JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Course Syllabus
Mathematics Division
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
Math 171-001 CRN 80466
Fall 2012
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Kathi Lefert
Email: klefert@jccc.edu
Phone Number: (913) 469 – 8500 ext. 2885
Office: CLB 127
Office Hours: MW 1:00 – 2:00 pm
TR 8:30 – 9:30 am
W 8:00 – 9:00 am
 You should periodically check the class website on ANGEL as that will be an important mode of
communication in this course. All class notes and reviews can be obtained on the class website.
Your updated grade information will be posted in ANGEL for you to see at any time.
COURSE INFORMATION:
Credit Hours: 3
Location/Time: CLB 205; MTWRF 11:00 – 11:50 am
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or higher in MATH 116 (Intermediate Algebra) or appropriate score on
math assessment test.
Textbook: Blitzer, College Algebra, 5th edition via MyMathLab online software
Supplies: Graph paper; A graphing calculator (TI – 83 or TI – 84 recommended) is required for this
course. Calculators which perform symbolic manipulation (such as the TI-89 or
TI-Nspire with CAS) are not allowed on any exams. NO CELL PHONES MAY BE
USED AS A CALCULATOR AT ANY TIME. CELL PHONES ARE TO BE TURNED OFF
AND OUT OF SIGHT DURING CLASS!
Course Description: A student in this course will analyze and graph functions and non-functions;
solve equations and inequalities; and analyze and create algebraic and
numerical patterns. This semester, we are also going to incorporate
sustainability into our course. This will be an underlying theme for many
exercises, problems, and projects.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
After completing this course, the student should be able to:
1. Analyze functions and their graphs.
2. Sketch the graphs of functions, including constant, linear, absolute value, square root,
polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic.
3. Solve polynomial, exponential and logarithmic equations.
4. Solve systems of linear equations and systems of linear inequalities.
5. Create mathematical models to solve application problems.
6. Analyze numeric and algebraic patterns; generate numeric and algebraic patterns.
In addition to the College Algebra objectives, the student should also be able to:
1. Analyze global sustainability issues and how their actions affect the long-term availability
of our natural resources.
CAVEATS:
To successfully complete the prerequisite(s) for this course, a student must earn at least a “C” or
better in the prerequisite course(s) or earn an appropriate score on a placement exam. If a
student is found not to have successfully fulfilled the prerequisite(s) for this course, the student will
be dropped from the course.
JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational
programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting
accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. If you desire support service,
contact Access Services on the 2nd floor of the Student Center or call (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521
(913 469-3885 TTY).
The Math Resource Center offers free tutoring, DVDs, a computer lab and group study rooms to
assist students encountering difficulty with the course work. It is located in CLB 212 and is open
Mon–Thurs from 7 am – 9 pm, Fri from 7 am – 4 pm, Sat from 11 am – 4 pm, and Sun from 12 – 4
pm during the semester. I encourage you to make use of this wonderful service for extra
assistance, practice or review. A JCCC student id is required for admittance.
All JCCC students are expected to comply with the Student Code of Conduct as found in the on-line
college catalog. It is your responsibility as a student to make sure you are familiar with the topics
listed in the code.
The last day to withdraw and receive a “W” is Thursday, November 15, 2012.
EXPECTATIONS:

Pencil is required for all work that I grade, unless specifically told differently.
mistakes should be erased, not crossed out.

Calculators may be used during tests. Cell phones may not be used as calculators.

Students MAY NOT SHARE a calculator with anyone in class during tests. If a student
forgets his/her calculator, the student MUST DO WITHOUT.

Phones or other electronic devices are not to be used in class for any reason. Please
turn them off or silence before class. If your phone goes off during a test,
your test will be picked up at that time and you will be asked to leave.

Distractions make it very difficult for me to teach and for others to hear and learn.
These include talking in class at inappropriate times, coming to class late or leaving
early. Please respect everyone and refrain from these interruptions.

There will be no tolerance for cheating of any type. I will pursue extreme punishment
for all involved.

Class participation, such as working out problems together when asked helps everyone.
I encourage discussions of math often.

Students are expected to attend all classes. If you are absent, you are responsible
for any missed material. Good attendance will be considered in borderline grades at
the end of the semester.

