MAT 117-12365, College Algebra
Spring 2008
MWF 7:40-8:30 a.m. in PSA 303
Instructor: Lance Ward, E-Mail: Lance.Ward@asu.edu Office: ECA 214
Phone: (480)-965-0307, Web Page: http://math.asu.edu/~ward
Office Hours: M 12:40-1:30, WF 10:40-11:30, TTh 10:45-12:00
MTWF office hours in PSA 202; Thurs. office hours in PSA 116.
College Algebra Redesign Website: http://cresmet.asu.edu/car
WileyPLUS Website: http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/class/cls54193/
Course Description: Linear and quadratic functions, systems of linear equations, logarithmic and
exponential functions, sequences, series, and combinatorics.
Prerequisites and Placement: Successful completion of the equivalent of MAT106 (Intermediate
Algebra) or satisfactory score on the placement exam. It is essential that students in MAT117
have a command of basic algebraic skills such as factoring, basic equation solving, and a
thorough knowledge of the rules of exponents and radicals.
Online Text/Assignments: Students will have two options for accessing the online textbook:
Functions Modeling Change: A Preparation for Calculus by Connally, E., Hughes-Hallett, D.,
Gleason, A., et al. (2007), 3rd Edition, Wiley & Sons:
1. Purchase electronic copy of the textbook through WileyPLUS
(http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/class/cls54193/). All online homework assignments will be
accessed using WileyPLUS and the entire textbook is provided electronically for students.
2. Purchase hard copy of textbook from ASU Bookstore. The textbook will come packaged
with an access code to WileyPLUS, which will be used for completing online homework
assignments.
Calculator: A graphing calculator is required for this class. We recommend that you use a calculator
in the TI-83 or TI-84 family since we will be using this calculator model during classroom
demonstrations and activities. Calculators such as TI- 89, TI-92, HP-48, HP-48G, and Casio
9970 that perform symbolic manipulation will not be permitted for use during class or during
exams. The calculator is used to increase your understanding and generate interest in exploring
the major concepts of the course. Many of the homework and exam questions will require the
use of the calculator. During class you will use the calculator as a tool for investigating new
ideas. Your instructor will provide demonstrations, which will help you to visualize many of
the mathematical ideas, including the use of a graphing calculator. This link gives some help
with graphing calculators: (http://math.asu.edu/fym/GraphCal/Graphing.html)
Graphing Calculator Workshops: The Mathematics Department will provide graphing calculator
workshops during the following times to assist in your learning:
TI-Calculator
Date
Time
Place
Tues. 1/22/08
3:00-5:00 PM
MUR 101
Wed. 1/23/08
4:40-6:30PM
MUR 101
You must make arrangements to attend one of these sessions. Attendance at the workshop will count as
two hours towards your required weekly tutor time. (Casio calculator workshops are also available;
contact Lance.Ward@asu.edu for details.)
Course Goals:
1. To develop confidence in one’s ability to comprehend and apply mathematics.
2. To develop productive study habits.
3. To strengthen patterns of logical thinking.
4. To diminish fears and feelings of inadequacy about mathematics and courses dependent
upon mathematics.
5. To learn the language of mathematics.
6. To develop increased mathematical maturity.
7. To communicate and work with others.
8. To achieve these goals, you are expected to be attentive and involved in each class and to
participate in group work, collaborative learning, writing, and other methods of learning.
Course Structure: Your past experiences in mathematics have probably been different than what you
are about to experience in this course. Research in mathematics education has shown that
students have more success in mathematics if provided opportunities to learn mathematics in a
collaborative setting. Therefore, the structure of this course is focused on collaboration among
students and active learning of the mathematics. Class sessions will involve collaborative
learning, whole class discussions, direct instruction and student presentations. Each class
session will require that you participate in a small group setting. In order to make the most of
every class, you will need to adopt a TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) attitude. This
is vital to your success in this class.
Grading Policy:
1. Exams: There will be 3 exams given during the semester. These exams will involve a mix
of mechanical skills and conceptual reasoning. The best possible preparation for the exams
is regular attendance and completion of assigned homework. These exams are to be
completed outside of regular class time in the Mathematics Department Testing Center
(http://math.asu.edu/fym/tstcenter.html) in PSA 21 (basement). To be admitted to the Testing
Center each student must have a valid ASU Sun Card. The testing center is open 8:00
a.m. - 6:28 p.m. M-Th and 8:00 a.m.-3:28 p.m. Friday. Make sure you arrive before
6:28 p.m. M-Th or 3:28 p.m. Friday. The Testing Center will not allow for late entry.
Arrival before the door closes allows the student one hour and twenty-five minutes to
complete the test. Students should complete exams as early as possible during the allotted
time frame, since the Testing Center can get extremely busy in the afternoons. Your
calculator memory may be viewed during any exam and will be cleared if anything
suspicious is noted. The instructor has the right to regard finding suspicious material in
your calculator memory as cheating.
