Math 114 College Algebra, Spring 2012
Class # 23335, 4 units; T, Th, 7:00-9:00pm in TE-12
Course Syllabus
Instructor
Phone
E-mail
Webpage
Textbook
Frank Seres
(562) 860-2451 ext 4464
fseres@cerritos.edu (preferred)
www.cerritos.edu/fseres
College Algebra Graphs & Models 3rd ed. by Barnet, Ziegler, Byleen,
Sobecki."
Course Coverage: We will cover Chapters 1-8
Prerequisite: Math 80 or 80B or equivalent with a grade of Credit or “C” or higher.
Student Learning Outcome:
Explore and analyze linear, non-linear and transcendental functions using technology
appropriately.
Required Material:
Graphing calculator TI 84 plus, TI 84, TI 83, or TI 89, graphing paper, ruler, pencils,
pens, folders, and textbook.
You are required to access course information, such as homework assignments, etc.,
on line at www.cerritos.edu/fseres
Homework:
It will be assigned from text or given as handouts. Read the textbook discussions
(examples) on each topic, ideally before it is covered in class. Homework should be
submitted on standard size paper, written in pencil, STAPLED, with your full name,
homework # and date on the upper right hand corned of your homework’s first page.
Late homework will not be accepted. Homework assignments will be worth 5-35
points. Answers alone are not sufficient, must show work step by step for full credit. Last
homework might be dropped when determining your final grade. This will be 17% of
your grade.
Group Work/Participation:
It will be assigned form text or given as handouts. It will be worth 3-20 points each. This
will be 3% of you grade.
Quizzes:
Each quiz will be worth 5-50 points (15-60 min). No make up quizzes will be given. This
will be 25% of your grade.
Exams:
We will have 3 exams each worth 100 points, and a comprehensive final worth 150
points. NO MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN. This will be 55% of you grade.
Grading: (90- 100] % =A, (70-89]=B, (70-79]=C, (60-69]=D and 59% end below is F.
Academic Dishonesty:
 If you are caught participating in an act of academic dishonesty you will receive an F.
 Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: plagiarism, cheating,
fabrications, grade tampering, misuse of computers and other electronic
technology, and facilitating academic dishonesty. Those found in violation may
also be subject to potential disciplinary sanctions. I adhere to the Cerritos College
policy on Academic Dishonesty (see college catalog or Spring 2012 schedule of
classes)
Extra Credit: Will be offered from time to time as either in-class or take-home
assignments, no more than 2% .
Students’ Responsibility:
 If you stop attending this class, it is your responsibility to go to the admissions
office or online and withdraw from the course. Failure to do so may result in a
grade of F in this course.
 This course requires your full attention during class time. It is your job to learn the
material. Part of this job will require you the following: to participate in class, seek
the appropriate help as soon as you encounter difficulties, ask relevant questions
when you do not understand the material, and submit assignments on time.
 Should you miss a class it is your responsibility to obtain lecture notes from a fellow
student (NOT the instructor).
Behavior and Etiquette in class:
 All electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, etc must be in non-audio mode
form (silent) during classroom. Class interruptions for personal business will not be
tolerated, participations points will be deducted it if this occurs.
 Your conduct in this classroom is expected to be respectful of other students and
the instructor at all times. Simply getting up and leaving for the day without
notifying me is considered rude behavior and participation points will be deducted if
this occurs frequently. Gum-popping and loud yawning are considered rude
behavior. Listening to portable music players during class is likewise considered
rude and in not permitted.
 Any desk is available to any student at any time on a “first-come, first served” basis.
No one may claim “their desk”.
 T-shirts, hats or any other clothing that proclaims any form of hatred, violence,
discrimination, or that display threats or offensive words, or that promote gang
culture or display a lack of respect for any person or group or persons are not
welcome in this math classroom. It is important to me that student’s feel safe and
not threatened or unnecessarily offended in the classroom.
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It is likewise important that students in this class ALWAYS feel safe to ask
questions regarding math in classroom. There are NO “stupid questions.” They are
merely questions. I welcome them.
YOU MAY NOT ridicule, embarrass or otherwise harass any of your fellow students
because of their questions (or for any reason). Also, it is best that you not publicly
answer a student’s question in an attempt to help that student; leave that to me. You
may, however, help a student who desires or otherwise asks for your help.
Attendance:
 Regular attendance of entire classes is important for success in the course. This
class will cover A LOT of material. Poor attendance will usually result in poor
performance. Let me know if you are going to be absent, or will not finish the
course. Just getting up and leaving halfway through the class or not coming back
after break will reflect negatively in your participation and overall grade.
 It is extremely important to attend class. After 4 absences you may be dropped from
class.
How to get HELP in this course:
 It is a good idea to form study groups outside of class.
 Exchange phone number and or e-mail address with at least two of your classmates.
 There are FREE walk-in tutors at the Academic Support Center (Library), there is a
link on my webpage for this.
 Expect to spend 10-20 hours per week in homework and study for this class.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:
Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe that
they may need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact Disabled
Students Programs & Services as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations
are implemented. For information or an appointment call (562) 860-2451, extension
2335; (866) 971-0948 (VP) or (562) 467-5006 (FAX) or send us an email at
dsps-info@cerritos.edu
IMPORTANT DATES
Unofficial Calendar of important Dates18-Week session: January 9 - May 18.
Enrollment dates November 17 - January 6
Instructor-initiated adds January 9 - 20
Last day to drop with a refund January 20
Last day to add (instructor initiated) January 20
Last day to drop without a “W” February 10
Last day to elect P/NP grading option February 10
Last day to drop with a “W” April 20
First day to file petition for A.A. degree and certificate for Spring 2012 January 9
Dr. Martin Luther king’s Birthday observance January 16
Lincoln’s Birthday observance February 17
Washington’s Birthday observance February 20
Last day to petition for May commencement February 29
Last day to file petition for A.A. degree and certificate for Spring 2012 March 23
Spring recess (Hours of operation during Spring recess: Mon.-Thurs., 8:00 am-4:00 pm; closed on Friday)
April 2 - 8
Final Exams May 12 - 18
Commencement May 12
Spring 2012 semester ends May 18
During the week of January 9-13, parking is free in all white-lined stalls. Tune in to 1700 AM, Cerritos
College Radio, for updated information on enrollment and registration.