SYLLABUS HANDOUT
for
FALL 2011
Elementary Algebra
MATH 0960 – 1A
Michael Flesch
WELCOME TO METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Metropolitan Community College
On Campus Computer Enhanced Course
MATH 0960
Accelerated Beginning Algebra
For this course you will be using the website of My Math Lab/Course Compass. You
need to purchase a My Math Lab/Course Compass Access Code and register in My
Math Lab yourself. My Math Lab is where you do homework and quizzes. The Course
ID you will need for My Math Lab is:
flesch24159
Instructions for registering will be handed out in the class.
CLASS IDENTIFICATION
TITLE:
PREFIX/SECTION:
CREDIT HOURS:
CLASS BEGINS:
CLASS ENDS:
MEETING DAY(S)/TIMES:
NO CLASS DAYS:
WITHDRAWAL DATE:
CLASS LOCATION:
Delivery Type
Lab Location
Course My Math Lab Address:
Accelerated Beginning Algebra
MATH 0960 – Section 1A
6
9/6/2011
11/21/2011
M/T/W/Th - 8:40 AM to 9:55 AM
Wednesday - 11/7/2011
Room 106, EVC
Computer Enhanced
Math Center
http://www.coursecompass.com
CONTACT INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR NAME:
OFFICE HOURS
OFFICE LOCATION:
OFFICE TELEPHONE:
FACSIMILE:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
WEBSITE:
ACADEMIC AREA:
Michael Flesch
10-12 PM - Monday through Thursday
Room 156, EVC
402-289-1358
402-289-1423
mflesch@mccneb.edu
http://faculty.mccneb.edu/mflesch
Mathematics & Natural Sciences
***Please see the “Process for Grade Appeals and Academic Concerns” as stated in the
College Catalog under Academic Information. If possible, please discuss concerns with
the instructor before contacting the Dean’s office.
My Math Lab/Course Compass Tech Support: 1-800-677-6337
Hours: Mon-Th 8 am to 11 pm; Fri 8 am to 6 pm; Sun 6 pm to 11 pm
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed for the student who needs to review basic algebra skills. It is a
fast-paced course that contains all of the content of both MATH 0920 (Beginning
Algebra Part 1) and MATH 0921 (Beginning Algebra Part 2) in a single course. Topics
include positive and negative real numbers, solving linear equations and their
applications, integer exponents, operations with polynomials, factoring, rational
expression, graphing and equations of lines.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Successful completion of MATH 0910 or MATH 0920 or qualification by MCC
Placement Test. These must all be within the last 2 years.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course each student will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Add, subtract, multiply and divide positive and negative real numbers.
Solve linear equations and linear inequalities.
Solve application problems requiring linear equations with one variable.
Perform operations using integer exponents.
Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials.
Factor polynomials and solve quadratic equations by factoring.
Reduce, multiply and divide rational expressions.
Graph linear equations and write equations of lines.
COURSE STRUCTURE:
The daily class period will consist of:
1. Review of material from previous classes meetings.
2. Presentations of new material and topics.
3. Discussion, questions and answers on homework and new material.
4. In-class time for practice on problems, quizzes, and tests.
My Math Lab/Course Compass Menu down the left side of the Homepage:
1. Announcements – This takes you to the Homepage for this course and displays all
announcements. This page will not be used to display the regular course
announcements from week to week.
2. Homework – This link takes you to the section/homework exercises for the course.
Click on the desired set of homework to begin.
3. Quizzes - This link takes you to the quizzes for the course. Click on the desired
quiz to begin.
4. Gradebook – This link takes you to the My Math Lab gradebook where you can see
the results of your individual assignments and averages.
5. Study Plan – This link allows you to complete tracked, but ungraded problems that
come from the homework for each section. You can pick a chapter, section, and an
objective to find questions specific to mastering a particular concept. Your work is
tracked, but is not part of your grade.
6. eBook – This link contains access to the multimedia textbook. THIS LINK
CONTAINS ACCESS TO AN ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE TEXT. The ONLINE
TEXT CONTAINS SOME EXCELLENT LEARNING TOOLS! PLEASE REVIEW AND
USE AS NEEDED!!
