Text: Intermediate Algebra, by J. Slater and J. Tobey (5th ed), including the Supplementary Exercises booklet. Optional: Student’s Solution Manual with solutions to odd-numbered exercises.

 

Expectations: Students are expected to regularly attend and participate in classes, study and review the lecture topics, do the assigned homework, participate in the quizzes, and take all the pretests and exams. Here are some rules that can help students on their way of learning mathematics.

 

Assessment and Grading: The final grade in the course will be determined by the following grade scale:

 

 

 

 

 

Please, observe that the passing grade is C. Grade DC and lower grades are not passing grades.

 

 

Course Structure: The total score in the course consists of three parts. The first part is worth 200 points and is based on homework, review quizzes, in-class participation and attendance. The second part is based on the score from four exams, each worth 100 points. The last part is the final exam, worth 200 points. Thus, the maximal possible score in the course is 800 quality points, as shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please note that homework is assigned each time. Most of the homework is graded through an online quiz. In addition to this, a selected part is due to submission at the beginning of the next class. An average on a session of homework assignments will be taken. Apart from homework, there are review quizzes (each of about 10-15 min). Participation is mostly awarded through in-class discussion for mathematically correct presentations. Bonus points are also possible. In addition, questions related to problems covered during class time can appear in the online homework quizzes. Attendance is taken on regular basis. Please, note that poor attendance usually results in in low test results. If you missed a class, obtain lecture notes from a fellow classmate, read the topic in the textbook,  and do the homework please.

 

 

Homework policy: An outline for each homework assignment is regularly posted online. Your duty is to print out the worksheet and write on it. In all collected work, both homework and quizzes, you should write in a legible way. If I cannot read your work I will not be able to grade it. An assignment should be completed on due date. In general, no late homework is accepted. If you know that you will not be able to show up for the class, hand in your homework earlier or have a classmate handing it in for you.

 

 

Pretests and In-Class Exams: Each exam can be taken twice, first as a Pretest and then as an In-class Exam. The higher of the two scores will count for the official exam grade. Pretests have no time limit and are taken in the Test Center (2227 Rood Hall) on assigned days. The In-class Exams will be in the regular classroom (3393 Rood Hall) during class time extended for 5 minutes. For Exams Schedule, choose the appropriate tab on the left hand side of this webpage. Otherwise, the Test Center and Exams Schedule can be found on your WebCT calendar as well as at the official Mod Math website at http://www.wmich.edu/modmath/spring2008_publisher/index.htm.

 

 

Make-up policy: In general, there will be no make-up quizzes. The same rule holds for the exams. Since you have a choice of three different days to take a Pretest and a scheduled date for an In-class Test, you should plan ahead. If you missed both a Pretest and an In-class exam for valid reasons, bring your documentation please and contact Dr. Radu Teodorescu, the Director of the Modular Math Program, at his office (3327 Everett Tower), by phone (387-4521) or through e-mail (radu.teodorescu@wmich.edu). If you took the Pretest and know that you will miss the In-class Test, please contact Dr. Teodorescu at least two days before the posted time in order to schedule some alternate time for the exam, if possible.

 

 

Attendance: Attendance is taken on regular basis. You are allowed three excused or ‘grace’ absences when no questions will be asked. Save your ‘free’ absences for true emergencies and illnesses that do not require medical services. After the third absence I will expect documentation (a doctor’s note, towing or car repair bill, obituary, etc); without that, you will first lose 5 and then 10 participation points which can affect your grade. Once again, note that poor attendance usually results in low test results. If you missed a class, get the lecture notes from a fellow classmate, read the lecture outlines posted on WebCT and do the homework please.

 

 

Classroom policy: Classroom behavior is important in the learning process. Most students conduct themselves well in class. Here are the things that will not be tolerated during class: listening to i-pods or other audio devices, text messaging and using cell phones, using laptops, chatting with friends, coming to class under influence, disrespecting me or fellow students. If your behavior continually disrupts others who are trying to learn, I will have to take measures. For example, participation points may be taken away.

 

 

Disabilities/Learning Disorders: If you have or acquire a disability or have or discover a learning disorder, please contact first the Disabled Students Resources and Services. To schedule an exam that will accommodate your needs, you should contact Dr. Radu Teodorescu at his office (3327 Everett Tower), by phone (387-4521) or through e-mail (radu.teodorescu@wmich.edu) at least three working days prior to the regular in class exam. Also, students with learning disabilities and learning disorders can take longer review quizzes during office hours.

 

 

Cheating will not be tolerated. You are encouraged to attend office hours and study in groups with fellow students, but the final work you turn in must be yours. You should do all the calculations and the graphs by yourself. If your work looks too similar to someone else's, cheating might be suspected and investigated in accordance with university policies.

 

 

Academic Integrity: You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the Undergraduate Catalog (pp. 268-270) that pertain to Academic Integrity. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. You will be given the opportunity to review the charges). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test. In particular, use of a cell phone during any testing will be considered an attempt to cheat.

Director of the Modular Math Program:

Dr. Radu Teodorescu

Office: 3327 Everett Tower

Phone: 387-4521

e-mail radu.teodorescu@wmich.edu

 

Instructor:

Violeta Kovacev-Nikolic

Office: 2263 Rood Hall

Phone: 387-4518 or 387-4519

e-mail: violeta.kovacevnikolic@wmich.edu

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructor Office Hours (2261 Rood Hall):

Syllabus

Math Lab Hours (2261 Rood Hall):