PCA: You will be required to complete an initial assessment, called the PCA test, during
both the first and the last weeks of the semester (see dates below). The PCA test has 28
questions and will take approximately one hour to complete. The PCA will be conducted in
the Mathematics Department Testing Center (bring your Sun Card!). The test is multiplechoice and will count as homework points.
Exam
PCA:
Dates
Jan 14th – Jan 18th
Topics on exam
PCA Pre-test
Exam
#1:
Thursday, Feb 7th
Friday, Feb 8th
Module 1: Proportional Reasoning (1 week)
Module 2: Linear Functions (2 weeks)
Module 3: Motion & Constant Rate of Change (CBR) (1 week)
Note: Class, No President's Day holiday at ASU
Exam
#2:
Exam
#3:
Thursday, Mar 27th
Friday, Mar 28th
Module 4: Composition & Inverse Functions (2 weeks)
Module 5: Exponential Functions (3 weeks)
Module 6: Logarithmic Functions (1 week)
Thursday, Apr 17th
Friday, Apr 18th
Module 7: Box Problem & Polynomial Functions (2 weeks)
Module 8: Bottle Problem (1 week)
Monday, May 5
Final
Module 9: Rational Functions (1 week) + All Previous Modules
10:00 - 11:50 AM
Exam:
PCA: April 28th – May 2nd PCA Post-test
*Note: Actual exam dates are subject to change. All changes will be announced in class.
2. Final Exam: All students will be required to take the final exam in our classroom during
the scheduled time. This exam will be cumulative and will cover all material taught during
the semester.
3. Online/Written/Textbook Homework: Throughout the semester, you will have online,
written and textbook homework assignments. All online homework assignments are to be
completed as assigned by your instructor. All written and textbook homework are to be
completed as assigned. These assignments will be comprised of problem solving and will
require you to reveal your reasoning, justification and reflection on your thinking. It is your
responsibility to complete the homework assignments prior to the next class meeting. You
are expected to keep your homework in a dedicated homework notebook for this course.
Your instructor will review your homework notebook in class and your grade will be based
on completion, accuracy, neatness, and work shown. Late homework notebooks will not
be counted for credit.
4. Participation: In addition to attending class, you are also expected to participate in any
course activities planned for the class session. Participation is defined as contributing to
mathematical discussions relative to your assignments, completing mathematical
assignments, and presenting your mathematical thinking to the class. Failure to actively
participate during class will result in a loss of participation points allotted for each class
session. Examples of non-participation include, but are not limited to, working on nonmathematical content or assignments from other courses, text messaging during class, or
engaging in discussions with students on topics outside of mathematics.
5. Attendance: Attendance will be taken at every class meeting. You will receive attendance
points for each class meeting that you attend. In order to receive the attendance points, you
must be present for the entire class session. If you arrive late or leave early, you may not
receive attendance credit. It is in your best interest to attend every class meeting to stay
current with the course material and homework assignments. If you must miss class, please
contact your instructor via email and/or another student from your class. The Mathematics
Department attendance policy will be enforced in this course. Students who have more
than SIX absences FOR ANY REASON will receive a failing grade of EN for the
course.
Grading Procedure: Your grade is NOT a commodity; it has not been purchased with your tuition.
You have the right to be graded fairly, but you do NOT have the right to any specific grade.
Your grade is not a reflection of you as a person. Your grade is not a measurement of effort.
Your grade is an evaluation of PERFORMANCE. This means it is dependent upon how well
you demonstrate your comprehension of the subject through application and completion of the
items listed above in this syllabus.
Assignments
Percent Allocation
Grades
3 Exams:
50%
A: 90%-100%
Final Exam:
15%
B: 80%-89%
Homework:
20%
C: 70%-79%
Class Projects; Quizzes:
5%
D: 60%-69%
Participation:
5%
F: Below 60%
Attendance:
5%
Note: I use straight letter grades, not plus/minus grading, in this course.
Tutoring Options: You will be required to spend 3 hours per week in one of the tutor centers at ASU.
This time will count towards your homework points for your grade. The following is a list of
tutoring venues where you can find assistance for your questions about the course. Please note
that the ASU CRESMET Tutor Center and the ASU Mathematics Tutor Center will staff tutors
who are specifically trained in tutoring our College Algebra materials.
1. ASU CRESMET Tutor Center. The CRESMET center, located in UCNTR-201, provides
tutorial support specifically for MAT 117 College Algebra students who are currently
enrolled in the redesigned sections. The CRESMET Tutor Center hours are listed below.
More information can be found online at http://cresmet.asu.edu/car.
Day
Time
Location
12:40-1:40pm
Monday
ASU UCNTR 201
3:00-4:00pm
12:40-1:40pm
Wednesday
ASU UCNTR 201
3:00-4:00pm
2. ASU PSA-202 Tutor Center. Additional MAT 117 tutoring will be held in PSA-202 on
Monday-Thursdays 9:00am – 7:00pm and Fridays 9:00am – 12:30pm.
