Spring 2023 Course Syllabus
Course: DMTH-0310 (Section: 02, CRN: 10283)
Beginning Algebra 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor James Knowles
Email knowlejm@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6432
Office Madison Monroe Education - Room: 211
Office Hours Monday & Wednesday: 8:00-5:00 pm (by appointment)
Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 am -10:45 AM, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm (by appointment)
Fridays- not on campus
Additional Contact Information Appointments are accepted through email knowlejm@lamarpa.edu or phone 1-409-984-6432
Course Information
Description Concepts of basic algebra. Operations on real numbers and polynomials, solving equations, inequalities and systems, graphing, and problem solving are included.
Required 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
  • This textbook not required, but a digital version comes with MyMathLab
  • MyMathLab access registration purchase is required
Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes
  • 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/or 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.
 


Lecture Topics Outline 1. Review of Real Numbers

2. Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving

3. Graphing

4. Solving Systems of Linear Equations

5. Exponents and Polynomials

6. Factoring Polynomials
Major Assignments Schedule

Week 1: Course introduction; syllabus review; sections 1.2-1.3

Week 2: Sections 1.4-1.6

Week 3: Sections 1.7-1.8; Test 1

Week 4: Sections 2.1-2.2

Week 5: Sections 2.3-2.4; Test 2

Week 6: Sections 3.1-3.3

Week 7: Sections 3.4-3.6

Week 8: Sections 4.2-4.3

Spring Break

Week 9: Test 3 (Chp 3 & 4)

Week 10: Sections 5.1-5.2

Week 11: Sections 5.3-5.5

Week 12: Sections 5.6-5.7; Test 5

Week 13: Sections 6.1-6.2

Week 14: Sections 6.3, 6.5; Test 6

Week 15: Final Exam
Final Exam Date May 9, 2023 - 11:0 AM   Through  May 9, 2023 - 12:15 PM
Grading Scale Grade Range for this Course
Developmental Math grades are coded with the letter grade (A-B-C-D-F) and "D" for developmental identification
  • Passing grades are AD: 90-100, BD: 80-89, CD: 70-79,
  • Failing Grades are DD: 50-69 , FD: 0-49 
Determination of
Final Grade		 All homework will be done on computers using their Pearson username and password.

Homework--45%

Attendance--15%
(starting with 100 points, each absence counts 4 points)

Chapter Tests--20%

Final Exam--20%
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 MyMathLab. Students will be allowed to work on assignments after homework deadlines with a 25% penalty.

7. All 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.

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.
Additional Information The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus or assignment deadlines.
Revision 3/7/2023
If a student needs to reschedule a test, it is the student's responsibility to arrange rescheduling of the test with the instructor.
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
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.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern 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.
Department Information
Institutional Effectiveness
Chair:Christina Wilbur
Email:wilburca@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6394