Fall 2020 Course Syllabus
Course: DMTH-0310- Section: 71
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:M 11-11:30A, TR 9-11A & 5-5:30P & 7-8P, W 9-10A & 11-11:30A, F 9-10A By appointment only to maintain social distancing. Discord video conferencing available upon request 24/7.
Department
General Education and Developmental Studies
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.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been exposed to COVID 19 or diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition on the COVID 19 Notification Form (available via a link on the Student Code of Conduct COVID19 webpage). This information will be provided to the Dean of Student Services. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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 Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Beginning & Intermediate Algebra 6th edition by Elayn Martin-Gay (NOT required, but digital version already comes with lab subscription)

MyLabsPlus Access (subscription purchase of ~$120 required)
Discord app (free)
Lecture Topics
Outline
Grades will only be discussed in person.
Major Assignments
Schedule
DMTH_0310_01_202090_P00339425.pdf
Final Exam Date December 3, 2020 - 12:00 AM   Through  December 10, 2020 - 12:00 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
Homework - 50%
Final Exam - 10%
Tests - 25%
Class Attendance - 10%
Project - 5%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies Grades will only be discussed in person.
Attendance Policy Class Attendance Expectations:

-Weekly check-ins on Discord account for attendance.
-10 out of 13 successful check-ins will counts as full attendance credit.

Daily Lectures and Announcements will be on Discord, so checking the app daily is advisable. The link to the Discord server can be found in your email or as an announcement on BlackBoard.

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.
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA 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 MyLSCPA.
Other The professor reserves the right to modify the syllabus.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.