Course Syllabus

Course title and number

MA101 Introductory Algebra  
Fall 2011
4 credit hours

Instructor contact information

Chris A. Anderson
cell: 906/231-3615
email: ythchris@mtu.edu

Course time and place

Mondays and Wednesdays 5:05 - 6:50 pm
August 29 - December 7, 2011
Room 113, main campus.

Office hours

Mondays, 4:00 - 5:00 pm and by appointment

Materials needed

1. Textbook: Introductory Algebra; Author: Bittinger, Publisher: Pearson; 11th edition, ISBN-10:0321599217.
2. Journal, consisting of a three prong paper folder with lined paper (provided)
3. Account for computer lab.

Course description from the catalog

MA101 Beginning Introductory Algebra-4: Designed for students who did not have high school algebra, did poorly in high school algebra, or have not had algebra class in over 10 years.  The course covers fundamental operations with an emphasis on problem solving.  Topics include graphing, linear equations, exponents and introductory probability and statistics. 

Overall Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain algebraic concepts
2. Manipulate algebraic equations and inequalities
3. Solve story problems using algebraic concepts

 Assignments will be collected for evaluation every Wednesday

Evaluation and assessment of assignments include:

• Homework problems from each chapter (TBA)
• One journal entry for each class period, defined by addressing the following four (4) questions:

1. What was taught? (Learning objective written on board each day for each class period)
2. What was learned? (A written HOW TO do a particular type of math concept in complete sentences, with an example demonstrating knowledge and understanding)
3. How do you feel about what you are learning? (emotions)
4. Any other questions, comments, or complaints. (please state whether or not) 

Sample Journal Entry

1. Today’s objective was copied directly off the board: To understand how to convert fractions, decimals, and percents.
2. I learned how to convert fractions to decimals, and then percents. I learned how to convert decimals to percents. I also learned how to convert any decimal and percent to a fraction. The process I learned on how to convert was using a conversion circle provided by my instructor. The process for changing a fraction to percent requires two conversions. The first is to change the fraction to be a decimal. This is done by dividing the denominator into the numerator. My instructor has us divide only to the thousandths place. After the decimal answer is determined, simply move the decimal over two places to the right and add a percent sign. 
3. As I am only first exposed to this conversion circle, I feel it will take a while getting used to all these conversions. I will need practice.
4. I have no questions, comments or complaints at this time.

Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)

It is College policy to include some type of writing in every course. Policy conditions are to contain a writing assignment requiring a student to write at least three (3) paragraphs submitted during an in class activity. This will be due on Friday, April 8.

Cultural Integration

The Anishinabe culture, as well as other American Indian/Alaskan Native Tribes, will be discussed in correlation with material presented. 

Class activities

• Monday, August 29: First day of class
• Monday, September 5: Labor Day, no classes
• Wednesday, September 28: Exam 1 (5th week)
• Wednesday, November 2: Exam 2 (10th week)
• Wednesday, November 16: Writing Across Curriculum due (in class)
• Thursday, November 24 - Sunday, November 27: Thanksgiving Break, no classes
• Wednesday, December 7: Final exam (15th week); Semester ends

Evaluation and grading system

Course grade is weighted as follows: 

• Homework/Quizzes = 10%
• Journal Entries = 20%
• Exam 1 = 20%
• Exam 2 = 20%
• Final Exam = 30%

Grading scale:

100-90 -> A
89-80-> B
79-70-> C
69-60-> D

Course Outline

During the semester, we will cover chapters 1-11 of the course textbook: 

• Chapter 1: Prealgebra Review
• Chapter 2: Variable Expressions
• Chapter 3: Solving Equations
• Chapter 4: Polynomials
• Chapter 5: Factoring
• Chapter 6: Rational Expressions
• Chapter 7: Linear Equations in Two Variables
• Chapter 8: Systems of Linear Equations
• Chapter 9: Inequalities
• Chapter 10: Radical Expressions
• Chapter 11: Quadratic Equations

Class Attendance

Because academic success is closely related to class attendance, attendance is expected at all scheduled classes.  If there is an absence, it will be the student’s responsibility to make up material missed. For more than three absences, a meeting will be held to discuss the attendance policy during office hours.

Helpful hints and resources for students

• Take the chapter test in the textbook for practice — if you have questions make sure you get help
• Keep up with the lessons and homework
• Get together with someone else in the class to talk through any problems that seem to be taking a long time to solve — Don’t spin your wheels
• Tutoring services are available: Sally Klaasen, sandbkaasen@netzero.net
• Utilize my time during my office hours for extra help

Academic Integrity

Academic honesty and integrity are expected of all students.  Depending upon the specific nature of the offense, students found guilty of the following violations may receive an "F" grade for the test or assignment, or for the course, or may be dismissed from the College with a notation of the offense on their permanent record.  

Academic offenses include:

• Knowingly using, buying, selling, or having possession of an unadministered test.
• Copying of another student's work.
• Plagiarism (i.e. using someone else's ideas or words without proper acknowledgment).
• Deliberate misrepresentation regarding their fulfillment of course requirements.

Disability Statement

 If you need disability-related accommodations or services, please inform me and/or the Dean of Student Services at 111 Bear Town Road, Baraga, MI 49908, (353-4628). Reasonable and effective accommodations and services will be provided to students when requests are made in a timely manner with appropriate documentation in accordance with federal, state, tribal and college guidelines. 

School Closings

Classes will not be held whenever Baraga schools are closed due to inclement weather. Listen for announcements on Eagle Radio or call the station at 353-1057 for information on closings and delays. If scheduled classes will not be held for any other reason, the college will make every effort to contact you in advance. Please make sure the Enrollment Office has your current contact information.