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 calculator, and access to a device to complete online work.

Student Expectations

• Read and understand the syllabus.
• Log into the course regularly (everyday).
• Check announcements regularly for important information regarding the course.
• Watch videos 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.
• 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.
• Opens on a Monday at 12am and 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 assessment will be due by 11:59pm two days before the assessment date.

Knewton Assignment (Homework) (15%)

• All homework will be completed on Knewton Alta through Canvas.
• All assignments covered for each assessment will be due by 11:59pm two days before the assessment 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.
• 1 hour to complete and 2 attempts; the higher of the two scores will be recorded.
• You will have a 24-hour period on a Friday to complete each quiz, opens at 12am and closes at 11:59pm.
• 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.
• You will be required to submit your work in PDF form for 5 points.

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

• There will be a total of 3 exams and 1 final exam, with 1 attempt. 
• No makeups will be allowed for exams and final exams.
• Exams and final exam will be available on Canvas for a 24-hour period from 12am to 11:59pm and you will have a 2.5-hour window to complete.
• Once you start the exam or final exam you must complete it in one sitting.     
• You will be required to submit your work in PDF form for 5 points.
• It is suggested that you work out all exam and final exam problems online using pencil and paper and keep this work until the course is successfully completed. All work you submit must be your own.  At any point in the semester, you may be asked to meet with an instructor via Zoom to justify your solution process to select problems and/or discuss concepts you have demonstrated in your work.  You must set aside this time to meet within one week of notification from your instructor.  If you are unable to properly justify your submitted work, you will forfeit credit on the corresponding exam or final exam.  Failure to attend requested meetings will result in a zero score on the corresponding exam/final exam. 
• Exams or final exam that are not properly justified are considered violations of academic honesty and will be treated with the same penalties as outlined in the Academic Honesty Policy in this syllabus.
• Email me, ASAP, if you have any technical difficulties during an exam/final exam.
• Final exam will be cumulative and scheduled on the last day of finals week.

Important Notes

• Important dates
  • Last day to officially add a course: Monday, February 20
  • Last day to drop with no ‘W” grade: Monday, February 20
  • Last day to elect pass/no pass: Thursday, March 2
  • Last day to drop with a “W” grade: Tuesday, April 25

• 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.
• Finding your Path
  • Choosing a major can be hard. Find the right program to meet your academic and career goals through our Learning and Career Pathways (LCPs)! Whether you're planning to transfer, earn an associate degree, or develop new skills for the workforce, Cerritos College has a pathway to help you cross the finish line. The programs at Cerritos College are organized into 8 LCPs, based on broad areas of interest. Each LCP has its own Success Team made up of individuals to help you on your journey at Cerritos.
  • Explore our Learning and Career Pathways to find your path by going to Learning and Career Pathways