COURSE SYLLABI FOR MATHEMATICS

Grading Scale for all Face-to-Face Classes:

All of my classes are divided into two categories , online and face-to-face. Both formats utilize the Internet
in some capacity. All face-to-face classes will have three tests and four quizzes. Tests and quizzes will be given in
class. An online component has been created for each face-to-face class. We will utilize the MyMathLab platforms
to perform all online activities. MyMathLab is an excellent online format and has unique strengths such as guided
solutions and an algorithm that generate related problem.

All face-to-face classes will utilize the grading system identified below. Students will be given three tests
including the final exam. Two quizzes will be given before the midpoint in a semester and two quizzes will be taken
after. A comprehensive final exam will be administered during finals week. Your goal in a face-to-face class is to
accumulate as many points as possible. I do not give scheduled make-up tests, if you miss an exam in a face-to-face
class you will use your final exam as a substitute. You can use your final to replace a low score or substitute for a
missed exam but not both. Review sheets in face-to-face classes are given two week prior to exams. A review sheet
is designed to help you study for upcoming quizzes and tests. It is not a substitute for course material found in your
textbook or online.

The following is the grading system that will be utilized in all face-to-face classes.

Total 340 points

The grading system is essentially an averaging system. What every your total points are, I will divide them by
three.

ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA:

Elementary Algebra students are expected to know the order of operations and how to manipulate signed
numbers. A basic knowledge of computers and software is expected because a computer component is associated
with all of my Elementary Algebra sections. You are also expected to do some homework assignments online to take
advantage of the guided solutions in the MyMathLab program. You may use a calculator on every quiz and exam. If
you desire to buy a calculator, purchase a Texas Instruments Scientific calculator.

In the fall, I give each student the option of taking a fourth quiz or bringing an unwrapped toy. All of the
toys are donated to the Ronald McDonald House, Lutheran Children’s Services and churches in the area for
distribution to local families. A list of these churches can be provided upon request.

INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA:

Students enrolled in Intermediate Algebra must know how to factor. The first chapter we discuss in our texts
is Chapter 6 Simplifying Rational Expressions. This entire chapter consists of factoring in some capacity. A basic
knowledge of computers and software is expected because a computer component is associated with all of my
Intermediate Algebra sections. You are also expected to do some homework assignments online to take advantage of
the guided solutions. You are allowed to use a scientific calculator on every test and quiz including Final Exam. If
you wish to purchase a calculator, buy a Texas Instruments Scientific calculator. Each student is required to enroll in
a lab. Your attendance in the lab is required. If you miss more than the allotted number of days , I will subtract four
points from your overall average for each day you miss. The lab instructor determines whether a class is missed.

In the fall semester, I give each student the option of taking a fourth quiz or bringing an unwrapped toy. All
of the toys are donated to the Ronald McDonald House, Lutheran Children’s Services and churches in the area for
distribution to local families. A list of these churches can be provided upon request.

COLLEGE ALGEBRA:

You must know intermediate algebra!!!!!!!!!!

Every semester I get students that wonder if they are prepared to take College Algebra. Below is a guide
designed to help you to decide if you are prepared for this class. Answering yes to all of the following will give you
an advantage. If you cannot answer yes to all of the following, you may opt to retake intermediate algebra.

Sometimes one step backward can help you make two steps forward. You’re required to have a scientific calculator
in College Algebra. A Texas Instruments calculator is an excellent choice.

1. Are you prepared to do homework for at least one hour after each class?
2. Will your schedule allow you to spend at least three hours per week in the math learning center?
3. Have you taken intermediate algebra within the past three semesters? If so, are you confident
about your intermediate algebra skills.

A. Can you factor?
B. Can you simplify radicals ?
C. Do you know the laws of exponents ?
D. Do you know the difference between a term and a factor ?
E. Can you add, subtract, multiply, and divide negative and positive numbers ?

4. If you answered no to any part of question three, are you willing to spend 3-5 additional hours per week in the
math learning center to strengthen your foundation?

