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Class Contract For College Algebra
Spring 2012   Math 1003 Night

Instructor: Wes Black Text: College Algebra, 5th edition, Blitzer
Office Hours
9-10 MTR, 10-11 TR, 2-2:30 T
Office: E303
Phone:
224-0459
e-mail: Wes_Black@ivcc.edu
Tuesday Night Schedule Homework Class ID:  black23415

Prerequisite: Three years of high school mathematics (at the algebra and geometry level or beyond) with grades of B or better or the equivalent (Mth 0906 and 0907) and appropriate score on the math placement test.

Expected Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of algebra.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of functions.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of polynomial functions.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of other functions.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of systems of equations and inequalities.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of sequences, series, and the binomial theorem. 

Grading: (percentage) 100-90 A 89-80 B 79-70 C 69-60 D 59- F

Tentative Test Schedule:

Test 1 Jan 31 1.1-1.7
Test 2 Feb 28 2.1-2.8
Test 3 Mar 20 3.1-3.5
Test 4 Apr 10 3.6-4.4
Test 5 May 1 5.1-8.6
Final May 8 1.1-8.6

Tests: No exams may be taken LATE. You are encouraged to take an exam early if you think you will miss it or if you have already missed an exam earlier in the semester. The final exam will count twice. If you do not miss an exam, the final will replace your lowest test score. If you miss an exam, the final will replace your zero. If you score worse on the final exam, then all other tests will count and the final will only count once. All tests will be taken with a pencil or a 5 point deduction will occur. I repeat, no exam may be taken LATE. If you are not feeling well or are worried about missing an exam, I recommend taking it early especially if you have already missed one.

Homework Requirements: All homework will be done in MyMathLab (http://www.coursecompass.com). If you bring a computer to class, you must sit on the back row as to not distract other students. With a computer in class, you may only work on MyMathLab or you will leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period.

Extra Credit: On the day of each test , your overall cumulative homework average will be checked. If you have 98% or better, you will receive 4 pts extra credit. If you have 96% then 3pts, 94% then 2 pts and 92% then 1pt extra credit. Extra credit stops at 20 cumulative points.

Grading: Subject to change by instructor
approx. 120pts for homework, five 100pt tests and two 100pt comprehensive final

Cheating:
If you are caught cheating before the withdrawal date, you will be withdrawn from the course with a W. If you are caught cheating after the withdrawal date, you will receive an F for the final class grade.

Calculator:
You will need at least a scientific calculator. You may use a graphing calculator if you want, but you must show all or your work. You may not store any information in the graphing calculator (see cheating above). A random check may occur before/during exams to check calculator memory. Please remove calculator covers before each exam.

IVCC attendance policy:
"Students are expected to attend all classes regularly. If absence is unavoidable, it is the student's responsibility to explain the absence to the instructor and arrange to complete any work missed."

Withdrawal policy:
The last day to withdraw is April 9, 2012. Students have the ability to initiate a withdrawal from classes. By completing the form in the Records Office or on WebAdvisor, the student is authorizing IVCC to remove him/her from the course. Entering the student ID number serves as the student’s electronic signature. IVCC has the right to revoke a withdrawal in cases of academic dishonesty or at the instructor’s discretion. Students should be aware of the impact of a withdrawal on full-time status for insurance purposes and for financial aid. It is highly recommended that students meet with their instructor or with a counselor before withdrawing from a class to discuss if a withdrawal is the best course of action for that particular student.

School Closings and Class Cancellations: 
In the event of inclement weather, please tune to a local radio station for possible school closings.  If an exam is scheduled for a day that the school is closed or class is cancelled, it will be conducted during the next scheduled class period.  Check IVCC's Class Cancellations (http://www.ivcc.edu/cancellations/) and class announcements at CourseCompass/MyMathLab (http://www.coursecompass.com)

Special Needs:
You may be eligible for academic accommodations if you have a documented physical, psychiatric (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, AD/HD, post-traumatic stress, or others) or cognitive disability such as a learning disability.  If you have a disability and need more information regarding possible accommodations, please contact Tina Hardy at (
tina_hardy@ivcc.edu, 224-0284) or Judy Mika  Judy_Mika@ivcc.edu or 224-0350) or stop by office B-204.