1. Mathematical Literacy for College Students
MTH 096A
Spring 2014
PCS Code 1.4
16 week course
Instructor
Kathleen Almy
Phone
921-3511
Office
JCSM 0125
Email
k.almy@rockvalleycollege.edu
Office Hours
MW 10 – 11:15 am
TTh 12:25 – 1:15 pm
Website
www.rockvalleycollege.edu/math
Section D030
JCSM 0201
Days/Times
MTWTh, 1:30 – 2:45 pm
MML Course ID
almy77777
Final Exam
May 14, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Course Description
Mathematical Literacy for College Students is a one-semester course for non-math and non-science majors integrating
numeracy, proportional reasoning, algebraic reasoning, and functions. Students will develop conceptual and procedural
tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. Throughout the course, college success
content will be integrated with mathematical topics. Credit earned does not count toward any degree, nor does it
transfer. Upon successful completion of the course, students may take MTH 115, MTH 220, MTH 093, or MTH 096S.
Prerequisite
MTH 089 or equivalent or a sufficiently high placement test score.
Credit Hours
6
Student Learning Outcomes
This course addresses the following student learning outcome(s). The student will be able to:
X
X
X
Communicate effectively.
Integrate technology into all fields of knowledge and expression.
Demonstrate competency in critical thinking.
Respect and work effectively with persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Demonstrate the behaviors of ethical and socially responsible citizens.
Demonstrate personal wellness.
Required Course Materials
Required:
Math Lit by Almy/Foes, Pearson, 1st edition
MyMathLab access code
Scientific calculator
Binder and loose-leaf paper for homework
Students who do not enroll in the MyMathLab course by the end of the first week may be withdrawn. You may not
use more than one temporary access code.
Students must have their own copy of the text that has not been used by another student or by themselves in a
previous semester. Pages that have already been filled out and/or graded may not be submitted. Photocopied pages
will not be accepted. If any of these types of pages are submitted, they will be a zero.
Disclaimer:
1
The instructor reserves the right to adjust this course syllabus as needed.

2. Course Outcomes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Apply the concepts of numeracy in multiple contexts.
Recognize proportional relationships and use proportional reasoning to solve problems.
Use the language of algebra to write relationships involving variables, interpret those relationships, and solve
problems.
Interpret and move flexibly between multiple formats including graphs, tables, equations, and words.
Develop the ability to think critically and solve problems in a variety of contexts using the tools of mathematics
including technology.
Grading
Your course grade will be based on online homework and quizzes, written quizzes, focus problems, exams, and a final
exam.
4 Exams
400
810 - 900
A
Quizzes & Assignments
60
720 - 809
B
Online Homework
100
630 - 719
C
Attendance
40
540 - 629
D
Focus Problems
100
0 – 539
F
Final Exam
200
Total
900 Points
Exams
The course is divided into four units called cycles, and there will be a test at the end of each cycle. No test grades will be
dropped. The final exam will be comprehensive and will not be dropped.
Any form of academic dishonesty during a test will result in a grade of 0 on that test. You may not share a calculator with
another student during an exam. You may not use a cell phone or any communications device during an exam. In
addition, you should bring a photo ID with you to each test. I reserve the right to require you to show me a photo ID.
MyMathLab (MML)
We will be using MyMathLab as a resource for online homework this semester. Homework assignment deadlines will be
available online. You should try to work a little ahead of the deadlines in case you have trouble and need to get help on
an assignment. It is in your best interest to complete each section of homework as soon as we finish that section in
class. The lowest five MML homework assignments will be dropped.
Quizzes and Assignments
There will be frequent quizzes, both in class and online. In MML, there is a quiz over prerequisite material. You will
have two opportunities to take this quiz. You will take the quiz first, and then complete homework assignments based
on your performance. After completing the homework, you may take the quiz again to improve your score. If you take
the quiz twice, your highest score will count. There will be one attempt allowed for all other quizzes in MML.
Additionally, there will be quizzes each unit in MML and some in class on paper. Assignments will be collected regularly
and counted as an unannounced quiz grade. While each quiz and assignment that is collected are worth 10 “points,” the
grade in this category will be figured by taking the percentage of total points earned and multiplying it by 60. For
example, if you got 164/200 in quiz/hw points, that is 82%. 82% of 60 points = 49.2 points.
The lowest five quizzes/assignments will be dropped.
2