7. Tools for Success – This link contains an Interactive Learning Styles Inventory,
basic math and algebra review cards, graphing calculator review card, translating word
problems tutorial, Chapter Test Prep Videos, and video lecture podcasts. THIS LINK
CONTAINS ACCESS TO SOME EXCELLENT LEARNING TOOLS! PLEASE
REVIEW AND USE AS NEEDED!!
8. Multimedia Library – This link contains access to Chapter Prep Quiz Videos,
multimedia text, animations, power point review slides for each section, and lecture
videos for each section. THIS LINK CONTAINS ACCESS TO SOME EXCELLENT
LEARNING TOOLS! PLEASE REVIEW AND USE AS NEEDED!!
9. Browser Check – This link will take you to a Wizard that will check for and install on
your computer the needed software to complete your work in My Math Lab. You will
need to install all required software before you begin work in My Math Lab.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Required & Supplemental Materials
You will be required to complete the Homework and Quizzes online using
MyMathLab(MML). In order to do this, you will need to have a computer, internet
access and basic technical/computer skills. Even if you purchase a textbook
elsewhere, you will also be required to purchase a MML registration packet
containing the access code and register in MML. The options for purchasing the
class room materials are:


purchase MML registration code packet at the bookstore or online
(http://www.coursecompass.com) and complete all necessary MML assignments.
With this option, you will be able to access an online textbook OR
purchase a package at the bookstore that includes both the MML registration
code and an unbinded text book in one package. This package will be available
in the Metro bookstores. The ISBN for this package is: ISBN:9780321706119 OR

purchase a MML registration code in the bookstore or online and buy a text book
from another source.
Textbook Title:
“Elementary Algebra for College Students”
ISBN:9780321620934
-
Edition:
Author:
Publisher:
Materials:
Eighth Edition (2010)
Allen R. Angel and Dennis C. Runde
Prentice-Hall
Textbook, notebook, pen or pencil, graph paper
and ruler. The Student Solution Manual is
optional.
The use of calculators will be allowed in this course after Chapter 1.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:
DVD’s and solutions manual that accompany the text are available in the Math Centers.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
Assignments:
Homework assignments in My Math Lab will be given at the end of each class and must
be completed by the due date given in the Class Schedule per the instructions that
follow. It is required that the student attempt the assignments by the next class period.
All assignments must be kept in the student’s math notebook. The student is required
to bring the math notebook to class each period.
All assignments will automatically be graded by My Math Lab. The teacher may ask to
check the student’s notebook at anytime. You should copy the problems you were
assigned in MML and show all your work in reaching your solutions.
Quizzes
Quizzes in My Math Lab are assigned in My Math Lab and must be completed by the
due date given in the Class Schedule per the following instructions. Copy down the
problems in your notebook and keep them in your notebook.
My Math Lab Quizzes.
 There are up to 2 attempts for each Quiz in MyMathLab. If you are not happy
with the first score, you may retake it. The highest score will be recorded. No
late submissions.
 You have a fixed time to complete quizzes. Once you start you must finish, and
you must stay on that assignment. If you try to open another page, My Math Lab
may close and you will not be able to continue.
 Quiz scores are automatically graded by the computer and recorded in Results.
To review a specific Quiz, go to Results and click Review. You can click on any
question to view the problem and the correct answer. The red X means that you
got the problem wrong. You can view your answer by rolling your cursor over the
correct answer.
a. Homework(HW)
 There is one HW assignment in MyMathLab for each required section of the
textbook.
 These are tutorial assignments with the many help button resources available to
help you learn.
 Complete each HW assignment as soon as you have studied the specific
section of the textbook.
 You have unlimited time to complete each HW and you can resume numerous
times until you complete it. You will be allowed up to three attempts for each
question.
 For each question you can click on Help Me Solve This, View an Example,
Textbook Pages, or Print.
 Click on Continue to move on to the next question or click on the question
number to navigate through the questions.
 Click Submit Work when you have completed the assignment or need to stop.
