MAT 003 Algebra Review (3 unit)

Grading Policy:

10% of grade =	“You Try” Homework.
10% of grade	Online Homework
10% of grade =	Quizzes
70% of grade =	2 Midterms (20% each) 1 Final (30%)

Exams

Quizzes: First 15 minutes every Monday

Midterms and the final exam are cumulative common exams written and graded by the math department. Quizzes and homework tests are written and graded by the individual instructors. To receive credit for the course, a minimum score of 70% is required.

Midterm dates and chapters covered for each are:
Midterm 1 – Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008 - Chapters 1-3
Midterm 2 – Wednesday, Nov 12, 2008 - Chapters 1-7
The final exam is given according to the CSUDH final exam schedule, on Wednesday, Nov 17, 2008 from 11:30AM to 1:30PM. It covers Chapters 1-10.
There are no makeup exams. In the event of an extreme emergency which can be documented, or a known, extremely important conflict also which can be documented contact the instructor as soon as possible by email or in class.

Homework and Class Participation

Homework: Homework has three major components.

1) All “You try” problem in the text or the online eBook. These problems follow similar worked- out examples in the book. These problems should be done in a notebook, with your name and the book section on the top of each page. Show your work for each problem. Check each answer (given at the end of each section) and cross out and redo the problem if there is a mistake. The instructor will check that this work for completeness from time to time during class. Bring your homework notebook to class. The work for each section is due at the beginning of the next session after it is shown in the schedule. 10% of grade.

2) Online through MathZone. Dates and times of completion are listed for each assignment. The advantage of doing online exercises for homework is that you will be provided with instant feedback and hints on how to properly complete each exercise. Homework done late will not be counted. 10% of grade.

3) Review Assignments for Midterms and Final, that is, the mid-chapter reviews, chapter summaries, review exercises, chapter tests, and cumulative reviews. (These assignments are listed online.) Do these exercise sets when we reach them, check the assigned problems (answers are in the back of the book), correct any errors. We will discuss these problems during the review sessions

Take homework seriously! It is the main vehicle for learning in math classes.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend every scheduled class, arrive on time and remain for the whole class session. It is the student’s responsibility to keep informed of any announcements, syllabus adjustments, or policy changes. Students who miss the first two classes will be dropped.

Behavior: The most important rule for this class is RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS. Therefore, no disruptive behavior will be permitted during class time; this includes but is not limited to coming to class late, leaving early, use of cell phones or other electronic devices except your scientific calculator. All such electronic devices must be turned off and remain out of sight.

Participation: Student participation is expected such as contributing to group and class discussions.

Creating Conditions for Successful Learning

Research shows success in math class depends very much on two factors: the amount of time spent working on the material, and the student’s beliefs about mathematics and what it means to understand and do mathematics. With this in mind, here are some suggestions:

• Be in class, every class, and be on time.
• Be prepared to participate in group work and discussions every day so that class time is not wasted, and
• Spend at least 1 hour every day, not including class time, working on homework assignments, and studying. This class covers a lot of material quickly. You need to keep up.
• Realize that mathematics is not just a set of procedures, and that mathematical concepts involve a lot of thinking and reasoning. Consequently, being able to execute procedures accurately is only one part of doing well in this class.
• Realize that success in mathematics is less about “ability” and more about willingness to think and to work hard to make sense of things.

In addition, you need to have:

• your assignments with you and ready to turn in on the day they are due
• the phone numbers and emails of at least 5 classmates (preferably “study buddies”) who will work with you in partnership to collect any handouts and inform you of important information should you miss a class.

Classroom Norms

As we will spend a lot of time working in partnerships, in groups, and in class discussions, here are some rules to help you navigate what may be an unfamiliar experience in a math class.

• Never call out an answer until the person leading the classroom has given permission. Raise your hand.
• This is a safe environment. That means that you should feel free to ask a question or offer an opinion or an answer, and no one will make fun of you for what you say.
• If you are working with classmates, work with them. Do not wait and hope that others will do your work for you, and do not move on to other assignments while your classmates are struggling to understand the current one.
• Be considerate of others. In addition to the ways to be considerate listed above, do not dominate group or class discussions. Remember that everyone needs an opportunity to share his/her ideas.
• Do not expect me to validate your answers or those of anyone else.  You are responsible for making sense of answers and solution methods, and you should always look for ways to verify your work.
• Cell phones should be off or set to “vibrate.” Do not place a call during class, and do not answer a phone call without first leaving the room.

These rules are meant to benefit the entire class, and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and to learn.

Academic Integrity

The mathematics department does not tolerate cheating. Students who have questions or concerns about academic integrity should ask their professors or the counselors in the Student Development Office, or refer to the University Catalog for more information. (Look in the index under "academic integrity".)

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Cal State Dominguez Hills adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with temporary and permanent disabilities. If you have a disability that may adversely affect your work in this class, I encourage you to register with Disabled Student Services (DSS) and to talk with me about how I can best help you. All disclosures of disabilities will be kept strictly confidential. Please note: no accommodation may be made until you register with the DSS in WH B250. For information call (310) 243-3660 or to use telecommunications Device for the Deaf, call (310) 243-2028.

(Parts taken from the Math Dept syllabus)