Syllabus for Elementary Algebra
| Course Description | This course is a review of the
fundamental arithmetic and algebra operations. The topics include the numbers of ordinary arithmetic and their properties; integers and rational numbers; the solving of equations; polynomials and factoring; and an introduction to systems of equations and graphs. This course is a developmental level course and does not apply toward the general core requirement for mathematics. It does not count towards your GPA, and does not transfer to any 4 year school for any credit. |
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| Hours | 3 semester hours | |||
| Days / Time | Tuesday & Thursday – 3:00 to 4:15 pm | |||
| Course Type | WebCT-Enhanced Math Course | |||
| Prerequisite(s) | A grade of “C” (75%) or higher in Mth 090, or appropriate mathematics placement score. | |||
| COMPASS Score | Algebra (AL) 20-35 It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all course prerequisites are completed. A student can be administratively withdrawn if they do not meet the prerequisites. Students who lack prerequisites and owe tuition, fees, fines, etc., or who are taking only one course must withdraw themselves to avoid receiving an “F” in this course. |
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| Required Textbook | Beginning and Intermediate Algebra
4th Edition ISBN-10: 0-321-44233-4  ISBN-13: 978-0-321-44233-8Optional for this course (not required): Textbook with MyMathLab Student Access Kit: ISBN-10: 0-321-50722-3  ISBN-13: 978-0-321-50722-8Author: Lial/Hornsby  Publisher: Addison/ Wesley |
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| Course Supplies | Notebook Paper, Pencils, Textbook,
Graph Paper, Computer access. Scantron ParScore sheets (for tests) -- form # F-1712-Par-L (the pink one the nursing students use). These are available for purchase for 25¢ each in the bookstore or library. You will need one for each test and the final. NOTE: Students will NOT be allowed to use calculators in this course. |
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| Computer System Requirements |
Personal computers must have access
to the Internet in order to use WebCT. You may use the computers in the Gadsden State Cherokee computer lab or library. Printing can be done in the library for 10¢ per page. |
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| Course Objectives (State-wide Syllabus Objectives) |
Upon completion of this course the
student will become proficient in the following objectives:
1. Solution of linear equations |
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| SACS Objectives | 1. Demonstrate the ability to solve
linear equations. 2. Demonstrate the ability to solve a quadratic equation by factoring. 3. Demonstrate the ability to solve a linear inequality. 4. Demonstrate the ability to solve an absolute value equation. 5. Demonstrate the ability to graph a line. 6. Demonstrate the ability to factor by grouping. 7. Demonstrate the ability to factor a trinomial. 8. Demonstrate the ability to factor the difference of squares. 9. Demonstrate the ability to factor the sum and difference of cubes. 10. Demonstrate the ability to solve a number problem. |
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| Gadsden State TEC Initiative Student Learning Objectives |
1. Students will be able to connect
to other students and their instructors via e-mail. 2. Students will learn to submit assignments electronically. 3. Students will develop/demonstrate the ability to initiate searches when in need of specific information for special projects/assignments in all courses. 4. Students will be able to recognize reliable sources and determine the usefulness of information gathered using technology resources. 5. Students will develop skills that allow them to incorporate a variety of formats to share information with each other and instructors. |
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| Course Assistance | Free student tutoring is available in
the math computer lab in Naylor hall for all students, and from Student Support Services, Veterans Upward Bound, and the Arledge Center for Adult Learners for specific students. Hours are posted at various campuses for these services. There are video tapes available for check out in the library for additional help with the lessons. |
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| Evaluation and Assessment |
The final exam will include post-test
comprehensive questions. All students are required to take the final exam to receive a passing grade in the course. Students must achieve a “C” - 75% or higher in this class to proceed to the next level course |
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| Homework Assignments
Daily Quizzes |
College students are expected to
spend two-three hours outside of class reading and/or studying the material or working problems for every hour spent in class. Math is learned by doing problems. You do not learn math by watching your instructor work problems in class or memorizing how it is done. The more homework problems you do correctly, the easier the tests will be for you to master. Ask for help with a homework problem if you cannot get the correct answer when you try it. A complete list of assigned homework problems is included in this syllabus. All test questions are based on the homework. Homework can be checked at anytime during the semester without any notice. If you are absent you are still responsible for all homework assignments when you return to class. There will be a short Daily Quiz for a grade during each class period (other than test days). If you are absent or late and miss a Daily Quiz, you will receive a zero for that quiz with no make-ups allowed. Therefore, attendance is very important. Two of these grades will be dropped at the end of the semester and the rest will be totaled and included in your final grade. |
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| Worksheets
Research Project Test Corrections |
There will be 4 worksheets worth 20
