Precalculus MAT 170 Syllabus

Fall 2009
This course will run from August 24 to December 10, 2009.

Instructor:  Elizabeth (Beth) Jones Office:  PSA 725 Phone:  480-965-4240
e-mail address:  bethjones@asu.edu
Office Hours:
TTh 12 noon - 1 pm
W 8:30 am - 9:30 am
 and by appointment
There will be no office hours October 8,
November 5, November 11, and November 26.  (Please note that this list is subject to change.)
Please note:  The best way to contact the instructor is by email.  Calling the office and leaving a message will result in a delayed response.

Important Web Addresses to Bookmark:
Direct Connection to Homework:  http://webwork.asu.edu
Instructor's Web Page: http://www.public.asu.edu/~kamman

Important dates:

Drop Back Deadline:   - Monday, September 14 - this is the last day a students can move to a lower level class (MAT 117) .  Go to PSA 211.

Course Withdrawal Deadline:  check date on-line – this is the last day a student can withdraw from a single class.   You may complete the process on-line at https://www.asu.edu/go/studentcenter/

Complete Withdrawal:  check date on-line - this is the last day a student can withdraw from all ASU classes.  You may read about the process on-line at http://students.asu.edu/withdrawal

It is a student's responsibility to verify that they have in fact withdrawn from a class.

Tentative Topics and Assignment Schedule:  click here to link to the topic schedule


Other Important Information:

PREREQUISITE(S):  Students entering MAT 170 (Pre-Calculus) are expected to have completed
1.   MAT 117 (College Algebra) or its equivalent with a grade of A, B, or C.
2.   ALEKS placement exam with a minimum score of 50% (This exam is taken online and must be completed prior to registering for any calculus/precalculus math course.).

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THE COURSE:

1. Textbook:  PreCalculus Essentials, 3rd Edition by Blitzer

2.  Graphing Calculator:  A graphing calculator is required (or highly recommended) for this course. If you already have a graphing calculator, you may use it. Highly recommended models include the TI-83 or Casio 9850 GB Plus or 9750 G models.  Calculators that perform algebraic steps, like the Casio FX2, Casio 9970 G, TI-89 and the TI-92, are not permitted in the Testing Center and are not permitted to be used on tests!  Practice with a calculator that you will be able to use during the midterm exams and final exam.  NOTE:  Graphing calculators may only be used for basic arithmetic operations, calculating logs and exponentials, graphing (and related operations where permitted), and calculating trigonometric functions where not indicated otherwise.  You cannot write or use any programs or notes in your calculator that perform algebraic steps for you or that calculates a solution to a problem (i.e. calculating the roots of a polynomial).

3.  Computer Access: You need access to the World Wide Web on a computer that uses an up-to-date web browser to input your online homework.

Attendance: 

For Fall and Spring semesters, classes that meet four days a week, the maximum number of allowed absences is eight (8).   For classes that meet three days a week (MWF, for example), the maximum number of allowed absences is six (6).   For classes that meet two days a week, the maximum number is four (4).   For classes that meet once a week, the maximum number is two (2).  For classes that meet on other schedules, the number of absences allowed should reflect a similar ratio (two weeks worth of class meetings).

      Students who exceed the number of allowed absences will receive a grade of EN.

Homework Assignments:  All non-written homework assignments are submitted on-line using a program called WeBWorK.  This can be accessed directly through the website http://webwork.asu.edu.  All homework assignments must be submitted by 11:59 pm on the due date given in the topic calendar or as indicated in class.  Although WeBWorK only requires answers, it is highly recommended that you write out complete algebraic solutions to each WeBWorK problem.

Written Homework Assignments:  Written homework assignments will be made during the semester in class.  These assignments will be due at the beginning of class on the due date indicated.

Homework Makeup Policy: Homework assignments are due by the date and time listed in the syllabus. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED for any personal excuses or personal computer problems.  Makeups for the assignment are given at the discretion of the instructor and only in the case of verified medical or other appropriate documented emergencies. Notify your instructor before the deadline time/date of the assignment. The instructor is not required to accommodate you.

How your grade is determined:
 
Midterm Exams: 50%
Final Exam: 25%
Homework, Quizzes, Attendance, Projects: 25%

Grading Scale:
 
A  90 to 100%
B 80 to 89%
C 70 to 79%
D 60 to 69%
E Below 60%


Departmental Drop Back: Based on results of a readiness test and advising from the course instructor, a student may elect to drop back to a lower level math course before the drop back deadline. The student should go to the Undergraduate Mathematics Office in PS A211 to initiate a drop back request.

Instructor-Initiated Drop: At the instructor's discretion, any student who has not  attended class during the first week may be administratively dropped from the course. However, students should be aware that failure to attend during the first week does NOT automatically result in their being dropped from the course. Thus, a student should not assume he/she is no longer registered for a course simply because he/she did not attend class during the first week. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of his/her registration status.

Final Exam Make-up Policy: The final exam schedule listed in the Schedule of Classes will be strictly followed. Exceptions to the schedule and requests for make-up examinations can be granted only by the Dean.   See information about the final scheduling online at http://students.asu.edu/final-exam-schedule#spring

The grade of XE: A grade of XE is reserved for "failure for academic dishonesty." The grade goes on the student's transcript; the student needs to petition to have it removed after 1 year.

Classroom behavior: Under no circumstances should you allow your cell phone to ring during class. Any disruptive behavior, which includes ringing cell phones, listening to your mp3 player, text messaging, constant talking, eating food noisily, reading a newspaper will not be tolerated. Students who engage in disruptive classroom behavior may be subject to various sanctions. The procedures for initiating a disruptive behavior withdraw can be found at http://clas.asu.edu/classroom/disruptive.

Disclaimer:  I, the instructor, have the right to change this syllabus as I see fit.  Any changes will be announced in class.  It is the student's responsibility to attend class and thus be aware of such changes.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY!  In the “Student Academic Integrity Policy” manual, ASU defines “’Plagiarism” [as] using another's words, ideas, materials or work without properly acknowledging and documenting the source. Students are responsible for knowing the rules governing the use of another's work or materials and for acknowledging and documenting the source appropriately.” You can find this definition at: http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/studentlife/judicial/academic_integrity.htm#definitions. Academic dishonesty, including inappropriate collaboration, will not be tolerated. There are severe sanctions for cheating, plagiarizing and any other form of dishonesty.

Disability Accommodations:  Please schedule an appointment to see your instructor or come by during office hours if you have a diability that will require accommodations in this class.  Note:  To qualify for disability accommodations at ASU, students must qualify for services through the Disability Resource Center (DRC), which is located on the first floor of the Matthews Center Building at 480-965-1234 (voice) or 480-965-9000 (TTY).  Please complete this process as soon as possible.