MAT 0024 BASIC ALGEBRA Term II 2008 Assignments

Basic Algebra Syllabus Term II, 2008-09

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

Course: MAT 0024C Basic Algebra

Text: Elementary Algebra: Concepts and Applications, 7^th ed, by Bittinger and Ellenbogen

Office: NONE

Telephone: NONE

Web Site: http://www2.seminolestate.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 College 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 (or your quiz/homework average) by counting the Final Exam grade twice. Homework will be graded at the end of the semester for borderline consideration!!

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 by making an appointment with the Altamonte Springs Makeup Testing Center 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: You must have homework complete to qualify for ANY makeup test.

BRAND NEW POLICY--When possible in past years, my students who did not pass were given a W. However, in some cases (see REGISTRATION LIMITATION below for repeat registrations!) an F was required. HOWEVER, a NEW Seminole State withdrawal policy requires that NO withdrawals may be assigned after March 23, 2009 for Term II classes! AFTER THIS DATE AN 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 class. Except 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. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE ROOM 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

This syllabus is subject to such changes as the instructors 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