You are allowed to use a calculator on every test and quiz. I suggest you learn how to use your calculator
before the exam so it can be helpful on a test. I have decided to employ an online component to my college algebra
class. Each student will get an access code with a new textbook. If you buy a used text, you can purchase an access
code separately. MyMathLab will be the program used to support our in class assignments. All work can be done on
any computer with Internet access.

In the fall, I give each student the option of taking a fourth quiz or bringing an unwrapped toy. All toys are
donated to the Ronald Mc Donald House, Lutheran Children’s Services and churches in the area for distribution to
local families. A list of these churches will be provided upon request.

TRIGONOMETRY:

Some students take both College Algebra and Trigonometry in the same semester. If you are a recent high
school graduate, you may be successful. Nevertheless, students are usually not successful.

Face-to-face Trigonometry students will have three tests and four quizzes. Tests one and two will be given
during the semester and the final exam will be administered during finals week. Quizzes will be given before each
exam and a fourth quiz will be given near the end of the semester to give students a final review. We will utilize the
points system identified above for grading. You are allowed to use a calculator on every test and quiz. I suggest you
learn how to use your calculator before the exam so it can be helpful at test time. I have decided to employ an online
component to my Trigonometry class. Each student will get an access code with a new textbook. If you buy a used
text, you can purchase an access code separately. MyMathLab will be the program used to support our in class
assignments. All work can be done on any computer with Internet access. We will take quizzes on line but we will
take tests in class.

In the Fall, I give each student the option of taking a fourth quiz or bringing an unwrapped toy. All toys are
donated to the Ronald Mc Donald House or churches in the area for distribution to local families. A list of these
churches will be provided upon request.

Pre-Calculus and BUSINESS CALCULUS

You must know College Algebra!!!!!!!

Pre-calculus for business has a calculator requirement. The following Texas Instruments (TI) Graphing
calculators are similar and easy to use. The six calculators that can be used in class are: TI 83, TI 83
Plus, TI 83 Silver Edition, TI 83 Plus Silver Edition, TI 84, and TI 84 Plus Silver Edition. There are many graphing calculators
on the market. Some are easier to use than others. If you insist on buying the cheapest calculator, or if you mother, a
son, or a daughter has a calculator and you want to use it, I will not stop you. But I do not have instructions for all of
the calculators on the marked. In class we use Texas Instruments calculators. We will concentrate on one of the
calculator listed above. I do not recommend that you buy the following:

TI 85, TI 86, TI 86 Plus, TI 89, TI 93, TI Voyage, Hewlett Packard (any kind), Casio (any kind), Sharp (any kind).
These are all excellent calculators but are in someway more difficult to use.

Three tests and four quizzes will be given this semester. Test three, the final exam will be comprehensive
and given during final’s week. Quizzes and exams will utilize the grading system identified above.

In the fall, I give each student the option of taking a fourth quiz or bringing an unwrapped toy. All toys are
donated to the Ronald Mc Donald House, Lutheran Children’s services or churches in the area for distribution to local
families. A list of these churches will be provided upon request.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:

Acceptable classroom behavior is expected. If you feel that you must talk about non-math related topics,
take it outside. You will not be allowed to distract other students. I understand that this is a difficult and frustrating
class. School aged, children are not allowed in class. Turn cell phones off or on vibrate and if an important message
is expected, take it outside. Do not!! Take your frustrations out on other student or the workers in the math learning
center. Learn to deal with it.

ATTENDANCE:

Be on time for class. I understand the parking situation. This means that you need to come early. We will
follow the college attendance policy. If you miss more than an acceptable number of days, I will drop you from the
class without prior notice.

SUGGESTIONS THAT GUARANTEE SUCCESS:

Some students guarantee failure by taking too many classes and working too many hours. This does not
allow enough study time. If math is difficult for you, take your math class along with classes that do not require lots
of study time. Overall, think about the hours you plan to take. Allow yourself time to study and give yourself some
free time also. To guarantee success, you must make the necessary sacrifices.