MAT 104 SYLLABUSFall 2008
Instructor: Kate Smith / Office: Schroeder 124Phone: 438 - 7068 / Office Hours: M, T, R, F 9 – 10, 12 – 1
other times by appointment
Email: / Math Lab: Schroeder 118
Course Website: / Math Lab Hours: MTWR 9 am – 8 pm
Developmental Math Website: / Friday 9 am – 3 pm
/ Math Lab Phone: 438 - 3360
TEXTBOOK
Miller, O’Neill & Hyde. (2008). Intermediate Algebra (2nd Ed.). New York:
McGraw Hill.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
- The purpose of this course is to prepare you to take the mathematics courses required in your program of study. This course counts toward a full load and/or financial aid purposes. It does not count toward the 120 hours required for graduation. A grade of CREDIT or NO CREDIT is received, and this course does not affect your GPA.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Class will meet FIVE DAYS A WEEK! You are expected to attend all classes and be prepared for discussion of the topic with book, notebook and calculator. Not attending class regularly will negatively affect your grade. The course outline provided is subject to change, and you are responsible for any announcements made in class.
- A graphing calculator is needed for this class. The TI-83+ is required in MAT 119 and is the one we will use. A different type of calculator is fine as long as you know how to use it. Classroom instruction will use the TI-83+. There are graphing calculators available to borrow for use in the math lab.
- FREETUTORING is available to you during the hours listed above. The tutoring is available in the Math Lab located in Schroeder 118. Become familiar with the Math Lab; you will need to have assignments checked and signed by the tutors throughout the semester.
- Please turn off cell phones, pagers, PDA’s BEFORE class begins. If you are late to class, please enter quietly.
- If you work hard on the homework and seek help when you are struggling, you will do well in this course. Please DO NOT HESITATE to come to the Math Lab or see me during office hours for additional help if you do not understand a concept.
EVALUATIONGRADING SCALE
- Exams40%90 – 100% CR
- Quizzes10%80 – 89% CR
- Final Exam20%70 – 79% CR
- Class Participation/Attendance10%Less than 70% NC
- Worksheets20%
Exams – You will have four in-class tests. The tests will cover the previous one or two chapters.
Quizzes – You will have 4 quizzes. Quizzes typically cover one chapter. These quizzes will be given on If you need to take a hard copy of the quiz for some reason you may contact me and arrangements can be made. Quizzes must be submitted before midnight the day they are due.
In-class activities – You will periodically have in-class activities. These grades will go towards class participation/attendance and will be completed in class.
Worksheets – There will be 10 worksheets assigned throughout the semester. The worksheets will be collected and checked. They are typically given out at the beginning of the week and are due the following Friday. If the worksheets are late, you will receive a 10% deduction each day it is late. You will be given time in class to work in groups on these worksheets.
Attendance – You are expected to attend class. Your participation in class is crucial to your learning. If you are late to class, it is your responsibility to make sure you are recorded as present. It is your responsibility to obtain any material or announcements you missed. If I receive appropriate documentation, athletic activities and funerals will be considered excused absences.
0, 1, 2 absences = 100% 3,4 = 90%; 5 = 80% 6, 7 = 70% 8, 9 = 60% 10 or more = 0%
Final Exam – If you have an 89.5% or higher average after Test 4 you will be exempt from the final exam and you will receive credit for MAT 104. If you have a 79.5% or higher after Test 4, you will have the option of taking the Compass exam instead of the final. You must call the University Testing Office located in 346 Fell Hall at 438-2100. You will need to take your student ID and a calculator. If you bring me your score before the final exam date that demonstrates placement into a course above MAT 104, then you will receive credit for MAT 104. If you have less than a 79.5%, you will be required to take the final exam.
MAKE-UP POLICY
- No make-ups will be given for tests and quizzes. However, I understand that unexpected events such as illness, funerals, etc… will happen. At the end of the semester one test and one worksheet will be dropped from your grade. No excuses will be accepted for missed quizzes since you will have plenty of time to take them online (this includes technical difficulties).
- If you know you will miss a test due to an excused absence (i.e. athletic trip, extended illness), you may make arrangements with me at least two days prior to the scheduled date to take the test or quiz early.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
- You are expected to do your own work on all exams, quizzes and assignments (except on worksheets which you are allowed to work together on). The minimum penalty for cheating will be a zero on the exam or assignment with the possibility of failure of the course. Please read your handbook for consequences.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Be respectful – Attend class on-time and respect your fellow students by listening and
learning from their questions and comments. Respect the classroom and do not leave it a mess.
Be responsible – Bring the necessary materials to class.
Keep up with announcements and assignments made in class. Adequately prepare for tests and quizzes by completing the homework assignments and studying.
Use the resources of the Math Lab! Seek help when you are struggling.
Do your best!
INSTRUCTOR EXPECTATIONS
- To provide quality instruction regarding the content of the course.
- To provide feedback in a timely manner.
- To encourage students to perform to the best of their ability.
- To be available outside of class to provide extra help.
- To make class interesting and have some fun!
Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice), 438-8620 (TTY).