Spring 2005 Course Syllabus
Math 50 – Elementary Algebra (Online)
Section numbers 5784 and 5785 (4 units)
MyMathLab ID: toner47236
Instructor: Stephen Toner Web Page: http://www.stevetoner.com
email: toners@vvc.edu –Please write your name and Math 50 online in the subject line.
VVC voicemail: 245-4271, ext. 2770
Office: Liberal Arts (bldg. 30), office “U”
Office Hours: T,W,Th: 11:15 am –
12:00 pm
Wed:
Spring Exam Calendar: Section 5784 Section 5785
Saturday,
March 19 First Exam
Saturday,
April 30 Midterm Exam
NOTE: May. 3rd is the last day to drop and still receive a “W” grade.
Saturday,
June 4 Final Exam
*On
each exam date, there will be an optional Q&A session which will begin at
To each scheduled exam, bring a valid Photo ID (No ID…No Exam) and pencils with you.
Each on-campus exam will be administered in (Allied Health) building 32, room 5.
Calculators and PDA use will not be allowed during testing sessions.
These exam dates are mandatory for this online course. Mark your calendar accordingly. There will be no make-up exams.
If
alternate testing dates are required for a verifiably valid reason, appropriate
and acceptable arrangements must be
scheduled with the instructor prior to
Prerequisite: Math 10 (167) or Math 12 (159) with a grade of "C" or better, or eligibility as determined by placement on the VVC assessment exam. Be sure that you meet this requirement.
Textbook: Introductory Algebra, 9th edition, by Bittinger. All students must register for this course at MyMathLab.com using the Course ID: toner47236. Your textbook can be purchased new from the VVC Rams Bookstore (bundled with MyMathLab at no extra charge). If you purchase a used textbook, access to MyMathLab can be procured online at www.mymathlab.com for approximately $42. MyMathLab is a requirement for this online course.
Course Description: This course covers signed number arithmetic, square roots, order of operations and algebraic expressions. It also covers equation solving, factoring, graphs of linear equations and solving systems of equations.
Attendance Policy: It is your responsibility to keep your enrollment status current. You risk receiving an “F” if you decide to quit without officially withdrawing. You are responsible for checking the class pages regularly, for posting responses and asking relevant questions. All online homework assignments must be submitted on or before posted due dates (Please refer to the Course Schedule document for due dates).
Grading Policies: Each on-campus exam will count as 300 points toward your overall point total. Each chapter’s online exam will earn you up to 20 points. (I will drop your lowest online exam before computing your grade.) Online exams must be completed by the times listed in the Course Schedule.
First Exam – Chapters 1, 2, and 3 300 points
Midterm Exam – Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7 300
points
Final Exam – Chapters 8, 9, and
10 300 points
Online Chapter Exams 180 points 756 to 852 = C
TOTAL 1080 points 702 to 755 = D
Below 702 = F
Calculators: Calculators are helpful for learning concepts and useful as a study aid, but will not be allowed during exams.
My Philosophy: Online math classes tend to be more difficult than traditional math classes because of the amount of reading involved and the absence of face-to face communication. An online math class may also require more time expenditure because the student needs to obtain course materials and competency from a variety of sources, i.e., a required textbook or interactive multi-media textbook, video lectures, audio glossary, various web sites, practice exams, etc..
Online courses are not for everyone. They are intended for students who are unable, for various reasons, to attend class regularly in the traditional face-to-face setting. If you are looking for an “easy way out” of the rigor found in the traditional classroom, this online class will not likely suit you.
Learning involves interaction. To be successful in this course, it would be wise for you to devote an abundance of hours using all of the resources available to you. Do not forget that I am one of your major resources. Many students try to make this class into an independent study course, (unsuccessfully, I might add!). Please make every effort to watch the video lectures, as they are your primary means of instruction.
Selected Codes from the Student Handbook:
Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to disciplinary sanctions:
v Acts of dishonesty, including, but not limited to the following: cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty.
v Disruption or obstruction of teaching.
v Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health and safety of any person.
v Failure to comply with directions
of
v Conduct which is disorderly lewd, indecent, or obscene or expression which interferes with the college's primary educational responsibility.
Cheating and Plagiarism Defined:
The term "cheating" includes, but is not limited to:
v Use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations or
v Dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments or
v Acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic materials belonging to a member of the VVC faculty or staff.
The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to:
v The use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment.
v It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
(Please see the VVC Student Handbook for other elements of the Student Code of Conduct.)
Course and College Sanctions for Cheating and/or Plagiarism:
While students may work together on the researching of any assignment, it is
expected that each of their writing assignments reflect substantial individual
effort. Any student who commits plagiarism or is found to have cheated on a scheduled exam is subject to a
zero score for that specific exam and a term
grade of "F" for this course. Students should be aware that
cases of cheating and/or plagiarism will be forwarded to the appropriate
college administrator promptly. The college administration has a range of
sanctions that may be imposed including, but not limited to, academic
suspension or expulsion from the college.
Miscellaneous Items:
v In accordance with college policy, only students who are registered for this course are allowed to be present in the classroom during testing sessions. Unregistered friends, family members, or others cannot legally attend.
v Withdrawal from this course is the solely the responsibility of the student.
v If you
have a learning disability or physical need that requires special
accommodation, please advise me prior to
v Students are encouraged to read the Victor Valley College Catalog for additional information on college policies, student rights, and student responsibilities.