PASuess
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT FLORISSANT VALLEY
Fall 2007
August 20, 2007 – December 16, 2007
PRECALCULUS
MTH:185-501
INSTRUCTOR: Patricia A. Suess, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
OFFICE PHONE AND VOICE MAIL: 314-513-4852
E-MAIL: psuess@stlcc.edu
CELL PHONE: 314-412-8681
OFFICE HOURS:
7:30 – 8:00 AM & 12:00 – 1:15 PM Mondays & Wednesdays
7:30 – 8:50 AM & 10:00 – 10:50 AM & 12:00 – 12:30 PM Tuesdays &
Thursdays
7:30 – 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Fridays
TEXT: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus (5th Ed.), Stewart, Redlin, & Watson, Thomson
Brooks/Cole, 2006.
COURSE PRE-REQUISITE: MTH:140 with a grade of “C” or better, or satisfactory score on
placement test.
CLASS LOCATION: B-124
CLASS TIME: 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM, MTWRF
CREDIT HOURS: 5.0
This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor to accommodate instructional
and/or student needs.
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is a unified study of college algebra and trigonometry. Emphasis is placed on
the development of algebraic and trigonometric concepts. Note: Students earning credit for
MTH:185 will not be granted credit for either MTH:160 or MTH:170.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The student will…
1.
know the characteristics of functions and their graphs including polynomial, rational,
exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
2.
learn the trigonometric functions and their identities.
3.
be able to solve systems of linear equations.
4.
learn the basic operations on complex numbers.
5.
learn applications of these functions.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:
1.
A digital CD is pre-packaged with new textbooks.
2.
Students may borrow a TI-83/84 Graphing Calculator from the Library.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Assignments will be given every class period and will be discussed at the following class
period. Assignments should be completed in a math notebook which will be collected on test
days for instructor review. However, the student is expected to complete the assigned problems
prior to the following class session.
Homework assignments
Ten quizzes
Six tests
Comprehensive final exam
10% of course grade
10% of course grade
60% of course grade
20% of course grade
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In general, students are required to take tests as scheduled; NO makeup tests will be
given. If the instructor has been notified prior to the class period of the test that, due to
circumstances beyond the student’s control, the student will not be able to attend that class
period, the instructor MAY allow the student to complete the test prior to the scheduled test date.
Any student meeting these conditions must request and arrange with the instructor a mutually
agreeable time for taking the test prior to the scheduled test date. Otherwise, the student’s final
exam grade will be substituted for the missed test grade. In the event that a second (or third, etc.)
test is missed, the student will receive zero (0) points for that test. There are NO provisions for
making up missed quiz grades. Students may only take a quiz on the scheduled quiz date.
Attendance is clearly an essential factor in successfully completing any mathematics
class. Students are expected to attend and participate in each class session. In the case of illness
and other unusual circumstances, it will be the student's responsibility to secure notes from a
colleague. To facilitate the taking of attendance, students will be required to sign a class sheet at
the beginning of each class session.
EVALUATION AND GRADING:
90% – 100%
80% – 89%
70% – 79%
60% – 69%
59% & below
=> A
=> B
=> C
=> D
=> F
I => A grade of Incomplete is normally given after successful completion of 70% of the
course because of extenuating circumstances.
W => A Withdrawal grade is STUDENT initiated. The last day to withdraw from a
course this semester is November 9, 2007.
PR => A Progress/Reenroll grade is given at the discretion of the instructor, and requires
a written request from the student.
ADA ACCOMMODATIONS:
Any student in this class with a documented disability, certified by the Access Office
(513-4551), who needs special testing arrangements, note taking, or other accommodations
should feel free to discuss this with the instructor. All discussions will remain confidential. No
information will be shared without permission.
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ASSESSMENT:
St. Louis Community College is committed to improving the quality and accountability of
its programs and services. To achieve these ends, students will be encouraged to provide the
College input, at various points in their experience dealing with classes, courses, programs,
general education and college services. It is through a partnership with students that St. Louis
Community College can determine the extent of their involvement, satisfaction, personal growth,
and skill development – and the College’s contribution to each. Knowledge gained from
assessments will be reported to students and to appropriate staff and may serve as a benchmark
for both personal and institution-wide improvements. By joining St. Louis Community College,
students become part of a community engaged in continuous innovation, growth, and change.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTED CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:
1. Be responsible for your actions AND inaction.
a. Do not blame everyone else for your problems, if those problems occur because you have
not done what is expected of you.
b. Seek help early and often. Do not wait until the last minute to find ways of dealing with a
crisis.
c. Take responsibility for your attendance, participation, and learning in the course.
d. Make sure that your other responsibilities do not conflict with your class schedule.
2. Be aware of academic policies and requirements.
a. Read and reread the course syllabus.
b. Ask the instructor about any requirements or policies that you do not understand.
c. Keep all handouts, tests, and other assignments until you have received your final grade
from the Registrar.
3. Be prepared.
a. Take careful notes.
b. Keep up with all assignments; get information from the instructor or another class
member if you must be absent.
c. Spend at least two hours on outside work for every hour of classroom work.
d. Have your text and notebook open and ready to begin work before class starts.
4. Be attentive.
a. Listen carefully to the instructor’s comments, noting information that is stressed.
b. Do not attempt to copy every example the instructor writes on the board. Listening and
watching are important also.
c. Avoid distracting behavior such as sleeping, wearing headphones, sharpening pencils
during class, and having a pager.
5. Be punctual.
a. Attend class on time.
b. Get required work in on time, or see the instructor if that is impossible.
c. Be on time for all examinations.
6. Be respectful.
a. Tell the instructor if you must leave early or arrive late.
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b. If you arrive late, enter quietly and sit in an available seat close to the door.
c. Be polite and respect yourself, your classmates and the instructor.
d. If you have a criticism of the course or need to talk to the instructor, make arrangements
to see the instructor privately.
7. Be serious.
a. Work hard.
b. Ask and respond to questions in a serious manner.
c. Abide by the honor system during exams, quizzes and out-of-class assignments; do not
cheat or assist in cheating.
8. Be aware of the Student Rights and Responsibilities in the 2007-2008 Fact Finder: Student
Handbook of St. Louis Community College.
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