Fall 2019 Course Syllabus
Course: DMTH-0310- Section: 03
Beginning Algebra
LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Joshua Barnes
E-mailbarnesjd2@lamarpa.edu
Phone(409) 984-6574
Office
Location:Student Center - Room: 414
Hours:Mon: 11a-2p, Tues/Thurs: 9:30-10:30a, 12:30-2p, 4:30-5:30p, Wed/Fri: 11a-1p
Department
30104
Chair:Dr. Michelle Davis
E-mail:davisml1@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6341

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Course Information
Description Concepts of basic algebra. Operations on real numbers and polynomials, solving equations, inequalities and systems, graphing, and problem solving are included.
Prerequisites TSI Score 310-335 and ABE Score 3-6, or TSI Score 336-341
Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1.    Use appropriate symbolic notation and vocabulary to communicate, interpret, and explain mathematical concepts.
2.    Define, represent, and perform operations on real numbers, applying numeric reasoning to investigate and describe quantitative relationships and solve real-world problems in a variety of contexts.
3.    Use algebraic reasoning to solve problems that require ratios and rates in a variety of contexts using multiple representations.
4.    Apply algebraic reasoning to manipulate expressions and equations to solve real-world problems.
5.    Use graphs, tables, and technology to analyze, interpret, and compare data sets.
6.    Construct and use mathematical models in verbal, algebraic, graphical, and tabular form to solve problems from a variety of contexts and to make predictions and decisions.
Core Objectives * Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication.
* Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.
* Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Students will demonstrate applications of scientific and mathematical concepts.
* Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.
Program Student Learning Outcomes PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material.
Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading.

PSLO 1: Critical Thinking Skills Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

Creatively identifies problem, argument, or issue (to determine the extent of information needed); differentiates the facts from opinions as relates to situation; constructs possible solutions or prediction or consequences; uses logical, sound reasoning to justify the conclusion.

PSLO 2: Communication Skills - Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication.

Expresses a strong thesis; organizes information with effective transitions & sequencing of ideas; uses substantial, logical & specific development of ideas; details are relevant, original, credible and correctly documented when appropriate to show an effective development and interpretation of ideas; and presents ideas in appropriate mode of expression for the task.

PSLO 3: Empirical and Quantitative Skills- Applies the manipulation and/or analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.

Identifies mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete tasks, uses mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete tasks, analyzes how to use the principles; and applies problem-solving skills in mathematical or scientific principles needed to complete tasks with correct informed conclusions.
Textbooks Beginning & Intermediate Algebra 6th edition by Elayn Martin-Gay (NOT required, but digital version already comes with lab subscription)

MyLabsPlus Access (subscription purchase required)
Lecture Topics
Outline
1. Review of Real Numbers
1.1 Study Skill Tips for Success in Mathematics
1.2 Symbols and Sets of Numbers
1.3 Fractions and Mixed Numbers
1.4 Exponents, Order of Operations, Variable Expressions and Equations
1.5 Adding Real Numbers
1.6 Subtracting Real Numbers
1.7 Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers
1.8 Properties of Real Numbers

2. Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving
2.1 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
2.2 The Addition and Multiplication Properties of Equality
2.3 Solving Linear Equations
2.4 An Introduction to Problem Solving

3. Graphing
3.1 Reading Graphs and the Rectangular Coordinate System
3.2 Graphing Linear Equations
3.3 Intercepts
3.4 Slope and Rate of Change
3.5 Equation of Lines
3.6 Functions

4. Solving Systems of Linear Equations
4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
4.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Addition

5. Exponents and Polynomials
5.1 Exponents
5.2 Polynomial Functions and Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
5.3 Multiplying Polynomials
5.4 Special Products
5.5 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation
5.6 Dividing Polynomials
5.7 Synthetic Division and the Remainder Theorem