points each due during the semester. These will be graded for accuracy. All work must be shown to earn full credit for the problem. If you paper is turned in late but within one week after the due date you can earn half credit (10 points) on the paper. If your paper is turned in more than a week after the due date it will not earn any credit. There will be an assignment for you to search the internet and find 3 appropriate help or tutoring websites for this math course. You will type this list and email it as an attachment to me and your classmates. This will give you several sources to use if you need help with a topic in class. Test correction sheets that are assigned to you may be completed after a test to earn extra credit for a particular test. .You may earn a maximum of 20 points on test corrections. They must be turned in before the next test is given to earn any extra credit. No late correction papers will be accepted. All work must be shown to earn credit for the problem. If no work is shown there will be no credit given for that problem. |
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| Activities and Scores for this Course |
Activities | Number of Points | Due Dates | |
| Syllabus printed | 20 points | Thursday, 9/3 | ||
| Student Information Sheet completed | 25 points | Thursday, 9/3 | ||
| Research project for math help sites | 25 points | Thursday, 9/24 | ||
| Daily Quizzes (best 20 scores) | 100 points | During classes | ||
| Worksheet #1 | 20 points | Tuesday, 9/8 | ||
| Worksheet #2 | 20 points | Tuesday, 10/6 | ||
| Worksheet #3 | 20 points | Tuesday, 11/3 | ||
| Worksheet #4 | 20 points | Tuesday, 12/8 | ||
| Test #1 | 100 points | Tuesday, 9/8 | ||
| Test #2 | 100 points | Tuesday, 10/6 | ||
| Test #3 | 100 points | Tuesday, 11/3 | ||
| Test #4 | 100 points | Tuesday, 12/8 | ||
| Comprehensive Final Exam (Required) |
100 points | Tuesday, Dec. 17 3:00 to 5:00 pm |
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| Total Points Possible | 750 (+ other points if assigned) | |||
| Other possible assignments or quizzes | TBA | |||
| To Calculate Your Grade |
Grades will be calculated by dividing
points earned by total points possible. This is your percentage grade. Students must achieve a “C” - 75% or higher in this class to proceed to the next level course. A grade below 75% will be posted as ‘U’ for Unsatisfactory. If you do not take the Final Exam you cannot pass the class. Letter grades will be assigned as follows: |
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| Percentage Grade | Letter Grade | |||
| 90-100 | A | |||
| 80-89 | B | |||
| 75-79 | C | |||
| Below 75 | U | |||
| Make-up Policy | Gadsden State Gadsden State Policy -
Make up work MAY be provided only at the discretion and convenience of the instructor. You will only be allowed to makeup ONE missed test during the semester. Contact the instructor immediately upon your return to class after a missed test to discuss your valid excuse and schedule your makeup test. Your missed test must be made up before the next test scheduled for the class or you will be given a ZERO for that test. If you miss a second test you will be given a ZERO for that grade. Makeup tests will not be multiple choice tests, and no partial credit will be given for the problems. Daily quizzes will not be allowed to be made up. Other work missed, such as graded worksheets, because of your absence may be turned in within one week of their due date but will only earn half credit for the assignment since they are late. Test Correction sheets cannot be made up and will not be accepted after the next test is given in the class. The final exam is required and cannot be made up. |
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| Use of Non-Class Electronic Devices |
Students using these devices must
have instructor’s consent and approval prior to use. All communication devices that make noise (i.e. pagers, cell phones, etc.) should be turned off and not visible during class. This includes the use of a cell phone to send and receive text messages during class time. Any disturbance caused by such devices can result in the student being dismissed from class. Also, no cell phones or PDAs are allowed to be open and on your desk while taking a test. In addition, students are not allowed to wear ear phones and listen to music during class. If it is your intention to learn mathematics, then you need to come to class prepared to listen to the instructor and not to text on your cell phone or listen to an iPod or MP3 player. |
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| Class Conduct | Please be considerate of other
students in the class and the instructor by not causing a disturbance during the class. This is disruptive to both the students and the instructor. Please remain quiet while the instructor is speaking. Even if you know the material, others around you may not, and your talking may prevent them from hearing important material. If you cause a disturbance, you may be asked to leave the class. |
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| Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) |
The Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states, “No qualified person with a disability may be excluded from, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any course, program, or activity.” Gadsden State Community College strives to create a welcoming environment and will work in good faith to meet the needs of Its diverse populations. Reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be provided for qualified disabled students, applicants, employees, and visitors unless to do so would present an undue hardship or lower the academic standards of the College. Persons with disabilities requesting accommodations should contact the ADA Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator on or nearest their campus to obtain forms for requesting accommodations and documentation requirements, as well as to be informed of campus procedures involving accommodations. Campus contacts include: Dr. Danny Wilborn, Gadsden Area, ADA Coordinator (256- 439-6912); Ms. Michele Conger, Ayers Campus (256-835-5451); Ms. Cindy Greer, McClellan Center (256-238-9348); or Ms. Diann Cruickshank, Gadsden State Cherokee (256-927-1802). |
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| Common College Instructional Policies |
The Standard College Policies apply
to all classes at the college and are a part of every official course syllabus. It is also available from the College website, under the link for Enrolled Students and then College Wide Policies. This class syllabus is intended to give further detail about the policies and expectations in each specific class. |
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