Elementary Algebra
DSPM - 0800
Course Syllabus

_____________            _______________           ____________________
Semester                       Section                      Instructor
_________________________________              ____________________
Days and Time                                                Room Number

Instructor's Office ________________ Office Phone _________________

Office Hours: Monday       __________________________________
                     Tuesday       __________________________________
                     Wednesday  __________________________________
                     Thursday      __________________________________
                     Friday          __________________________________
 
Department Chairperson – Dr. Cheryl Cleaves - Macon - W-39 - Phone: 333-4474
                                                                           Union-F307- Phone: 333-5189

Secretary, Developmental Studies - Mrs. Alicia Toliver Macon- W-39 - Phone: 333-4474
                                                                                       Union-F307 - Phone: 333-5188  

Academic Support Centers - Macon - Nabors Auditorium - Phone: 333-4107
                                             Union - Room F312 - Phone: 5254

Southeast Learning Center - Room 211 - Phone: 333-6005

Whitehaven Learning Center – Room 110 - Phone: 398-0901

DSPM - 0800 Elementary Algebra
Course Syllabus
4 Credits; 4 Lecture Hours
 

Course Description

This course covers the fundamentals of elementary algebra: operations with integers, evaluation and simplification of expressions and formulas, solution of first degree equations, ratio and proportion, applied problems, operations with polynomials, factoring, roots, radicals, and complex numbers.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Basic Mathematics or demonstrated proficiency on the placement test.

Text and Materials

Text:  College Mathematics for Technology, Fifth Edition, by Cleaves, Hobbs, and
Dudenhefer, Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2001.

Or: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, Second Edition, by Lial and Hornsby,Addison Wesley Longman, 2000.

Other: A scientific or graphics calculator required.

General Student Outcomes

In the successful completion of this course, the student will:

1.   Develop independent learning skills and successful critical thinking.
2.   Develop investigative skills and problem solving strategies.
3.   Develop proficiency in the use of a scientific and/or a graphing calculator.
4.   Develop number and symbol sense.
5.   Perform the basic operations with signed numbers.
6.   Solve linear equations and applied problems using linear equations.
7.   Develop proficiency with the laws of exponents and scientific notation.
8.   Express roots and complex numbers in a variety of notations and solve equations containing
      squares and square roots.
9.   Solve a variety of applied problems using appropriate formulas and methods.
10. Develop proficiency in the operations on polynomials.
11. Develop proficiency in factoring polynomials.

Final Exam

After completing all units in any developmental mathematics courses, a COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM will be required. The score on this exam will be calculated as a portion of your final grade. The individual instructor will determine how your final grade is calculated.

Course Pacing

The instructor is responsible for pacing the entire class in order that the required course content is covered. Examinations will be scheduled and administered to the entire class during regular class (periods) meeting times. The Final Exam for Elementary Algebra will be administered during the scheduled final exam period. Be sure to note your instructor’s pacing guidelines and his/her policies on make-ups.
 

Grading Policy

Your instructor determines the grading policy in your class. Your letter grade will be based on the following scale.

One unsuccessful attempt of this course can be grounds for probation. Two unsuccessful attempts of this course can be grounds for suspension.

Attendance Policy

The Tennessee Board of Regents requires mandatory attendance for all students in developmental classes. The following rules apply.

(1) A student may fail a developmental class, regardless of prior course grades, after missing the equivalent of
     two weeks of class. Failing a course may adversely affect VA benefits, financial aid, insurance benefits,
     dependency status, scholarship eligibility, etc.
(2) Individual instructors determine specific make-up policies. Students absent from a developmental class might
     be allowed to make up missed tests, writing assignments, or other graded work. Missed work will adversely
     affect final course grades.

ADA Statement

Southwest Tennessee Community College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Counseling, Advising and Articulation Center to arrange for appropriate accommodations. When the disability has been documented and verified, a counselor will contact the faculty member regarding any special accommodations to be provided.
 
For more detailed information, refer to the College Catalog under the section on Counseling for students with disabilities.
 
Misuse of Computers
 
Computers in Southwest Tennessee’s computer labs, the Academic Resource Center and the Learning Center are to be used for educational purposes only.
 
Beepers or Telephones
 
  The volume on telephones and beepers must be turned off if you have these items with you in class. The noise is distracting not only to the instructor but to your classmates as well.
 
No Children
 
No children or any other unauthorized individuals are allowed in the classroom.

Unauthorized Attendance

  No student will be allowed to attend class until his/her name is on the official class roll or he/she has proper documentation from the Records Office.
 

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