Course Syllabus

Course Description

This course is a second course in algebra.   This course explores multiple representations of functions and relations.  The types of functions studied will include linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic.  These functions will be used in solving a variety of equations and inequalities, systems of equations, and application problems.  

Student Learning Outcomes

• Create, analyze, and interpret nonlinear models of real-world applications
• Communicate mathematical thinking coherently and clearly with appropriate use of mathematical notation and vocabulary
• Express answers in complete sentences when appropriate
• Demonstrate an understanding of relations and functions and convert flexibly among and use various representations for them, including tables, graphs, equations, and verbal descriptions
• Use appropriate technology to foster mathematical understanding, solve mathematical problems, and judge the reasonableness of results

Required Textbook and Materials

Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!
Intermediate Algebra from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-03-4 

You have several options to obtain this book:

• View online
• Download a PDF
• Order a print copy

You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.

Access to Knewton Alta ($39.95), a TI-83/84 graphing calculator, and access to a PC or Mac.

Student Expectations

• Read and understand the syllabus.
• Log into the course regularly (everyday).
• Check announcements regularly for important information regarding the course.
• Watch video assignments (lectures) and take notes (guided notes) before starting your Knewton assignments.
• Complete all Knewton assignments (homework) in a timely manner.
• Complete all discussions.
• Complete all quizzes.
• Complete all exams (3 total) and the final exam on the scheduled dates, in-person.
• Attend office hours if you have any questions or would like to work on homework.

Grading and Assignment Policy

Your grades are updated regularly in the gradebook on Canvas. If you have any questions about your grade, contact the instructor immediately. Your final grade for this course will be determined by the following:

Your final grade is based on the following grading scale.

The grade for this course will be determined according to the following formula.

Course Policies

Discussions (5%)

• Expect to complete a discussion every other week for a total of 8.
• You will need to post your response to a prompt before seeing other students’ responses.  
• Employ proper “netiquette” (or “net etiquette”) in your online communications. Any student not following netiquette rules will be in violation of student conduct, which in turn will be reported.
• Each discussion opens on a Monday at 12am and will close the following Sunday at 11:59pm.

Video Assignments (Lectures) (5%)

• Expect to watch lecture videos for each section while following along with the guided notes. All guided notes are in located in the Files link and in the Guided Notes folder.   
• A schedule of the sections to complete each week are located on the last page of the syllabus. You may move quicker through the material but make sure you keep on track for the exams. 
• All video lectures covered for each exam will be due by 11:59pm the Sunday before the exam date.

Knewton Assignment (Homework) (15%)

• All homework will be completed on Knewton Alta through Canvas.
• All assignments covered for each exam will be due by 11:59pm the Sunday before the exam date.
• Knewton always saves your place with assignments. You may start and finish on another date. 
• All late homework will result in zero. Late homework cannot be made up.  
• Make sure you complete your homework in a timely manner. Do not wait until the last minute.
• You will need to purchase an access code for Knewton Alta, which can be purchased through Canvas. (a two-week trial period available).

Quizzes (15%)

• There will be a total of 6 quizzes throughout the semester.
• You will have a 1 hour to complete with 2 attempts; the higher of the two scores will be recorded.
• Each quiz will be open on Thursday at 12am and close on a Friday at 11:59pm.  
• LockDown Browser is required.
• Once you start the quiz you must complete it in one sitting.   
• No makeups will be allowed for quizzes.
• Each quiz will be from 25 to 30 points.

Exams (40%) and Final Exam (20%)

• There will be a total of 3 exams and 1 final exam.
• No makeups will be allowed for exams and the final exam.
• All exams and the final exam will all be taken in-person on the scheduled dates. Make sure to put these dates on your calendar.  They are set in stone and will not change.

Important Notes

• Important dates
  • Last day to get a refund/instructor initiated add:  Thursday, 8/25
  • Last day to drop with no “W” grade: Tuesday, 9/6 
  • Last day to elect pass/no pass: Tuesday, 9/20
  • Last day to drop with a “W” grade: Monday, 11/14

• Netiquette 
  • It is important to be intentional about making sure we “see” each other in an online community. You can do this by making sure that everyone in the course has at least one response. 
    • Tip: If you are unsure who to respond to, try looking for posts that have not yet received a reply.
  • Your contributions to our discussion are important, but our learning community will not benefit from them unless you post on time.
    • Tip: Set calendar reminders to make sure you contribute on time.
  • Do not use all uppercase letters in online communication, it is usually interpreted as yelling.
  • Sarcasm does not translate well in an online environment. It is best to avoid the potential pitfalls of misunderstood messages.

• Attendance

  • Students showing no activity during the first week of classes will be dropped.  Students must log in regularly to Canvas/Knewton.  If there is no activity for 3 days in a row, then you may be dropped from the course. 

• Academic Accommodations 

  • If you have a documented disability and need academic accommodations, you are encouraged to contact not only your professor, but also a Student Accessibility Services (SAS) counselor as soon as possible. SAS is located on the first floor of the Liberal Arts and Disabled Students Programs and Services Building. For more information, visit the SAS website.

• Student Conduct Policy
  • Students are responsible for upholding the Standards of Student Conduct (BP5500) (Links to an external site.), including academic honesty and behavior expectations. 

• Academic honesty/dishonesty policy

  • Academic dishonesty is defined as the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for work using any dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent means. If you are found violating the academic honestly-dishonesty policy, you will receive a failing grade on that assignment. Repeat offenders will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Grievances for further administrative action, such as suspension or expulsion from Cerritos College.  For more information, visit the Academic Honesty -Dishonesty Policy.

• Basic needs
  • Cerritos College Food and Housing Insecurity Taskforce seeks to improve student’s ability to access food and housing resources. The taskforce is committed to fostering community partnerships, increasing awareness, advocating for resources, and addressing barriers to create a safe and supportive campus for our students to be successful.  For more information, visit the Falcon Basic Needs website.