SYLLABUS
MATH 120 – Fundamentals of College Mathematics (3 Credits)
GREAT BASIN COLLEGE - PAHRUMP VALLEY CENTER (IAV Source)
SPRING SEMESTER 2015
Instructor:
Phone:
Office Hours:
E-mail:
Class Sections:
George E. Fenton
775-751-1749
By appointment (contact me to arrange)
george.fenton@gbcnv.edu
Battle Mt. – 1011; Ely – 1010; Pahrump – 1003; Wells – 1020;
Winnemucca – 1015 and Elko - 1007
Textbook: Mathematics: A Practical Odyssey, Johnson & Mowry, Seventh Edition.
Course Description: This course is a university transferable course that parallels college algebra. It
is intended to satisfy the mathematics requirement of non-science majors who do not need Calculus.
This course is more broadly based than College Algebra, covering areas such a set theory, logic,
math of finance, probability and statistics, as well as some area of algebra, graphing, and functions
that are covered more extensively in College Algebra. The course is intended to present some of the
non-algebra areas of mathematics for those students majoring in the humanities and social sciences.
Prerequisite : Intermediate Algebra (Math 096) within two years, sufficient score on placement exam,
or SAT/ACT score.
Outline: Our goal is to cover 3 to 4 sections (average) each class period. This schedule will allow for
a review prior to the final exam. Homework will be assigned each class period. We will cover:
Chapter 1 – All Sections
Chapter 5 – All Sections
Chapter 2 – Sections 2.1 thru 2.4
Chapter 7 – All Sections
Chapter 3 – Sections 3.1 thru 3.6
Chapter 9 – All Sections
Chapter 4 – All Sections
Chapter 10 – All Sections
Expected Learner Outcomes
1 . Solve a variety of applied problems using problem-solving techniques from a variety of areas
including logic, algebra, set theory, probability, statistics, and number theory.
2. Communicate mathematical concepts in writing and orally.
3. Use financial formulas to find interest, future value, present value, monthly payments, and
construct an amortization schedule.
4. Follow appropriate mathematical format and use proper mathematical notation in solving
problems.
5. Think more logically and more confidently.
Measurement of Learner Outcomes
Each Learner Outcome will be measured in the following ways:
a) Questions during & following lectures
b) Supervised class work and discussion
c) Homework assignments with classroom discussion at the next class meeting
d) Chapter-end Tests and a Mid-term Test, with full review of each result
e) Final Exam covering all material studied.
Measurement will be established based on individual efforts and results on Homework,
Participation in class discussions, Chapter-end Tests, and Final Exam.
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General Education Objectives:
1. Communication Skills: Students will communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral form,
embracing discussion, reading, listening, and assessing information.
Assessment: Students will be assessed based on written assignments, tests, class
discussions, and student presentations to the class (oral and written) of problem solutions,.
2. Critical Thinking: Integrate creativity, logic, quantitative reasoning, and the hierarchy of inquiry
and knowing in social and scientific understanding.
a) Quantitative Ability - Understand mathematical principles and integrate quantitative methods in
problem solving.
b) Reasoning and Independent Thought - Use logic and visual thinking in selecting, analyzing, and
presenting information.
c) Scientific Understanding - Understand the essential working of natural systems, understand the
hierarchy of scientific knowing and the use of the scientific method in it pursuit, and have the ability to
use this knowledge predictively.
Assessment: Students will be assessed on their ability to read problems from diverse areas,
analyze the data, select the appropriate technology, set up the problem, and solve the problem
correctly. Assessment will be based on written assignments and tests.
3. Personal and Cultural Awareness: Understanding the roles of individuals in society, the
development of human societies, and the significance of creativity in the human experience.
a) Sense of the individual in society - Recognize and respect the rights of the individual, and possess
an appreciation of the complexity and variety of the divergent attitudes, values and beliefs in society.
b) Sense of the past – Understand the cultural and historical heritage of contemporary society, and be
able to thoughtfully consider the implications of this heritage.
c) Sense of Accountability – Appreciate the consequences of human actions in social and
environmental contexts, and have the ability to consider the ethical and practical implications of those
actions.
d) Appreciation of Fine Arts – Recognize and value creative human expression.
