Syllabus

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Attendance: Because math and science learning require prior learning from earlier material in the course, mathematics and science courses do not naturally lend themselves to high absenteeism. Furthermore, each student is expected to be present in the class to interact with the teacher and other students in the learning process, so as to enhance the learning for all. Therefore, as by college policy, if a student misses more than ten percent (4.5 class sessions, 2 tardys = 1
absence) of the total scheduled class time, the student is subject to the possibility of receiving an F grade for the course at the discretion of the instructor, excluding cases of excused absences. Further, it is the department policy that if  a student misses more than 15 percent (7 class sessions) of the total class time for any reason or reasons, the student will receive a grade of F for the course and will not be allowed to take the Final Exam. Therefore it is highly recommended to save your absences for emergencies.

CellPhones should be put away when class starts. Anyone using a cell phone during will be asked to leave the room. Using a cellphone during a test will be considered cheating and the student will receive a 0% for that test.

Title IX Compliance Statement
Northern Marianas College does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender
in any educational program, employment or activities.
Sexual assault and sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination
prohibited by Title IX. Educational institutions that receive Federal
financial assistance are prohibited under Title IX from subjecting any
person to discrimination on the basis of sex. (DCL, 2015)

Instructional Goals
The course will introduce students to:

1.0 Concepts of Elementary Algebra; (Chapter 1)
2.0 Introduction to Graphs and Functions; (Chapter 2)
3.0 Linear Functions, Equations, and Inequalities; (Chapter 3)
4.0 Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities; (Chapter 4)
5.0 Radicals and Complex Numbers; (Chapter 5)
6.0 Quadratic Functions, Equations, and Inequalities; (Chapter 6)
7.0 Rational Expressions and Rational Functions; (Chapter 7)

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to

1.0 Demonstrate the use of the rules of exponents, factoring polynomials, and solving equations;
2.0 Find distance and midpoints as well as graphing functions using slope, intercepts, and transformations of graphs;
3.0 Find the equation of lines, linear inequalities and absolute value inequalities as well as the application of these in word problems;
4.0 Graph and solve linear equations and inequalities and systems of linear equations in size 2x2 and 3x3;
5.0 Apply scientific notation and the use of rational exponents in simplifying, multiplying, and solving radical and complex numbers and equations;
6.0 Use of factoring, square root method, completing the square, and quadratic formula to solve applications as well as graph quadratic functions and inequalities in one variable;
7.0 Demonstrate the ability to simplify, multiply, add, subtract, solve and graph rational functions and rational inequalities in one variable;

NMC Mission Statement: "Northern Marianas College, through its commitment to student learning, provides, high quality, affordable and accessible education programs and services for the individual and people of the Commonwealth."

NMC Institutional Philosophy: Respecting the human dignity and unique talents of each person, Northern Marianas College is dedicated to helping its students actualize their potentials for the enhancement of their individual lives as well as for the improvement of the Commonwealth as a whole. The College is committed to an on-going process of planning, assessment, re-evaluation, and improvement in all aspects of its mission.

Academic Dishonesty

Cheating: Cheating, includes, but is not limited to, giving or receiving unauthorized help during an examination, obtaining unauthorized information about an examination before it is administered, using inappropriate sources of information during an examination, altering the record of any grade, altering answers after an examination has been submitted, falsifying any official College record, or misrepresenting facts in order to obtain exemptions from course requirements.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism, includes, but is not limited to, satisfying any academic requirement by submitting any document that has been copied in whole or part from another individual’s work without identifying that individual; neglecting to identify as a quotation a documented idea that has not been assimilated into the student’s language and style, or paraphrasing a passage so closely that a reader is misled as to the source; submitting the same written or oral material in more than one course without obtaining authorization from the instructors involved; “dry labbing,” which includes (a) obtaining and using experimental data from other students without express consent of the instructor, (b) utilizing experimental data and laboratory write-ups from other sections of the course or from previous terms during which the course was conducted, or (c) fabricating data to fit the expected results.

