Elementary Algebra - Math 111
Fall 2005 – SC204 – MWF
10:00 – 10:50am
Text: Elementary Algebra (5th edition)
Dugopolski, Mark
Instructor: Shawn Chiappetta
Office:
Phone: 575-2081
Email: shawn.chiappetta@usiouxfalls.edu
Office Hours: MWF 1:30 – 3:30 pm
T 9:00 – 10:00 am
Other
times available by appointment.
Course Description:
This course is for students wishing to review the fundamental concepts of elementary algebra before taking MAT 112.
Mathematics finds great utility in nearly all
fields of study, including the social sciences, business and economics, the
natural sciences and computer or information science. The course will
emphasize not only the rules (axioms) and techniques of algebra, but their
applications to real-world problems.
Course Objectives: Through this course, the successful student will develop:
1. a solid understanding of the fundamental principles underlying algebraic structures and real number systems;
2. the ability to evaluate and manipulate expressions – including linear and quadratic expressions;
3. the ability to solve equations and inequalities involving integers, rationals, linear expressions, and quadratic expressions;
4. the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in future mathematics coursework;
5. a capacity for accurately interpreting algebraic information, and clearly expressing mathematical ideas and arguments in written and oral form; and
6. access to key modes of mathematical reasoning, including modeling, application, and especially abstraction.
Elements: This class will consist of 4 main elements: Lectures and classroom discussion, attendance, homework, and exams.
Grades: Grades will be determined according to the standard grading scale: 100 – 90 = A, 89 – 80 = B, 79 – 70 = C, 69 - 60 = D and 59 – 0 = F. Distribution of pluses and minuses will be made at the end of the semester.
Individual exceptions to this grading policy are left solely to the discretion of the instructor and as a general rule, will not be made.
Academic Integrity: I encourage you to collaborate and assist each other. However, that assistance should be a knowledge exchange, not the replication of the work of another. Plagiarism (with or without the permission of the originator) defeats the learning process and jeopardizes your success in the course. Give each other knowledge, not completed solutions. The personal battles of working through the difficulties of assigned homework are the only way a student grows to competence. Copying the exam work of another is dishonest and a violation of the ethical standards of USF (www.usiouxfalls.edu/stuserv/misconduct.htm). Allowing your work to be copied by another is equally a violation. Penalties will include no exam credit for either student. All students who observe an incident of cheating have an obligation to confidentially report such to the instructor.
Disability Statement: The
Attendance Policy: Faithful and consistent
class attendance should be considered the standard for regular coursework at
the
Schedule for the semester: The class schedule for the semester will be passed out in class as well as posted on the class website for students to plan. The schedule is a tentative schedule, and is subject to change during the semester. However, I will keep all exam dates the same as they are posted on the Schedule.
This syllabus results from the instructor’s effort to represent fairly the plan for this course. Circumstances may cause the instructor to make changes in the plan, but such changes will not be capricious and will be made in a timely fashion. Please speak with your instructor if there is anything in the syllabus about which you are unclear.