3. Focus Problems
Each unit will begin with a focus problem. A group solution to the focus problem will be turned in at the end of each
cycle. They will each be worth 25 points. No late focus problem solutions will be accepted.
Make-up Policy
Make-up exams will be given only in very rare cases and at my discretion. If I decide that your situation warrants a
make-up exam, the following conditions will apply:
1. You will be allowed a maximum of one make-up exam.
2. You will be required to show written verification that makes it clear you were unable to take the exam at the scheduled
time. For example, a funeral program should be submitted for a death.
3. You must notify me before the exam date.
4. The make-up exam must be taken during the last week of class.
5. Make-up exams may be considerably different than the regular exam.
6. Make-up exams will be subject to a 10% grade penalty.
Vacations do not qualify you to take a make-up exam! It is your responsibility to email your instructor between 4/28
and 5/1 to schedule the make-up exam and to take the make-up exam between 5/5 and 5/7.
Note Card Policy
Open books or notes are not allowed on any test or quiz.
Attendance
Excellent attendance is crucial to your success in this course and necessary for groups to operate well. You are
responsible for all material covered during a class period for which you are absent, including assignments or schedule
changes. Attendance of the entire class meeting is expected. It is highly unlikely that you will get the grade you want
without attending class and making a daily effort to learn the material. If you are absent for a significant number of
classes, or for several classes in a row, you may be dropped from the course. Please notify me as soon as possible if an
illness or other personal situation results in your missing several class meetings.
There will be 10 points for attendance for each cycle as follows:
Perfect attendance
One absence
Two absences
Three absences
Four absences
Five or more absences
10 points
8 points
6 points
4 points
2 points
0 points
There are no excused or unexcused absences. You are either present or you are not.
To be counted present, you must:



Be present from the beginning to the end of the period.
Participate in all activities.
Refrain from texting or other off-task behavior.
Students who miss more than 3 class periods in a cycle will be required to complete the focus problem on their own.
Students who leave early, arrive late, or fail to participate will be counted as absent.
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4. College Policy on Academic Honesty Standards and Procedures
The faculty and administration expect that RVC students are enrolled in courses as serious and honorable scholars.
Furthermore, students are expected to do their own, original work, except when collaboration on projects is
directed by faculty as part of the course or specific assignment. Students are expected to observe the commonly
accepted standards of academic honesty at all times. Students who commit any of the forms of academic
dishonesty as outlined in the RVC Student Handbook are subject to the penalties and sanctions agreed upon by the
Faculty and Administration of Rock Valley College. Detailed procedures regarding academic dishonesty are given in
the RVC Student Handbook. In addition to the penalty assigned by a faculty member, a report of the alleged
violation and assigned penalty will be made to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs.
Anyone caught cheating on a quiz or test will receive an adjusted score. Depending on the circumstances, this
adjustment may involve subtracting points to assigning a score of zero.
Withdrawals
A final grade of W will NOT automatically be given to a student who stops attending class. Avoid an unnecessary failing
grade by going to the Records office and officially withdrawing.
Notification of Services for Students with Disabilities
If you have a documented disability and would like to request accommodation and/or academic adjustments,
contact the Disability Support Services Section 504 Coordinator. You should contact the coordinator as soon as a
need for accommodation is known so that implementation can occur as soon as possible. The Disability Support
Services Office is on the second floor of the Student Center. The telephone number for this office is 815-921-2356.
Math Lab
RVC’s Math Lab is located in JCSM 0210, 0212. It is staffed by math faculty and serves all RVC math students. The Math
Lab offers free tutoring in math by RVC instructors—no appointments necessary. It houses 24 computers on the
classroom side that are available to students for math-related uses such as online homework. All math textbooks are
available for student use in the lab. Also, algebra text DVDs are available for student use in the lab. The study side of
the lab has 9 computers for use when the classroom side is occupied. There are also round tables for studying.
Tutoring Center
To schedule free tutoring services, please stop by or call the Tutoring Center (Student Center Ground Floor/921-2370).
Communication
The best way to contact me is by email, using the email address on the first page of the syllabus, not EAGLE. Leaving a
message on voicemail is often the worst way. I will try to respond to email messages within 1 business day. If you email
on a Friday, you might receive a response over the weekend but should not count on that. If it has been at least 24
hours and you have not received a reply, you should try sending another message. If you want me to respond to your
email, you should follow these guidelines:
 Include an appropriate greeting, e.g. “Hello Professor” not “Hey” or “Yo Prof!”
 Include your first and last name, especially if your email address is hotpants@aol.com. Keep in mind that it is not uncommon
to have about 5 sets of duplicate names in a typical class. Your first name is not enough information to identify you.
 State the course you are taking (MTH 096A).
 Do not use any abbreviations or texting language. Talk to your instructor like you would talk to your boss, not your friends.
 Be polite and appropriate. Keep in mind that anything you say in an email or online forum could be forwarded to a dean for
disciplinary action. For example, it would not be wise to use threatening language or profanity in a discussion post.
 Be reasonable. Do not email at 1 a.m. and then again at 6 a.m. because you have not yet received a response. Also, do not
send panicked emails at 11:30 p.m., expecting a response before the midnight deadline. Professors do actually sleep. 
 Please check your email for a response before asking if your professor has responded. Please register on MyMathLab with an
email address that you actually use regularly. When your instructor sends a message to you or the class, it will go to that
email address.
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5. Important RVC Dates
Jan 20………………………………………………………………..…………………..……….………………………………………..No classes
Jan 21………………………………………………………………………..…………….Schedule adjustment period ends at 6 pm
Jan 22……………………………………….…………………………………….Last day for tuition refund for 16-week courses
Jan 31…….Last day to use Math Module Remediation form (transfer to lower module during 2nd 8 weeks)
Mar 10-16……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Spring Break
Mar 13…………………………………………………….2nd 8 week open registration (online and in person) ends 6 pm
Apr 11….…………………….………………………………………………..……….………………………..……….Withdrawal Deadline
Apr 17, 18 …..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………No classes
Classroom Behavior and Etiquette