You may revisit the same section anytime up to the due date and continue where
you left off if you click on Submit Work each time you need to leave.
 Homework Exercises are automatically graded by the computer and recorded in
My Math Lab Results.
 To review a specific HW at a later time, go to Results and then click on
Review. If you missed a problem, your answer will be shown by rolling the
cursor over the correct answer. Email me if you think the computer did not score
a problem correctly or if you do not understand your mistake.
b. Other
Other (includes attendance, in class work, other assigned work) is worth 5% of
your grade. For more details refer to the attendance policy under Student
Expectations.
c. Final
80% must be achieved on the final given by an instructor. It is a closed book
test that consists of up to 20 multiple choice questions, administered during the
last week of the class.
Tests:
Six in-class, individually administered, closed book tests will be given. Each test will be
announced in advance. The student must obtain a minimum of 80% on EACH of
these tests to earn a passing grade.
Retake Tests:
The student may retake (only once) any of the tests on which he/she obtained less than
80%. Retake tests must be completed within one week of the date the test was handed
back.
Make-up Test Procedures:
If a student is unable to take a test at the scheduled time, the student must contact the
instructor within 24 hours of the date the test was administered in order to qualify to
take the test.
Make-up and retake tests will be administered in the testing center. You must have a
photo I.D. and arrive at least 2 hours prior to close to take your test. Please
contact the testing center to set up a time to take your test.
Call 402-289-1278 to make your appointment.
Maintenance of Student Records:
Graded materials will be returned at the next class meeting. Students are encouraged
to keep their graded papers on file in case a discrepancy arises. However, retake tests
will be on file in the instructor’s office for a minimum of one quarter following the quarter
in which the course was completed. This is in accordance with Course Grade Appeal
Procedures outline in the Metropolitan Community College Catalog. All work done in
Course Compass/Math Lab will be available for at least one quarter following the end of
your quarter.
Assessment of Student Learning Program:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching
and learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example,
you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or
assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used
for assessment purposes.
Final Course Grade:
P = Pass
R = Re-enroll
F = Fail
Means that the student has received an
80% or better on each of the required
tests, and an 80% homework average,
and an 80% quiz average.
Means the student has not mastered all
of the material, but has made significant
progress. The student has attempted
each test but has not received an 80%
or better on each test, or the student
has not received an 80% average on
quizzes and homework AND the student
has attended at least 80% of the
classes
Means the student has not received an
80% or better on each test, an 80%
homework average, an 80% quiz
average or the student has not
attempted each test, and the student is
NOT participating in class but HAS
attended at least 80% of the classes
Means the student has not received
80% on each test, an 80% average on
homework and quizzes, and has NOT
attended at least 80% of the classes.
*** A grade of P or R will not affect the student’s grade point average. An F and
FX will lower the student’s GPA. A grade of P is required to move on to a one
thousand numbered Math class at Metropolitan Community College.
FX = Absence-related failure
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
Students are expected to attend class each day. Attendance will be taken daily. A
student who fails to meet class attendance expectations may receive a final grade mark
of FX, indicating an absence-related failure. Students are expected to be on time for
each class.
Classroom Behavior:
The student should:
1. Take notes on the lecture material and read the textbook material.
2. Participate in class discussions by offering ideas, answering questions asked by
the instructor and asking questions.
3. Keep up with assignments regularly as a great deal of the material builds on
previous material. Do not get behind!
4. Bring your notebook with your completed problems in My Math Lab to each class
with all problems completed or with your questions if it is not completed.
5. Use PENCIL on tests, quizzes, and assignments that are to be graded.
6. Be respectful of other students and the instructor.
7. Turn off cell phones and pagers and any musical device such as an MP3 player.
There is no text messaging allowed in class. (If you need to keep your phone
on for emergencies, please set it to vibrate, and take your call outside of the
room.)
When Help is Needed:
The student should:
1. Contact the instructor as soon as there is a problem. If a student seeks help
from the instructor, they must bring their attempted homework, class notes, and
textbook.
