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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "MA 197"
COURSE NAME: "Pre-Calculus"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Capparelli Stefano
HOURS: MW 18:00-19:15
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: Placement or completion of MA 101 with a grade of C- or above
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Preparation for Calculus
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course is primarily a preparation for Calculus and provides the development of fundamental concepts studied in Intermediate Algebra mainly oriented towards practical applications in business and economics. Particular emphasis will be given on functions as the first step to analyze real word problems in mathematical terms. Registration into the course is by placement or by completion of MA101 with a grade of C- or higher.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The successful student will have a strong foundation for studying applied calculus.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Pre-calculusJames Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem WatsonBrooks Cole978-0-84006886-6     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
There will be 2 tests during the term plus a short quiz every MondayEach test will take place during a regular class period, lasting the whole period. The quizzes will take about 15 minutes.Test:25% each, Average of quizzes: 20%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

The grade scale is as follows: (Please pay attention to the description of what an A level grade means, etc.)

A: 90%-100% (The student demonstrates complete, accurate, and critical knowledge of all the topics, is able to make appropriate connections among different parts of the subject matter, uses the appropriate language and terminology correctly and rigorously and is autonomous in his study)

B: 80%-89% (The student has a somewhat accurate knowledge of the subject matter and uses clear logic in his/her arguments) 

C: 70%-79% (The student has the essential knowledge of the subject matter, understands the topics, and can express it in a simple language)

D: 60%-69% (The student has a superficial, mnemonic knowledge of the subject matter, is uncertain and makes errors in the presentations)

F: below 60% (At best, the students has a superficial knowledge of some of the topics discussed in the course. He makes serious errors in the presentations).


-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

The attendance and active participation in class will count for 10% of the final grade. Full credit for attendance will be given to people with two or fewer unexcused absences. Three or more absences will result with a proportional reduction of the grade.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
Week 1Review of AlgebraChapter 1  
Week 2Coordinate Geometry and InequalitiesChapter 1  
week 3 and 4FunctionsChapter 2  
Week 5,6Transformations. Polynomial functionsChapter 3  
week 7,8Rational FunctionsChapter 3  
week 8,9Exponential functionsChapter 4  
week 9,10Logarithmic functionsChapter 4  
week 11,12Trigonometric functionsChapter 5  
week 13,14Analytic trigonometryChapter 7