MA 104 Elementary Algebra Winter 2007
Meeting Times: MW 12:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: 101 Cook Hall
Instructor: Mr. Saldivar (Mr. sahl-dee-vahr) Tel. (616) 234 3522
Office:
Office hours by appointment. My teaching schedule follows.
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MWF |
7:45 to 10 a.m. |
Calculus with Maple |
All in 101 Cook Hall or in the computer room, 112 Cook Hall |
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MWF |
10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Calculus with Maple |
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MW |
12:45 to 3:00 p.m. |
Elementary Algebra |
Prerequisite: A score of C or better in Math 003 or its equivalent. This means, among other things, that you are familiar with arithmetic of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, as well as applications of ratio, proportion, percent, geometry, and measurement.
Required materials: 1) A ruler, 2) Paper to take notes, 3) A very simple calculator, and 4) the textbook: Introductory Algebra, by A. Saldiva
Course: This course is an introduction to beginning algebra with emphasis in graphical methods. The course shall prepare you for Intermediate Algebra, where a graphical calculator is used.
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Tentative Schedule: Tests: 2/5, 2/28, 4/2, 4/23 Quizzes almost everyday Final exam on Wednesday, May 2 at 1 PM. Tests and Quizzes can be cumulative. |
Cutoffs for grades: 95% = A, 90% = A-, 87% = B+, 83% = B, 80% = B-, 77% = C+, 73% = C, 70% = C-, 67% = D+, 63% = D, 60% = D-, 0-59% = E.
Attendance: You are responsible for obtaining the material you miss when late or absent. You should do this before the next class period. Contact me via e-mail or voicemail, at asaldiva@grcc.edu or 234 3522. If you stop coming to class at any time during this semester period I will assign you a WP as your final grade, except in cheating situations.
Make up policy: There is NO ordinary make-up for tests, quizzes, etc.
Only under very special circumstances, and at my discretion, alternative times may be arranged. These arrangements must be made before the class period following the test. Vacations are not a good reason for rescheduling.
Grading Policy: Typically there is no partial credit. Thus you should check your solutions before you hand in tests, quizzes, etc. Pay special attention to clarity. If something is not clear, instead of erasing it, scratch it, and start again. If your answer is not clear I will grade it as wrong.
Calculator Policy: For the first few weeks of the semester we will not use calculators. We will use calculators after we see fractions and problems relative to fractions. Once we start using calculators you may use them at any time.
Homework is assigned periodically but generally will not be collected. It is your responsibility to do it and understand it. We will spend some time going over homework problems in class, but if this takes up too much time, we will cover them outside of class time. I welcome questions from students who initially try to do the problems on their own.
I encourage you to get together with other students to study and do homework together. When doing homework or assignments, it is ok to get help, but after seeing the solution redo the problem on your own.
Take advantage of the tutoring lab!!!
No sharing of materials is allowed during tests and quizzes. Talking to other students will be considered as cheating even if the conversation is unrelated to the test.
Cheating Policy: I do not tolerate cheating in tests or quizzes. I will pursue the greatest academic discipline if I know of a cheating situation.
Classroom: Food is not allowed in the classroom. Drinks are ok. Please turn off your telephones and avoid chewing gum loudly.
Seating places: If space permits, there will be an empty chair between students during tests and quizzes. I reserve the right to move students.
Special Needs: If you are a student with a special need, please let me know early in the semester. This class is hard enough without any special needs, so if there is anything I can do to facilitate your learning, please let me know.
Personal comments or questions should be addressed outside of class time. I could be more receptive and understanding if you make a point of seeing me outside of class, for I would not want to establish a precedent.
Make sure you can devote enough time to study!