STUDENT SYLLABUS
Course Name/Section Number:
CRN:
Math 0303.G1
20479.201620
Instructor Name:
Janice Glass
Division/Dept: Academic Foundations
Academic Foundations
Office Hours: 5-5:30pm
Office Number:
Rm 102
Office Phone: (830) 672-6251
Instructor Email:
janice.glass@victoriacollege.edu
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Course Description (AMS)
A study of relations and functions, inequalities, algebraic expressions and equations (absolute
value, polynomial, radical, rational), with a special emphasis on linear and quadratic
expressions and equations.
Prerequisite(s) (AMS):
A grade of C, S, SA, SB, or SC in Math 0301 or Math 0302 or a score of 343 to and including 349
on the TSI Assessment.
Required Textbook:
College Algebra, 11th edition, by Gustafson and Hughes
ISBN
9781285882161. Loose-Leaf with EWA Access Code
An access code to WebAssign is required. By purchasing the textbook from the Victoria
College Bookstore, the access code comes bundled.
CALCULATOR: A scientific (non-graphing) calculator is required.
Cell phone calculators are not allowed.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
Page |2
Learning Outcomes (AMS):
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate the following student
learning outcomes:
1) Define, represent, and perform operations on real and complex numbers.
2) Recognize, understand, and analyze features of a function.
3) Recognize and use algebraic (field) properties, concepts, procedures (including factoring),
and algorithms to combine, transform, and evaluate absolute value, polynomial, radical,
and rational expressions.
4) Identify and solve absolute value, polynomial, radical, and rational equations.
5) Identify and solve absolute value and linear inequalities.
6) Model, interpret and justify mathematical ideas and concepts using multiple representations.
7) Connect and use multiple strands of mathematics in situations and problems, as well as in
the study of other disciplines.
Critical thinking will be incorporated throughout the course.
Assessments (AMS):
Unit Exams
(Measure Learning Outcomes 1 – 7)
Class Assignments
(Measure Learning Outcomes 1 – 7)
Homework (Computer and/or textbook)
(Measure Learning Outcomes 1 – 7)
Quizzes (Computer and/or paper)
(Measure Learning Outcomes 1 – 7)
Class Discussion
(Measure Learning Outcomes 1 – 7)
Departmental Final Exam
(Measure Learning Outcomes 1 – 7)
SCANS (When Appropriate - AMS):
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
Page |3
Course Requirements (AMS) :
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS: All sections of foundational math at Victoria College have an online
homework component as part of the class grade. These assignments are delivered via a web-based
product called Enhanced Web Assign (EWA) and can be accessed from any computer that has an
internet connection. Students are expected to complete these assignments by the due date stated by
the instructor. Instructors may at their discretion assign paper assignments from the textbook. Late
assignments will not be accepted.
In order to access EWA, students need:
1. An access code card that is purchased through the bookstore. This code is valid for
every course the student takes that uses the same text.
2. A class key will be provided to all students on the first day of class by the instructor.
The generic form for all VC class keys is: “victoriacollege XXXX XXXX” .
Your class key is: victoriacollege 2305 1322
Once the course begins students will register with WebAssign at www.webassign.net.
Instructions and a Quick Start Guide will be handed out in class or made available through
Blackboard. Students having problems transmitting online assignments should e-mail their
instructor immediately so that the problem can get solved.
QUIZZES: Instructors have the discretion to have announced and/or unannounced quizzes. Failure to
take a quiz will result in a grade of zero for that quiz; quiz grades do not get dropped nor will makeup
quizzes be given.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR EWA: Students must have the most recent version of Flashplayer and
Java loaded on their computer for WebAssign to work properly. The most recent version of Flash can be
downloaded from www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer and the most recent version of Java can be
downloaded from http://java.com. The recommended browser for WebAssign is Firefox, which is
available free from http://www.mozilla.org.
INSTRUCTIONAL MODE:
A combination of lecture, class discussion, review of quizzes and homework assignments, guided
practice and text reading assignments will be used. Emphasis will be placed on improving critical
thinking skills, study habits, and written and oral communication skills.
CLASS PROCEDURES:
Instructors will lecture and lead class activities. Students are encouraged to participate by asking and
answering questions. The textbook (the unit being taught) should be brought to each class meeting. Cell
phones must be either turned off or silenced before class and kept out of sight. Texting is not allowed in
class.