Students found guilty of academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism, shall be liable to suspension or dismissal from NMC. A student may request to challenge the infraction charged against him or her. The Office of the Dean of Student Services addresses all student misconduct.

Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend all meetings of their classes, not only because they are responsible for material discussed therein, but because active class participation by every student is essential to ensure maximum benefit for all members of the class. Absence from more than 10% of scheduled classes may be considered grounds for a failing grade in the course. Students who miss a class should report to their instructor upon their return to inquire about making up the work missed. Students who know that they will miss class should inform their instructor in advance in order to obtain upcoming assignments.

Disability Statement: The Northern Marianas College (NMC) is committed to ensuring, through a variety of services, access to facilities and programs to students with either permanent or temporary disabilities. the Disabilities Support Services coordinates NMC's accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis at the request of the student. Current (and prospective) students interested in receiving more information regarding services for students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services at (670) 237-6785, located in Building I adjacent to the NMC Snack Bar.

Classroom Etiquette: Cell phone usage in the classroom is extremely disruptive to students as well as the instructor. Cell phones must be turned off upon entry into the classroom. Leaving the classroom to answer cell phone calls or send text messages during class is also disruptive and is not allowed. Chewing betel nut in the classroom causes sanitation problems as well as being a distraction, and it is not allowed.

Student Dissatisfaction With The Course: If you are not satisfied with anything in this course, you should feel free to talk it over with your instructor. If you feel your instructor is unwilling or unable to help you with your problem or concern, you may bring the matter to the attention of a counselor in the Counseling Programs and Services Office and/or to the Chair of the SMHA Department. If you still feel your problem or concern is not adequately being dealt with, you may bring your problem or concern to the Dean of Academic Programs and Services.

Early Intervention: Early Intervention NMC counselors and instructors work collaboratively to identify and assist students who are at risk of either performing poorly academically or dropping out of school. The counseling staff reach out to students referred by instructors and engage students with information, insight and available options to assist with overcoming their individual issues. The counseling staff reaches out to students on probation or suspension to review options for continued enrollment and identify resources to support academic success.

General Education Student Learning Outcomes: The goals of NMC’s General Education Program are for students to acquire important general knowledge, develop basic academic skills, develop critical thinking skills, and be able to integrate their knowledge and skills so as to promote the capacity for life-long learning. The General Education Learning Outcomes at NMC are as follows:

1. Critical Thinking
Upon completion of coursework, a student will be able to:
1.1 Make connections between two or more areas of knowledge and apply learning to daily life experiences.
1.2 Use critical and analytical thinking skills to solve a variety of problems.
2. Humanities Upon completion of coursework, a student will be able to:
2.1 Demonstrate an awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities, and articulate the value of aesthetics and creativity.
2.2 Make decisions in daily life based on creative thought and ethical principles.
3. Citizenship and Society
Upon completion of coursework, a student will be able to:
3.1 Define an individual’s civic, political, and social responsibilities as a member of both the local and global community.
3.2 Recognize stereotyping, bias, and faulty reasoning in the opinions of others.
4. Technology and Information Literacy
Upon completion of coursework, a student will be able to:
4.1 Collect, organize and present information from various sources, including books, periodicals and the Internet.
4.2 Use computers to access information effectively and efficiently.
5. Oral Communication
Upon completion of coursework, a student will be able to:
5.1 Demonstrate oral communication proficiency in discussions, debates, and presentations.
5.2 Summarize and evaluate the oral communication of others, asking appropriate questions as necessary.
6. Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning
Upon completion of coursework, a student will be able to:
6.1 Analyze mathematical problems, determine the steps necessary to solve problems, calculate solutions, and test for correctness.
6.2 Answer questions and explore observations using scientific methodology.
7. Written Communication
Upon completion of coursework, a student will be able to:
7.1 Produce clear well-organized written work, documenting, as appropriate, borrowed sources using a recognized citation method.
7.2 Demonstrate mastery of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.