In addition, the tutors in the ASU Mathematics Tutor Center or the ASU Learning Resource Center,
which are both open on weekends, may be able to help you as well, but they may not be as familiar
with your materials as the tutors in the CRESMET and PSA 202 Tutor Centers will be.
3. ASU Mathematics Tutor Center. The Mathematics Tutor Center, located in PSA-116, is a
free, drop-in tutoring service for mathematics students. To be admitted to the Tutoring
Center each student must have a valid ASU Sun Card. Information can be found online
at http://math.asu.edu/fym/TutorCenter/TutorCenter.html.
4. ASU Learning Resource Center (LRC). The LRC provides counseling, tutoring in math
(and many other subjects), supplemental instruction, and other types of support to students.
Information can be found online at http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/lrc/index.html.
Cell Phone/Technology/Courtesy Policy: Upon entering class all cell phones, pagers, PDAs, iPods
and any other similar technical devices need to be turned off. If there is a true emergency call or
page you are expecting, let me know before class. You will forfeit your attendance points if
your cell phone or pager goes off during class. Furthermore, text messaging during class time
will not be tolerated. The instructor will take appropriate action if you send or receive text
messages during class. Also, please talk courteously and respectfully during class. Profanity,
swearing, vulgarity, and similar comments are inappropriate.
Disabilities: If you have a disability, please notify your instructors and the ASU Disability Resource
Center (http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/ed/drc/) at 480.965.1234 as soon as possible so that
accommodations can be made.
Disclaimer: It is the student’s responsibility for all information contained in this syllabus. Any
changes to the syllabus and course calendar will be announced in class. Students are
responsible for these changes whether in attendance or not. It is also the student’s responsibility
for reviewing the college policies included in the college catalog and the student handbook.
Getting Started: Here is list of things to do to get started in your College Algebra course:
1. Purchase textbook (either hard copy or electronic)
2. Go to your online course and log in: http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/class/cls54193/
3. Complete the PCA assessment in the Testing Center (PSA 21) by this Fri., Jan. 18. This
assignment is worth two homework assignments (20 points). Remember to have your Sun
Card ready!
First Year Mathematics Courses: Spring Semester 2008
Departmental and University Policies and Procedures
Course Withdrawal Deadline - In Person
March 28, 2008
Course Withdrawal Deadline - ASU Interactive
March 30, 2008
April 29, 2008
Complete Withdrawal Deadline
Withdrawal: A student may withdraw from a course with a grade of W during the withdrawal period.
The instructor's signature is not required.
The grade of Incomplete: A grade of incomplete will be awarded only in the event that a documented
emergency or illness prevents the student who is doing acceptable work from completing a small
percentage of the course requirements. The guidelines in the current general ASU catalog regarding
a grade of incomplete will be strictly followed.
Instructor-Initiated Drop: At the instructor's discretion, any student who has not attended class
during the first week of classes may be administratively dropped from the course. However,
students should be aware that non-attendance will NOT automatically result in their being dropped
from the course. Thus, a student should not assume they are no longer registered for a course
simply because they did not attend class during the first week. It is the student's responsibility to be
aware of their registration status.
Final Exam Make-up Policy: The final exam schedule listed in the Schedule of Classes will be
strictly followed. Exceptions to the schedule and requests for make-up final examinations can be
granted only by the Department Chair, Associate Department Chair, or the Director of First Year
Mathematics, and for one of the following reasons:
1. Religious conflict (e.g., the student celebrates the Sabbath on Saturday)
2. The student has more than three exams scheduled on the same day as the math final
3. There is a time conflict between the math final and another final exam.
If there is a last-minute personal or medical emergency, the student may receive a grade of
Incomplete and make up the final within one calendar year. The student must provide written
documentation and be passing the class at the time to receive an Incomplete. Make-up exams will
NOT be given for reasons of non-refundable airline tickets, vacation plans, work schedules,
weddings, family reunions, and other such activities. Students should consult the final exam
schedule before making end-of-semester travel plans. The Dean of the student’s college must
approve any exceptions to these rules.
Honor Policy: The highest standards of academic integrity are expected of all students. The failure of
any student to meet these standards may result in suspension or expulsion from the University or
other sanctions as specified in the University Student Academic Integrity Policy. Violations of
academic integrity include, but are not limited to, cheating, fabrication, tampering, plagiarism, or
facilitating such activities.
The grade of XE: A grade of XE is reserved for "failure for academic dishonesty." The XE grade may
be petitioned after 1 year.
Ethics: It's highly unethical to bring to your instructor's attention the possible impact of your
mathematics grade on your future plans, including graduation, scholarships, jobs, etc. Students
found to be involved in academic dishonesty will be removed from the class, and a grade of XE for
the course will be submitted to the registrar. The student will be advised to repeat the course with
another professor, possibly at another institution. This is the least action taken. Further, more
serious actions may be taken if the situation indicated that such actions are appropriate. We will act
very harshly against cheating during Quizzes or Exams.