elayn Martin-Gay, Beginning Algebra, Sixth Edition, Pearson; ISBN: 978-0-321-78491-9

 

Supplies

\ Required Materials

Student Performance

\ Student Performance/Learning Outcomes

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• \ Apply the four arithmetic operations using the order of operations on signed numbers.
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• \ Demonstrate a basic understanding of imaginary numbers.
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• \ Apply the rules for exponents to simplify expressions.
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• \ Apply the arithmetic operations with polynomials and work with the many applications of polynomials.
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• \ Apply the four arithmetic operations using the order of operations on algebraic expressions.
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• \ Algebraically solve linear equations in one variable.
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• \ Graph linear equations in two variables using ordered pairs and intercepts, and using the slope-intercept method.
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• \ Solve systems of linear equations in two variables using methods of graphing, substitution and addition.
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• \ Algebraically solve and graph linear inequalities in one variable.
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• \ Demonstrate a basic understanding of geometry applications.
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• \ Understand and apply factoring to binomials, trinomials, and four-term polynomials.
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• \ Apply algebraic skills to solve equations from various types of stated problems, then state the solution in a complete sentence. 
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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

\ Behavioral Expectations/Classroom Ground Rules

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\ Students are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment. Behaviors that are not supportive include, but are not limited to: tardiness/leaving early; electronic device noises; talking during lectures; abusive, offensive, or disrespectful language; abusive, offensive, or disrespectful demeanor toward AC faculty, staff, students and/or property. 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’s Rights & Responsibilities” will be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to: removal from the classroom; consultation with the Mathematics and Engineering Department Chair and/or other AC authority; withdrawal from the course and/or the college.

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\  Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism

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\ Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College. On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract. Included in the contract is the following statement: "I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test I will receive an automatic “F” in the course.  This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed.  Cheating includes, but is not limited to: the use of a calculator with graphing capabilities and the use of cell phone calculators, the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones*, copying or leaving the Math Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test." 
\ You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Math Testing Center. 
\ *Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

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\ Food/Drink and Cell Phone Policy

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\ Food and drink are allowed in the Outreach Center and may be allowed in the classroom setting at the instructor's discretion. Drinks only are allowed in the Math Testing Center. Cell phones should be turned off, or in silent mode in the classrooms, Outreach Center, and Math Testing Center. Graphing calculators and cell phone calculators may not be used at any time.  MP3 players or any other device requiring headphones are not allowed in the Math Testing Center Center.

Grading Criteria

\ Testing

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\ All tests, including the final exam, will be taken in the Math Testing Center and may be taken during normal Math Testing Center hours, day or evening. Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.  If the exam is retaken, the higher of the scores is counted. Students in Beginning Algebra may use a scientific calculator with no graphing capabilities.
\ Please note: No tests will be given out less than one hour before the Math Testing Center closing time.You must present an Amarillo College picture I.D. every time you take a test in the Math Testing Center. The Math Testing Center staff will retain your I.D. while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.

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\ Chapter Tests

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\ Tests over each chapter must be completed by the deadlines set by your instructor. Your instructor will announce and post a first attempt test deadline and a second attempt test deadline. The tests will be graded by your instructor and stored in the Math Testing Center during the semester. You may review a test you have already taken any time the Math Testing Center is open. You must present an Amarillo College student I.D. every time you review a test in the Math Testing Center. The Math Testing Center staff will retain your I.D. while you review your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.

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\ Please note: Under no circumstances may a student take any test or questions from a test out of the Math Testing Center.
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• \ Each chapter test may be taken a maximum of two times. The higher of the two scores will be used for averaging your final grades.  Tests must be taken in sequence. You cannot go back to improve your grade after taking a different test. You should carefully review your first test and other study materials before retaking a test. If you score less than 70 on any chapter test, you will be required to complete 30 minutes mandatory tutoring.
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• \  If your first attempt test is late, you will not be given a second attempt on the same test.
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• \ Any chapter test not taken by your instructor’s 2nd deadline will result in a loss of 5 points per day, excluding Sundays. The only  exception to this policy will be if the student has an emergency. Written verification of extenuating, verifiable circumstances will be required.
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\ Accessing Grades Online

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\ To view your current course grades

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• \ Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect then log in.
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• \ Click on your course.
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• \ Click on My Grades on the menu to the left.
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\ To view your Final course grades

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• \ Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect then log in.
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• \ Scroll down to Self Service on bottom right of the page, and click on Current Student.
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• \ Under current student, click on Academic Profile and then Grades.                                                                           
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\ Be aware that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended) does not permit instructors or the Math Testing Center to disclose information regarding grades over the phone, via email, or to a third party. Therefore, if students need to discuss their grades, they must do so in person.  

