Syllabus - Gina`s Math Classes

Math 15: Pre-Algebra
Palomar Community College
Summer 2015
Instructor: Gina Sanders
Contact: Phone: (760) 744-1150 x5440
Email: gsanders@palomar.edu
Course Website: http://www.ginasmathclasses.com/math015
Office Hours: M 3:00-4:40pm, TTh 4:30-6:00pm Room P-2H
Catalog Description: The basic arithmetic operations, integers, fractions, decimals, percents, ratio and
proportion, basic geometric concepts, problem-solving techniques, and an introduction to
algebraic thinking.
Class Meeting Time/Place: MTWTh 1:00 – 2:50 pm; NS 359
Textbook: Prealgebra 7th edition; Elayn Martin-Gay
Learning Outcomes: At the conclusion of the course, the successful student will be proficient in arithmetic with
integers, rational numbers, decimals and percents. They will be able to perform operations
with variable and unknown quantities.
Materials: You are required to have and bring to class every day a scientific calculator, a pencil or
pen and paper for taking notes and quizzes. I recommend a TI-30 or TI-36 calculator. I
will have loaner calculators available for the last two exams and the final. Calculators
will not be allowed on the first three exams.
Homework/ Participation: Homework will be assigned every class and collected each Thursday. Every week there
are 10 homework/participation points available. They can consist of: completing and
handing in your homework assignment; attending class and participating in group
activities. Your 5 highest scores will be counted. No late homework will be accepted.
Projects: There will be six projects handed out over the course of the semester. The projects are
designed to reinforce concepts learned in class. For the projects, you will be required to
apply the concepts you have learned. Projects will be due each Tuesday. Your lowest
project score will be dropped. Late projects will NOT be accepted.
Exams: There will be five regular exams and a comprehensive final. Exam dates are listed in the
class schedule. Absolutely no makeup exams will be given for any reason whatsoever.
Don't even ask. I will, however, replace you lowest exam score with the same grade you
receive on the final. The final exam will be held July 23rd at 1:00 pm. If you do not take
the final, your grade in the class will be an F, regardless of your other grades.
Grading: 5 exams @ 100 points each =
500 points
A
675 points or more
Homework/Participation =
50 points
B
600-674 points
5 projects @ 10 points each =
50 points
C
525-599 points
Final Exam =
150 points
D
450-524 points
Total =
750 points
F
Less than 450 points
Drop Policy: Attendance in this class is required. If you miss more than two class meetings before June
22nd, I will drop you. If you stop attending class between June 22nd and July 9th, you may
be dropped, but it is your responsibility to make sure you have been. If you don't, you may
receive an F for the course. No drops are possible after July 9th.
Disabled Students: Any student requiring special assistance due to a certified disability should meet with
me before the end of class on June 17th to make any needed arrangements.
Cheating Policy: The short story: Don't do it!! The long story: All students are responsible for upholding the
principles of academic honesty. The principles of academic honesty, as set by Palomar, are
at https://www.palomar.edu/facultysenate/ACADEMIC%20HONESTY.pdf . Incidents
that involve suspected violations of these principles may face the assignment of a failing
grade in a course and possible suspension from the college with a permanent notation on
their academic record.
Behavior: First, you are expected to treat me, and your fellow students, with respect at all times.
Disruptive behavior or disrespectful language can result in a temporary or permanent
expulsion from class, depending on the severity of the offense. If you are late, come in to
class quietly and tell me during the break why you are late. If you do not, you will be
marked absent. If you need to leave early, you need to tell me why before class begins, or
you will be marked absent. All cell phones must be turned off before class begins.
Expectations: Math 15 is the building block for every math class you have to take. It can be a very
demanding class. You should expect to spend 2-3 hours doing homework and projects for
each hour you spend in class. If you feel yourself falling behind, don't wait! Get help
immediately. I will be happy to help either before or after class time. I highly encourage
you to make use of the math lab, either at Escondido center or Palomar's main campus. In
order to use the math lab, you will need to register for N BASC 204, class #51053, a zero
unit, no cost class. In addition, group studying is highly recommended. You will be
surprised how simply talking through the topics and exercises will increase your
understanding! However, ALL assignments must be written up in your own words.
Welcome to Math 15!