Arrive on time for class and do not leave early. When a student walks in late or leaves early, it disrupts the entire class. If the
class is disrupted by students arriving late, I will lock the door when class begins and late students will not be allowed to
enter.
Turn cell phones off before entering the classroom. Do not use your phone during class for calls or text messaging.
Please be respectful of others in the class, including the instructor. Chatting with classmates during lectures is not
appropriate.
Please do not listen to headphones during class or exams.
You may have drinks in class, but eating during class is not appropriate.
If students choose to engage in behavior that is contrary to these policies or other behavior which disrupts the class, they will
be asked to leave. If this occurs repeatedly, they will be removed from the course.





Classroom Policy on Cell Phones
From the RVC student handbook:
Electronic Devices Policy for Students in the Classroom:
During class there should be
•
NO cell phones (turn OFF or put on vibrate)
•
NO text messaging
•
No iPods or other such devices
•
No other electronic devices unless agreed to by the instructor
Students must request permission from the instructor to use a recording device or laptop computer.
Cell phones and electronic devices must be turned OFF (or put on vibrate for cell phone) and placed out of sight (in
pocket, backpack, purse).
What does this mean for you in this class?
1.
If you are waiting for an important call, you need to let me know prior to class.




When that call comes, you should leave to take it.
You are responsible for anything missed during your absence.
This policy is meant to accommodate important needs like sick children, work emergencies, etc.
If it is abused, you will lose the right to your phone in the class.
2.
If #1 does not apply to you, your phone should be left in your bag or pocket.
3.
Your cell phone is not allowed as a calculator and may not sit on your desk, in your hand, or in your lap.
5