6. Factoring Polynomials
6.1 Factoring The Greatest Common Factor
6.2 Factoring Trinomials of the Form x^2 + bx + c
6.3 Factoring Trinomials of the Form ax^2 + bx + c and Perfect Square Trinomials
Major Assignments
Schedule
DMTH_0310_01_201990_P00339425.pdf
Final Exam Date December 5, 2019 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 5, 2019 - 5:00 PM
Grading Scale Passing Grades: 90-100% = AD, 80-89% = BD, 70-79% = CD
Failing Grades: 50 - 69% = DD, 0-49% = FD
Determination of
Final Grade
ONLINE (70%):
MyLabsPlus Homework Assignments- 15%
Final Exam - 15%
Tests - 40% [scored best out of original or retest, w/ 1 Make-up test allowed at semester end for an original test that has never been attempted]

FACE-TO-FACE (30%):
Class Attendance - 10% [deduct 2% credit per absence, course failure at 5 absences]
Lab Attendance - 10% [7.5% credit for 11 hrs up to 10% at 14 hrs, course failure below 11 hrs]
Portfolio - 5% [graded all or nothing]
Project - 5%

Course Policies
Instructor Policies Grades will only be discussed in person. Communication via Outlook email, Skype for Business instant messenger, Remind app texting, or office voicemail should include your name, specific math course, and short, clear, professional questions or statements.
Attendance Policy Class Attendance Expectations:

-Arrival 1 minute late will be considered tardy.
-Leaving class early before being dismissed will also be considered tardy.
-3 tardies are equal to 1 absence.
-1 absence deducts 2% of the total final grade, meaning 1 tardy deducts 0.66%.
-Arriving 10 minutes or more late or leaving 10 minutes or more early counts as an absence.
-5 absences may result in immediate course failure.
-Attendance is tallied via assigned seating, therefore sitting in the incorrect seating position may cause you to be marked absent, so make sure to be seated in your assigned seat for the duration of class.
-It is the responsibility of tardy students to check in with the professor at the end of class, to be marked tardy instead of absent, otherwise the student will remain with an absent mark.
-There are no excused absences, including medical and childcare emergencies, so bringing a doctor's note is unnecessary. For school-sanctioned activities (the only form of excused absence), a proper excuse form must be presented either prior to the event, or immediately after returning from the event, from the appropriate official.

Behavior-Related Tardies and Absences:

A present student will be marked tardy and a tardy student will be marked absent for the following personal yet non-disruptive behavior:
a) visible cell phone, regardless of if it is being used or not
b) doing work for other classes during lecture or having work for other classes on your desk
c) eating in class (a resealable drink is okay)
d) operation of any electronic devices besides smartwatches (no phone calls or games) or ear-buds (must have at least one ear-bud free, no phone calls, only music so low that your neighbor can not hear)
e) purses or backpacks on the desk (only the assignment and a pencil or pen should be on the desk)
f) any other non-disruptive behavior that the professor deems to be distracting to the individual student

A student, whether present or tardy, will be marked absent for the following disruptive behavior and possibly be asked to leave the room:
- confrontational or harassing behavior after being asked to stop
- sleeping in class
- leaving the classroom for an extended period of time (i.e. more than 10 minutes)
- earbuds loud enough to disturb a fellow student
- disruptive noises such as clinky bracelets, rustling potato chip bags, intentional repeated flatulence, etc.
- repeatedly entering and exiting the classroom without some reasonable explanation and agreement with professor (for example 3 or more times).
- bringing a child to class
- offensive hygiene, flu-like symptoms, unbandaged bleeding wounds, or other dangers to class health and safety (wear a dust mask if you have a bad cough and bring your own tissue and hand sanitizer, otherwise you will be asked to leave)
- an audible ringtone (keep them on silent, and excuse yourself from the class if you have an important call)
- answering a phone call while still in the classroom
- holding a phone conversation near the classroom door where the class can overhear
- Any other disruptive behavior that the professor deems distracting to the class.

NOTE: The student is expected to keep track of their own classroom attendance marks and will not necessarily be warned when they are in violation of policy or close to failing due to attendance, but the student may ask for clarification of their standing during office visitation.

Lab Attendance Expectations: if the student fails to meet a lab attendance deadline, the following class day that the student shows up, they will be marked absent and told to go to the SSC Lab to make up their missed hours. Missed notes may be gathered from team members.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies
  1. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom.

  2. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.

  3. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLamarPA Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Other The professor reserves the right to modify the syllabus with syllabus addendums.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.