Assessment: Students will be assessed on the roles and the creativity of historical individuals
during classroom discussions of the history and development of mathematics through many
centuries. Tests may contain questions on the importance of the contributions of selected
people and societies relating to the subject being studied.
4. Personal Wellness: Develop knowledge, skills, and behaviors which promote personal well
being.
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Assessment: Students will be assessed on their ability to solve problems involving simple
interest, compound interest, annuities, simple interest amortized loans and other financial
problems that may affect their financial well being. Students will also be assessed on their
ability to solve problems that may be encountered outside of the classroom and therefore
affect their well being. Assessment will be based on written assignments and tests.
5. Technological Understanding: Function effectively in modern society through the use of
technology.
Assessment: Students will be assessed on their ability to select the appropriate technology to
solve problems, and will be encouraged to seek out (beyond the classroom) new methods as
they are developed. Assessment will be based on assignments, tests, and classroom
discussions.
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Grade inputs will come from:
Classroom Participation
Chapter-end quizzes
Final exam
5%
60%
35%
Final grade will be determined as follows:
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
under 60
=A
=B
=C
=D
=F
Attendance: Record of attendance will be kept for administrative purposes. Students are expected to
attend class regularly and to be punctual. If classes are missed, students are responsible for catching
up on the material covered and homework missed. Homework will be assigned each class meeting,
but will not be turned in to be graded.
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Studying Suggestions:
Attend class regularly, take adequate notes, and participate in class discussions.
Practice is the key to success. Do all the assigned homework and more if at all possible.
Utilize tutors or conferences with the instructor as needed to clarify areas not understood.
If you keep up with the work assigned, you will not have to cram for tests or the final exam.
Honesty: Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Violations will bring serious consequences.
SCHEDULE :
SPRING 2015
January 20
February 16
March 23
March 23-28
May 8
Classes begin
Presidents Day Holiday
Official Course Drop Deadline
[Students who withdraw after this date
will receive an “F” rather than a “W”]
Spring Recess
Instruction Ends
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Notes:
Each student must have a reliable email address and Internet access from home.
A scientific calculator is required (cell phone calculator is not sufficient).
Prior to each class, students should read the next two sections in the text.
Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions (it will be a part of
your grade). If you have a question or comment on the subject being covered, speak up right
away. It is OK to interrupt my lecture in order to clear up any concerns you have.
5. No cell phones ON in class except by specific, prior arrangement.
6. Each student must have their own copy of the Textbook. Most homework will be
assigned from the Textbook.
7. Some homework and all tests will be sent to you and answered by you via email.
Homework will not be collected, but will be discussed in depth at the next session.
8. If we finish covering an area and you are not clear on the concepts, contact me
to schedule an appointment to determine what help you may need.
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Standard Accommodations for Students with Disabilities statement:
Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students
with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student
must furnish current verification of disability. The Disability Services Office, located in Leonard
Student Life Center, will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and
reasonable accommodation, assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and
reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further
assistance, please call 775.753.2271.
CAMPUS SECURITY: GBC is committed to the safety of our students and has a duty to promote
awareness and prevention programs for violence on campus under the Jeanne Clery Act as well as
the Campus SaVE (Sexual Violence Elimination Act) and VAWA (Violence Against Women Act),
which are amendments to Clery. Acts of violence include, but are not limited to, sexual assault,
domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Acts of violence can occur on the physical campus
or centers of GBC in addition to field placement sites, clinical practice settings, and other places
where college or class activities occur. As well, the online environment at GBC is considered a GBC
site. If you experience any incidence where your safety has been threatened or violated, or if you
feel threatened or harassed, immediately report this to me, any center director, faculty, or staff
member, or directly to the Director of Environmental Health, Safety & Security(775.753.2115) or the
Vice President for Student Services(775.753.2282).
The instructor reserves the right to modify this Syllabus as necessary. If changes are made,
students will be advised in a timely manner.
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