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\ Tutoring

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\ When using the Outreach Center students scan in and out with their Amarillo College ID.

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• \ Mandatory \
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  • \ In an effort to increase retention in developmental mathematics courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any chapter test (excluding final exams week) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or in the Outreach Center before retesting or testing the next chapter. 
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  • \ Appointments for 30 minute tutoring are required and can be scheduled in the Outreach Center or by calling 371-5119. 
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  • \ A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete 30 minutes of required tutoring.  You will not be allowed to take your next test without the completed Record of Tutoring form.
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  • \ Outreach Center hours are available in the "Additional Information" section of the Syllabus and posted on the homepage of your class in AC Connect.
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• \ Free Drop-in \
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  • \ Peer tutors are available at the Outreach Center. 
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\  Skill Drills

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\ Once instruction has begun and homework has been assigned, 5-minute Skill Drills will be administered at the beginning of every class period over topics covered in class. It will be important to be in class on time so as not to miss the Skill Drills.

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• \ Skill Drills must be completed in pencil, no credit will be given if done in ink.
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• \ During the course of the semester, there will be a total of 144 points available on Skill Drills.  A student’s Skill Drill grade will be the total points accumulated over the course of the semester. The highest score given will be a 100 even if a student acquires over 100 points.
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• \ If a student’s Skill Drill grade is higher than their lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that chapter test grade when calculating the student’s final average.
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• \ There will be no make-up Skill Drills for any reason.
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\ Homework

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• \ A homework assignment will usually be given at the end of each class. This assignment is due, fully completed, at the beginning of the next class and is not to be worked on while instruction is being given. Homework is checked for completion by the Math Testing Center and is returned to you by your instructor during the next class meeting.
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• \ Late homework for any section(s) will only be accepted prior to the final deadline for the chapter test covering that homework. It will only be checked for completion with the permission of your instructor. Regardless of the last chapter test due date, the last day to turn in homework for that chapter is Saturday, December 7th, 2013 by 3:00pm. 
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• \ Your final homework grade will be determined by dividing the number of problems you received credit for by 90% of the total number problems assigned for the semester. This grade will carry the same weight as one chapter test grade. Turning in all of your homework is one of the best things you can do to improve your grade!
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• \ Please read carefully your Homework Assignment Sheet for instructions on the correct format for all homework assignments. You must write the problem down, show your work, and  circle your answer to receive credit for working a homework problem. (See Homework Assignment Sheet for an example.)
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  Attendance

  \ General Attendance Policy

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  \ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and be on time for daily attendance check. Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence and no differentiation will be made as to excused or unexcused absences. Leaving class early or prior to dismissal time will be counted as an absence. You will be rewarded for perfect attendance, not only because you will receive the instruction you need to do the assignments, but you will also have two points added to your final average.

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  \ \ 16 week classes meet 2 times a week \ \ Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average \ 1 - 3 absences: no change in final average \ 4 - 5 absences: 1 point deducted from final average \ 6+ absences:  3 points deducted from final average \ \ \ 16 week classes meet once a week \ Perfect attendance:  2 points added to final average \ 1 or 2 absences:  no change in final average \ 3 absences:  1 point deducted from final average \ 4+ absences:  3 points deducted from  final average \

  \ 8 week classes meet 2 times a week \ Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average  \ 1 or 2 absences: no change in final average \ 3 absences: 1 point deducted from final average \ 4+ absences: 3 points deducted from final average \ \ 8 week classes meet 4 times a week \ Perfect attendance:  2 points added to final average \ 1 - 3 absences: no change in final average \ 4 - 5 absences:  1 point deducted from final average \ 6+ absences:  3 points deducted from final average \

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  \ These points definitely could result in a letter grade difference.  A failing grade may cause you to be placed on academic probation or suspension according to the provisions of the college catalog.  They may also affect admission to another college if you  transfer. Three or more weeks of absences will be considered excessive and as failure to make satisfactory progress. These standards will be used in reporting to any agency that supports any student financially and requires satisfactory progress as measured by attendance (the Veterans Administration, for example).  If you quit attending and do not officially drop the course by the official drop date, a grade of “F” will be given.

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  Calendar

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  Additional Information

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  Syllabus Created on:

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  Last Edited on:

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