2. Make use of the Multimedia Library link which contains access to Chapter
Prep Quiz Videos, multimedia text, animations, power point review slides for
each section, and lecture videos for each section. THIS LINK CONTAINS
ACCESS TO SOME EXCELLENT LEARNING TOOLS! PLEASE REVIEW
AND USE AS NEEDED!!
3. Work with classmates, friends, tutors or Math Center personnel. Form study
groups. The instructor is also available for help outside of class. Use all available
resources.
MCC’s EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
Communication Expectations:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Code of
Conduct ( HYPERLINK "http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp"
http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp), which calls for responsible and
cooperative behavior. Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but
also show respect for the opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the
confidentiality of thoughts expressed in the class. You may also wish to review
information at HYPERLINK "http://www.albion.com/netiquette/html"
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/html.
Academic Honesty Statement:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for class work may be subject
to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library
website at HYPERLINK "http://www.mccneb.edu/library" http://www.mccneb.edu/library
or by your instructor. In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating,
plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a
failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal
from the College. Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling
Centers or at HYPERLINK "http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/Vr_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf" http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/Vr_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.
Attendance:
Students who attend no class meetings up to and including the Section Census Date
published in the Class Schedule at www.mccneb.edu/schedule/ may be disenrolled
from the class. The grade will be a WX on the transcript. There is no appeal for this
disenrollment.
A student who fails to meet class attendance expectations may receive a final grade
mark of FX, indicating an absence-related failure, or a failing (F) grade.
Student Withdrawal:
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw by
calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure to officially
withdraw will result in an attendance-related failure (FX). The last date to withdraw is
noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
Learning Support
MCC’s Academic Resource Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly,
supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success.
Staff members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing,
reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in
reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and online course
orientation is also available. Detailed information about the Academic Resource, Math,
and Writing Centers is in the Student Handbook, College Catalog, and online at
HYPERLINK "http://www.mccneb.edu/arc/" http://www.mccneb.edu/arc/.
Accommodations for Students With Disabilities:
If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class,
please contact a Disability Support Services Counselor located in the Student Services
Office on each campus. Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable
accommodations for person with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is the
student’s responsibility to request accommodations. For further information, please visit
HYPERLINK "http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/" http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/ and/or contact
Student Services.
Technology Support:
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact
the Help Desk at 457-2900 or HYPERLINK "mailto:mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu"
mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
Technology Resources:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems
and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the
Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of
Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be
familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may b e
found at the following website: HYPERLINK "http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf" http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.
SCHEDULE:
