Please note that this syllabus provides a general outline for the semester; changes or adaptations may be required.

I encourage you to take advantage of office hours. Often there is not sufficient time in class to ensure that every student understands the material presented. Clearing up a small problem early will often avoid much confusion later on. Please do not hesitate to contact me for assistance. If office hours are not convenient for you, please email or call me. I am often able to answer questions over the phone and it is no inconvenience to me. I would like to help you pass this course, but I cannot help if you do not ask.

A significant time commitment on your part is necessary in order to be successful in this course. I encourage you to form 'study groups'. These groups can help you understand the homework assignments and to prepare for tests. Further assistance can be obtained from the Math and Writing Center (ISS), located in B2400-2450, which offers free tutoring.

Prerequisites: Placement into college-level mathematics.

Text: Blitzer, R. (2004) College Algebra, 3^rd Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0-13-101648-2. (Required).

Other Materials: The TI-83 OR TI-84 graphing calculator is required.

Course Description: This course is a functional approach to algebra that incorporates the use of appropriate technology. Emphasis will be placed on the study of functions and their graphs, inequalities, and linear, quadratic, piece-wise defined, rational, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Appropriate applications will be included.

Expected Educational Results (pdf)

Course Evaluation: Tests, exams, quizzes ,assignments and the final grade of the course will be calculated as follows:

^*Note: The lowest test score will be dropped. Also, you will be permitted to submit test corrections for the first three tests. The policy for the test corrections is available at: http://gpc.edu/~jweber/testCorrections2.htm
^**Note: The lowest four (4) quiz grades will be dropped. Quizzes will cover material from the previous 2-3 classes.

Grading Scale:

Tentative Test Dates:

12 Sept.
10 Oct. (I will be at a conference. Test II will be proctored by another instructor.)
9 Nov.
28 Nov.

Final Exam Date:

Tuesday, 13 Dec 2005, 5:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Assignments and Projects:
You should read the appropriate section of your text prior to class. Homework assignments will NOT be collected. Even so, you should be prepared to discuss the content of any particular homework question in class. However, you should complete the assignments to prepare for the tests and to make sure that you understand the material. You will need to complete assignments on topics not completely discussed in class. I will emphasize as many concepts as possible in class.

Make-up Work:
You are responsible for all work. If you are absent on any particular day, you will need to obtain any notes from a classmate.

Daily Schedule and Assignments

Missed Test/Quiz Policy (Revised: 30 August 2005):
Only ONE make-up test (for any of the first three tests) is permitted for extreme extenuating circumstances. The make-up test MUST be taken within ONE week of the original test. NO test corrections will be permitted for make-up tests. The next missed test will be the drop test. Any other missed test will be given a grade of zero. No make-up quizzes will be given for ANY reason.

Behavior Policy:
You are expected to demonstrate generally accepted classroom behavior. The Student Handbook gives a detailed description of acceptable behaviors. You are expected to know and follow these guidelines.

Attendance Policy:
Attendance will be taken at each class meeting. The instructor will NOT withdraw you from this class, regardless of the circumstance. To receive a W you must withdraw on or before the midterm date.

Withdrawal:
Students are expected to withdraw themselves if they feel they cannot complete the course. Withdrawal forms are available in the Registrar's Office. Withdrawals must be completed before the above stated midpoint date to receive a grade of "W" from the class.

Cheating Policy:
All student work must be that of the student submitting the work unless otherwise noted. Projects completed with partners or as small groups should be so noted with all names indicated on the papers. No phones, PDAs, notecards, notes, texts, or other outside assistance during tests or quiizes. According to college policy, you may NOT share calculators during a test or quiz. The giving or receiving of help from notes or another person during exams or tests may result in a grade of zero for this work and/or a grade of "F" in the course, and/or referral to the campus disciplinary committee for penalty, which may include suspension for the College. See Academic Honesty policy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGENTS' TEST

Students who are taking English 1102 are strongly encouraged to register for and take the Regents' Test.  You may register for the test even after drop/add is over in many cases. See a counselor to register.

When a student accrues 30 semester hours he/she MUST register for both parts of the test.  Students have two attempts to pass each part.  Students who do not pass in two attempts must take the appropriate remediation (es).

If a student accrues 45 semester hours and has not passed both parts of the test, he/she MUST take remediation, which takes precedence over any other class.  A student in this category may not register for collegiate classes unless registered for the remediation classes required.

When you register for the Regents' Test, DO NOT FORGET TO GO TO THE TEST ON THE PRESCRIBED DATE.

During the semester you register for the test, there will be free prep sessions offered by Reading and English teachers at GPC Rockdale. Take advantage of these sessions.  More students pass on the first attempt who have attended a prep session.

Americans with Disabilities Act Statement
If you are a student who is disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and require assistance or support services, please seek assistance through the Center for Disability Services. A CDS Counselor will coordinate those activities.

Center for Disability Services "ADA"
Students with a documented disability who require support services are encouraged to contact the counselors at the Center for Disability Services to determine whether they qualify for support services (tutors, interpreters, notetakers, and classroom modifications).  Please contact the Center at (404)-299-4038.

Equal Opportunity Statement
No person shall, on the basis of age, race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability, be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of Georgia Perimeter College.

Statement of Non-discrimination
Georgia Perimeter College supports the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order #11246, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. No person shall, on the basis of age, race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability, be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the college.

Any individual with a grievance related to the enforcement of any of the above provisions should contact the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Ombudsperson.