Fall 2020 Course Syllabus Course: DMTH-0310- Section: 51H Beginning Algebra

Instructor Information
Instructor	Alfred De La Rosa
E-mail	dea5@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6330
Office	Location: Educational I - Room: 131 Hours: Tuesday: 5:00-5:30, 8:00-8:30; Thursday: 5:00-5:30, 6:30-7:00
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.
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 of 310-335 and ABE score of 3-6, or TSI Score of 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 a problem, argument, or issue (to determine the extent of information needed); differentiates the facts from opinions as relates to situation; constructs possible solutions or predictions 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 and sequencing of ideas; uses substantial, logical and 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, Pearson Publishing, 2020 (not required, but a digital version comes with MyLabsPlus registration) MyLabsPlus access (registration purchase is required)
Lecture Topics Outline	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 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 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 Solving Systems of Linear Equations 4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution 4.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Addition 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 Factoring Polynomials 6.1 Factoring the Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping 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	None
Final Exam Date	December 8, 2020 - 6:00 PM   Through  December 8, 2020 - 9:00 PM
Grading Scale	AD: 90-100, BD: 80-89, CD: 70-79, DD: 50-69 (failing grade), FD: 0-49 (failing grade)
Determination of Final Grade	Homework--20% Unit Tests--60% Final Exam--10% Attendance--10%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	1. Students should have all materials ready to use when class begins. 2. There will be no talking or disruptive behavior during class. Students engaged in talking or any behavior that disrupts the class will be told to leave the classroom. Anyone removed from class for such behavior must see the instructor before returning the next time the class meets. 3. The instructor has the right to assign or change seats at any time during the semester. 4. If a student leaves the classroom for any reason before the instructor dismisses the entire class, the student will be marked absent. Leaving class early disrupts the lecture and the continuity of the class. 5. Anyone sleeping during class will be counted absent and told to leave the classroom if the sleeping becomes a distraction. 6. All homework will be completed online on MyLabsPlus. Students will be allowed to work on assignments after homework deadlines with a 10% penalty. 7. There will be three unit tests scheduled during the semester. The test dates will be announced by the instructor at least one week in advance. 8. The final exam will be comprehensive, which means that it will consist of all material covered from the beginning to the end of the semester. The final exam will be given on the date and time specified in the official LSCPA Fall 2020 Schedule. 9. A student's grades will only be discussed in person.
Attendance Policy	Each student's attendance grade will be based on the percentage of days attended. If the student arrives on time, remains in class until the class is dismissed by the instructor, and actively participates during the class period (e.g., taking notes, taking tests, or completing any other activity assigned by the instructor), he or she will earn 100 points for that day. Students who miss class, sleep in class, social network or text in class, or do not take notes or exams will receive a grade of 0 for the day. Absences due to a valid reason such as an illness or emergency will be excused only if the student provides written documentation.
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	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. 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 instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus or assignment deadlines. If a student misses a test, it is the student's responsibility to arrange making up the test with the instructor.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.