There are no make-ups of any kind. If you are absent, you will receive a zero. If
you know in advance of a conflict, arrangements may be made to take a test early.
*** MATHEMATICS IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT – GET INVOLVED! ***
All
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance is an essential element of success and will be taken at each class session. Students are
expected to be on time and stay for the entire period. No absence is excused in the sense that
you are exempt from the work missed or the assignments due while absent. NO LATE WORK
WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR A GRADE! If you are unable to be in class for any reason, your
work may be turned in to my office in CLB 127, my mailbox in CLB 243 or sent via e-mail. All class
notes and written work can be obtained on the class website.
Procedures and concepts are as important as answers in mathematics. Therefore, you must show
your work or give an explanation on all work that is turned in for a grade (including the final). All
work must be done IN PENCIL.
The best way to learn the material is to do the work. Independent practice problems will be
assigned using the software package MyMathLab after each class session. These assignments will
have posted due dates. Due dates are not extended due to computer or network issues – don’t
wait until the day before it's due to work on homework. In addition, you will have written practice
worksheets for each unit. These will be collected for grading and are due by the posted due
date and time on the worksheet.
Problems will be given during class time after lecture to facilitate in student learning. They will
consist of practice problems or group activity. You need to be present to get credit for the in-class
assignments. If you are absent during an in-class assignment, those points cannot be made up.
Success in math involves more than just learning computational skills. Some other facets that
promote success include discussing math with others, writing about math, recognizing major
themes, and making connections with the real world. Supplemental projects for this class will focus
on and have been designed to include activities such as those mentioned above. Some of these
projects will emphasize the theme of sustainability.
There will be five unit exams and a comprehensive final. While you can always make arrangements
to take an exam early, there are NO MAKE-UP EXAMS! However, the final exam score can
replace one lower test score.
All students are required to take a comprehensive final exam. You must be there! Students not
taking the final exam will receive a zero for the final exam score. It will be given on Wednesday,
December 12, from 11:00 am – 12:50 pm. Please note the change in time for the final.
If conflicts arise, you must see the instructor PRIOR to Monday, December 10.
EVALUATION:
MyMathLab…
In-Class Assignments…
Written Homework…
5 Unit Exams…
Final Exam…
GRADING SCALE:
5%
5%
10%
60%
20%
100% - 90% A
89% - 80% B
79% - 70% C
69% - 60% D
Below 60% F
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR MATH STUDENTS:
To take this course successfully you must be willing to do the following:
1) Have ample time to do homework “before” the next class meets (at least 2 hrs per credit
hour of class). For a 3 credit hour class, that would be 6 hours per week outside of class.
2) Not miss any class, not get behind and have time to get help when you need it.
*** YOU HOLD THE KEY TO WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE! ***
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE:
Week Of
Mon
Introduction
Syllabus
Tues
8/27 – 8/31
Go to MRC
2.1
2.2
2.2
2.3
9/3 – 9/7
No Class
2.4
2.5
2.5
2.6
9/10 – 9/14
2.6
2.7
2.7
2.8
Review
9/17 – 9/21
Review
Review
Unit #1
Exam
Exam
Analysis
3.1
9/24 – 9/28
3.1
3.2
3.2
3.3
3.3
10/1 – 10/5
3.4
3.4
3.4
3.5
3.5
10/8 – 10/12
3.5
Review
Review
Review
Unit #2
Exam
10/15 – 10/19
4.1
4.1
4.2
4.2
4.3
10/22 – 10/26
4.3
4.4
4.4
4.5
4.5
10/29 – 11/2
4.5
Review
Review
Review
Unit #3
Exam
11/5 – 11/9
5.1
5.2
5.2
5.4
5.5
11/12 – 11/16
5.5
6.1
6.2
6.3
Review
11/19 – 11/23
Review
Unit #4
Exam
No Class
No Class
No Class
11/26 – 11/30
8.1
8.1
8.2
8.2
8.3
12/3 – 12/7
8.3
8.5
Review
Review
Unit #5
Exam
12/10 – 12/14
Review for
Final
Review for
Final
Final Exam
8/20 – 8/24
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Chapter 1 Review Topics
** The instructor reserves the right to adjust this schedule as deemed necessary. **
**Wednesday, December 12
Final Exam
11:00 am – 12:50 pm**
STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET
Math 171 – 001
College Algebra
CRN 80466
MTWRF 11:00 – 11:50 am
CLB 205
Lefert
Welcome! Please provide the following information in case I need to make personal contact
with you outside of class sometime this semester. Thanks.
Name ___________________________________ Nickname ______________________
Preferred email address ___________________________________ (please print clearly)
Cell phone _________________________
Other phone _________________________
(Home? Work?)
Please tell me about your current schedule and last math course:
In how many credit hours are you currently enrolled? __________________
When did you take your last math course? ___________________________
What course was it? _____________________________________________
Do you remember the title of the course?
Where did you take it? ___________________________________________
What grade did you earn in that course? __________
If you are employed, approximately how many hours per week do you work? _________
What grade do you expect to earn in this course? __________
Please tell me a little about your math history and how the word “Algebra” makes you feel.
Feel free to continue on the back of this sheet if necessary.
I have received a copy of the syllabus. I understand that it is my responsibility to become
familiar with the information contained therein. I further understand that attending class is
important and success in mathematics is highly dependent on attendance.
Student’s Signature: _________________________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________