Students that arrive late for class should see the instructor after class. Students that must leave class early
should advise the instructor before class. If a condition arises during class that forces a student to leave
early, that student should meet with the instructor before the next class meeting.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
Page |4
Criteria for Grading (AMS) :
METHOD I
Assignment
Unit Exams/Quizzes
Homework
Participation
Final Exam
Percentage
60%
10%
10%
20%
EXAM PROCEDURES:
• Unit Exams and quizzes will be given throughout the semester.
NO MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN.
• A Comprehensive Final Exam will be given in this course.
• Method II will be used for any students that missed taking a Unit Exam.
The Final Exam Grade will replace the missed Unit Exam grade of zero.
GRADING EQUIVELENCY: Because Academic Foundations classes are not included in students’
GPAs, grades are not recorded on an A-F scale. An "S" represents satisfactory academic
performance. A "U" represents unsatisfactory academic performance. Academic Foundations
uses the following grading equivalencies:
SA = 90-100
SB = 80-89
SC = 75-79
UF = 74 and below
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
Page |5
Attendance (AMS) :
Among other factors, regular and prompt class attendance is very important for success in this
course.
 Attendance will be taken each class period and may be taken at any point during class.
 To be counted as present, students must be in class when attendance is taken.
 Instructors will drop all students who do not attend prior to the Official Record Date (ORD).
 Students may drop the course at any time before 65% of the course has been completed
for a grade of Q or W.
 Instructors may drop students from the course if absences exceed 20% of the scheduled
class meetings. **
 Instructors will drop students from the course when absences exceed 40% of the
scheduled class meetings
o unless said excessive absences accrue after the 65% drop date or
o unless students are in good standing.
 Students who miss class are responsible for all material discussed and any assignments or
announcements made that relate to the course.
 The ORD for this class is: February 3, 2016.
 The last day to drop this course is: April 6, 2016.
**It is the practice of The Division of Academic Foundations to drop students whose absences exceed
20% of class meetings and who are failing.
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Syllabus
Page |6
Tentative Class Calendar (Including Each Major Assignment and Examination) - (AMS):
Math 0303 Schedule – Spring 2016 – (16 week)
WEEK
DATES
1
01/19-01/22
2
01/25-01/29
LESSONS
3
02/01-02/05
4
02/08-02/12
5
02/15-02/19
0.4, 0.5
0.1, 0.2
0.3
0.6
Review/Test
TOPICS
Real Numbers and Integer Exponents
Rational Exponents and Radicals
Polynomials and Factoring Methods
Rational Expressions
Finalize rational instruction and critical thinking for Chapter 0
Unit 0 Exam – Covering Chapter 0
6
02/22-02/26
1.1, 1.2
Linear Equations and Rational Equations
Applications of Linear Equations
7
02/29-03/04
1.3, 1.5
Quadratic Equations
Complex Numbers
8
03/07-03/11
1.6, 1.7
Polynomial and Radical Equations
Inequalities
9
03/14-03/18
10
03/21-03/25
College Closed – Spring Break
1.8
11
03/28-04/01
Review/Test
12
04/04-04/08
13
04/11-04/15
2.1,2.2
Absolute Value
Review Chapter 1.
Unit 1 Exam – Covering Chapter 1
Rectangular Coordinate System
2.3, 2.4
Slope of a Non-Vertical Line
Writing Equations of Lines
Graphs of Equations
04/18 – 04/22
2.5, 3.1
Proportion and Variation
14
04/25-04/29
Review/Test
15
05/02-05/06
16
05/09-05/13
Review
Functions and Function Notation
Final Exam
Week
Review
Unit2 Exam – Covering Chapter 2 & 3.1
Review for Final Exam
See final exam schedule.
Comprehensive Final Exam
** expect daily quizzes
VC offers a wide range of resources, which include: advising & counseling services; career services, computer help desk, computer
labs, disability support services, emerging scholars, the KEY center, the library, supplemental instruction, the library, the testing
center, tutoring services and veteran’s affairs. For more information on any of these services, please see:
http://www.victoriacollege.edu/studentresources
Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as deemed necessary and appropriate.