This is a TENTATIVE schedule. It is your responsibility to contact the instructor to find
out if the schedule has changed if you miss class.
Notice: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities,
and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify
this schedule to enhance learning for students. Any modifications will not substantially
change the intent or objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and
guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.
5
Labor Day – No Class
6
Sections 1.3, 1.4 First Day -September
Due in MML by 9/12 @ 8 AM
Sections 1.5, 1.6, 1.7
Due in MML by 9/12 @ 8 AM
Sections 1.8 and 1.9
Due in MML by 9/13 @ 8 AM
7
8
12
13
14
15
Section 1.10
Due in MML by 9/14 @ 8 AM
Quiz 1.3 to 1.7 Due in MML by 9/12 @ 8 AM
Review and Section 2.7
Due in MML by 9/19 @ 8 AM
TEST Chapter 1
Quiz 1.8 to 1.10 Due in MML by 9/14 @ 8 AM
Section 2.1
Due in MML by 9/20 @ 8 AM
19
Sections 2.2 & 2.3
Due in MML by 9/21 @ 8 AM
20
Section 2.4
Due in MML by 9/22 @ 8 AM
Section 2.5
Due in MML by 9/26 @ 8 AM
Quiz 2.1 to 2.3 Due in MML by 9/21 @ 8 AM
Section 2.6
Due in MML by 9/27 @ 8 AM
21
22
26 Section 2.8
Due in MML by 9/28 @ 8 AM
27 Review
28 Test Chapter 2
Quiz 2.4 to 2.8 Due in MML by 9/28 @ 8 AM
29 Section 3.1
Due in MML by 10/4 @ 8 AM
17 Sections 4.5 & 4.6
Due in MML by 10/19 @ 8 AM
18 Review
Quiz 4.1 to 4.4 Due in MML by 10/18 @ 8 AM
19 Test Chapter 4
Quiz 4.5 to 4.6 Due in MML by 10/19 @ 8 AM
20 Sections 5.1 & 5.2
Due in MML by 10/25 @ 8 AM
24 Sections 5.3 & 5.4
Due in MML by 10/26 @ 8 AM
25 Section 5.5
Due in MML by 10/27 @ 8 AM
Quiz 5.1 to 5.2 Due in MML by 10/25 @ 8 AM
26 Sections 5.6 & 5.7
Due in MML by 10/31 @ 8 AM
27 Section 6.1
Due in MML by 11/1 @ 8 AM
31 Section 6.2
Due in MML by 11/2 @ 8 AM
Quiz 5.3 to 5.7 Due in MML by 10/31 @ 8 AM
1 Review
November
2
Test Chapters 5 & 6
Quiz 6.1 to 6.2 Due in MML by 11/2 @ 8 AM
3
Section 7.1
Due in MML by 11/9 @ 8 AM
8
Section 7.2
Due in MML by 11/10 @ 8 AM
9 Section 7.3
Due in MML by 11/11 @ 8 AM
10 Section 7.4
Due in MML by 11/15 @ 8 AM
Quiz 7.1 to 7.2 Due in MML by 11/10 @ 8 AM
11 Section 7.5
Due in MML by 11/16 @ 8 AM
3 Section 3.2 October
Due in MML by 10/5 @ 8 AM
4 Section 3.3
Due in MML by 10/6 @ 8 AM
5 Section 3.4
Due in MML by 10/10 @ 8 AM
15 Review for Test 7 and Final
6 Section 3.4
Due in MML by 10/10 @ 8 AM
Quiz 3.1 to 3.3 Due in MML by 10/6 @ 8 AM
18 Check Grades
10 Review – Introduce Section 4.1
11 Test Chapter 3
Quiz 3.4 Due in MML by 10/11 @ 8 AM
12 Sections 4.1 & 4.2
Due in MML by 10/17 @ 8 AM
13 Sections 4.3 & 4.4
Due in MML by 10/18 @ 8 AM
21 Last Day if Needed
16 Test Chapter 7
Quiz 7.3 to 7.3 Due in MML by 11/16 @ 8 AM
17 Final
2011 Fall Quarter Important Dates
Classes
Begin……………………………………………………………………………………Septem
ber 6 T
Winter Priority Webadvisor only registration for Current Students w/ 50+credit
hrs……..Sep. 14 W
Winter Current Student Webadvisor only registration
begins……………………………September 21 W
Winter General Registration Begins………………………………………………………
September 28 W
Student Withdrawal Deadline to drop a
class………………………………………………Varies by class*
Summer Term Incomplete “I” Grades
Due…………………………………………………November 9 W
Classes end ........................................................................................... November 21 M
All Fall grades due and posted to WebAdvisor by 11:59 p.m.
…………………………….November 23 W
Thanksgiving Day Recess/College
Closed…………………………………………………November 24-27 TH-SU
Students may view Important Dates on the Student Information Calendar . A link to this
calendar is available once a student is logged in on webadvisor.
Important Dates link on the same line as the course title. The refund/withdraw dates for
each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates and
the number of sessions for a course. A student must withdraw by this date to avoid
being assigned a grade of “F”.
REFUND POLICIES for Credit Courses
A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend.
Non-attendance or non-payment does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay.
To withdraw “drop” from a course, log on to WebAdvisor
https://webadvisor.mccneb.edu and click “Register and Drop Sections”.
An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load
may entitle the student to a refund. The eligibility and amount of a refund is
automatically calculated by the date of the withdrawal. A student may see the refund
percentage received through midnight of the same day by logging into WebAdvisor and
clicking on the Tuition Refund Calculator. Note: Schedule changes may have
implications for students on Financial Aid. Check with the Financial Aid Office prior
to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330.