6. RVC Developmental Math Policies
1.
Read your syllabus and understand the course policies.
2.
Math module remediation policy:
MTH 096A/096S students may transfer down to MTH 091 or a lower module for the 2nd 8 weeks with the
Math Remediation/Transfer form available in the division office. Transfers can be done in the first 3 weeks
of the semester.
3.
Developmental math repeat/withdrawal policy:
After 3 non-passing grades (D, F, or W) in a developmental math course, a student must meet with the
Associate Dean to get permission to enroll in a developmental math course again.
4.
Retest policy:
Students may retake the placement test once after their initial placement before they start classes. They may
earn one more retest opportunity if they earn a B or higher in a math course or successfully complete A+dvancer
in the Testing Center.
5.
Geometry requirement:
Students placing into MTH 086, 088, 091, or 096S are required to satisfy the state geometry requirement. Go to
www.rockvalleycollege.edu/math and click on “Geometry Options” for more information.
Students who pass MTH 096A have fulfilled the geometry requirement.
Things to know
1.
2.
If you think this course is too difficult for you, talk to your instructor about options right away.
Get registered in MyMathLab ASAP since assignments start today.
Advice from former students
 Don’t stop until you understand.
 Work well with others and speak up and ask questions.
 You need to do all the hw given, not just the MML hw.
 Finish all MML hw until you get 100% because they’re really not that hard and do help your grade.
 Spend time on the hw. Do not just fly through it.
 You have to work harder in math class than all of your other classes and this class takes a lot of your time.
 Do things repeatedly until you get it.
 Always pay attention, make every class, do every homework assignment.
 Ask questions early in the cycle.
 It is sometimes easier if you understand why the math works instead of just memorizing things.
 Keeping up with homework pays off in more than 1 way.
 Do well on the focus problems because they are worth as much as a test.
Advice from your instructor
 Study 10 – 12 hours per week outside of class
 Never skip class.
 Get help as soon as you need it.
 Spend as much time on paper homework as MML homework.
 Find a way to get along with your group and pull your weight.
Your instructor is responsible for providing materials and activities, being helpful and patient, prepared and
organized. The rest is up to you. Learning is like building a muscle…no one can do it for you!
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7. Tentative Schedule
W
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1/14
1.3, 1.4
1/15
1.5, 1.6
1/16
1.6, 1.7
2
1/13
1.1, 1.2
Syllabus/Intro/Advising
1/20
No Class
1/21
1.8, 1.9
1/22
1.9, 1.10
1/23
1.11, 1.12
3
1/27
1.12, 1.13
1/28
1.14, 1.15
1/29
1.16, 1.17
1/30
1.17
4
2/3
1.18, 1.20
2/5
1.23, Cycle Wrap-up
2/6
Exam 1
5
2/10
2.1, 2.2
2/4
1.21
Focus Problem Due
2/11
2.3, 2.4
2/12
2.4, 2.5
2/13
2.5, 2.6
6
2/17
2.6, 2.7
2/18
2.8, 2.9
2/19
2.10
2/20
2.11
7
2/24
2.12
2/25
2.13
2/26
2.14
2/27
2.15
8
3/3
2.16, 2.17
3/6
Exam 2
9
3/17
3.1, 3.2
3/4
3/5
2.18
2.20, Cycle Wrap-up
Focus Problem Due
Spring Break
3/18
3/19
3.2, 3.3
3.3, 3.4
10
3/24
3.5, 3.6
3/25
3.7
3/26
3.8
3/27
3.9
12
3/31
3.10
4/7
3.14, 3.15
4/2
3.12, 3.13
4/9
3.18, Cycle Wrap-up
4/3
3.13
4/10
Exam 3
13
4/14
4.1, 4.2
4/1
3.11
4/8
3.16
Focus Problem Due
4/15
4.2, 4.3
4/16
4.3, 4.4
4/17
No Class
14
4/21
4.4, 4.5
4/22
4.6
4/23
4.7, 4.8
4/24
4.8, 4.9
15
4/28
4.9, 4.10
4/29
4.10, 4.11
4/30
4.11, 4.12
5/1
4.12
5/5
4.13, 4.15
5/6
4.16
Focus Problem Due
Cycle 4
Cycle 3
Cycle 2
Cycle 1
1
11
16
5/7
4.17
Cycle Wrap-up
Final Exam Review
Final Exam: Wed May 14, 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Schedule is subject to change. Not being aware of changes does not excuse you from them.
7
3/20
3.4, 3.5
5/8
Exam 4