Basic Algebra Syllabus   Term II, 2009–10

Instructor:  Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Semi-retired

Course:  MAT 0024C  Basic Algebra

Text:  Introductory Algebra, 2th ed, by Miller, O’Neill, and Hyde

Office:            NONE 

Telephone:     NONE --  Please contact me by Email!!

Email:             rapaljer@scc-fl.edu 

Web Site:        http://www2.scc-fl.edu/rrapalje    -- OR --  Try  Google  “Rapalje”!!

 1.       ATTEND CLASS REGULARLY to have questions answered, to have new material explained, and to participate in classroom activities.  Classroom learning is the most efficient way to learn--it makes the homework much easier. 

2.       SPEND TIME ON HOMEWORK, as many hours as necessary to maintain the pace required to complete this course on schedule.  Work on homework regularly (not all at one time), try for 2 hours per day, 6 days per week, during the regular term--at least twice that amount during a short term.  Decide how badly you want to be successful in Basic Algebra, and plan your time accordingly!  SHOW ALL WORK IN A NOTEBOOK! 

3.       LOCATE YOUR RESOURCES on campus and at home (teachers, learning center, videos, friends, and family) that you can call on when you have problems and questions.  Have help lined up before you have trouble.  Study, do homework with friends, but be sure they stay on the subject, and be sure that in the end YOU CAN DO THE HOMEWORK without help.  Have a friend in class to call in case you are unable to attend class, to take notes, let you know what you missed, etc.  NO CALCULATORS ARE ALLOWED ON EXAM 1!  After that, calculators are allowed on all subsequent exams, including the final exam.  However, calculators that have computer algebra systems are NOT allowed. 

4.       KEEP UP WITH HOMEWORK at all cost.  If time does not permit you to do all the exercises, do every other problem first, then come back and finish all assignments as you prepare for exams.

             NEVER GET BEHIND IN MATH! 

5.       GRADING SYSTEM, EXAMS, and MAKEUP EXAMS.  Your grade will be determined by your performance on 4 100 point exams and a 100 point Comprehensive Final Exam.  If it will improve your average, you may replace one poor or missing exam grade by counting the Final Exam grade twice.   

          Make-up tests are discouraged.  However, if an absence is unavoidable on an exam day, a student will be allowed to make-up ONE exam in the Make-up Testing Center, by making an appointment in the Makeup Testing Office of the Altamonte Springs Campus at 407.404.6137.  Any makeup test must be completed before the next exam is given. 

                              A = 90 – 100+     B = 80 – 89     C = 70 – 79     D = 60 – 69

            NOTE:  Unless you are SICK, you must have homework complete to qualify for ANY makeup test.  If you are sick, PLEASE STAY HOME!!  Use outside resources, including websites and tutoring after you return to health, to catch up on what you miss in class.  A DOCTOR’S EXCUSE is required if you miss an exam!  In all other cases, just send me an Email!!

            The current SCC withdrawal policy requires that NO withdrawals may be assigned after March 15, 2010 for Term II classes!  AFTER THIS DATE A LETTER GRADE (A,B,C,D or F) MUST BE ASSIGNED!!

 

6.       REGISTRATION LIMITATION.  You are permitted only two total registrations in this class at the “regular” price!  For additional registrations, unless you apply for an exception, you will be charged “out of state” tuition (about three times the regular price!) and no Incompletes or Withdrawals are allowed.   CONCLUSION: Study hard, study smart, take this course seriously!  It may be difficult for you, but DON’T DROP OUT!  No matter what happens, keep in touch with your instructor.  GO FOR AN “A” OR A “B” the FIRST TIME!

 

7.       CELL PHONES.  If you have children at home, or if you are anticipating an emergency, you may leave your cell phones on.  Otherwise, out of courtesy for others and to avoid unnecessary interruptions, please turn cell phones OFF for classExcept for possible emergencies, cell phones must be turned OFF during exams.   If you have pending emergencies or children at home, then I will monitor your cell phone for you during the test.  EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCIES, YOU ARE NOT TO LEAVE THE ROOM OR USE YOUR CELL PHONE DURING AN EXAM!!

 8.      CHEATING.   “. . . a student is expected to be honest in all of his or her academic coursework and activities. Academic dishonesty such as cheating of any kind on examinations, course assignments, or projects; plagiarism, misrepresentation, and the unauthorized possession of examinations or other course-related materials, is prohibited.”  (Seminole Community College Catalog).

 

          If you are caught cheating on a test, or if you turn in homework that is NOT your own, you will be suspended from the class and a grade of F will be assigned.

 

9.       CONTACTING INSTRUCTOR.  You may E-mail and leave a message at any time of the day or night.  If fire, weather, or any other circumstance occurs that might lead to a cancellation of classes, call the following number to find out whether or not the college has closed:      407.708.4722

                                                                                                       Toll Free   1.888.976.4722

 

          This syllabus is subject to such changes as the instructor may deem necessary and will announce in class.  You are responsible for any changes announced in class. 

 

 

         Individual Goals for this Class:

 

           1.  Learn the math skills necessary, not just to “pass” this class but to succeed at the next level!

                (Go for an A or a B!!)

           2.  Develop the discipline of doing daily homework.

           3.  Get to know other students from this class and form a study group that will carry over to the next level.

           4.  As with athletes and musicians, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!

 

           Have a successful semester!!

 

                             R2

 

Return to main page       Math in Living C O L O R !!

 Return to Intermediate Algebra page    Return to College Algebra page

 

 

 
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje Altamonte Springs Campus
Contact me at:   rapaljer@seminolestate.edu
Phone number:  NONE Retired!!
OFFICE:          NONE  
Copyright © Seminole State College of Florida, 1997