Spring 2024 Course Syllabus Course: DMTH-0310 (Section: 03, CRN: 10809) Beginning Algebra

Instructor Information
Instructor	Chesney Culver
Email	culvercb@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6574
Office	Student Center - Room: 410
Office Hours	M- 8:00-9:00 T- 8:00-9:30 and 11:00-12:30 W- 8:00-9:00 and 11:50-1:50 Th- 8:00-9:30 and 12:00-12:30 F- 8:00-9:00 ****If these times do not work for you, please let me know via email! I am willing to make an appointment for another time if I am available. ****
Additional Contact Information	** DO NOT USE BLACKBOARD TO EMAIL ME AND PUT DMTH 0310-03 IN THE SUBJECT LINE** Emails from personal accounts and Blackboard will be ignored.
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, 7th edition, by Elayn Martin-Gay, Pearson Publishing, 2020 with MyLab Access (a physical copy of the book is not required, but MyLab access is required). A digital version of the textbook comes with MyLab access.
Additional Materials/Resources	A reliable computer and strong internet connection. Please note, that the student is responsible for making sure their computer and internet are compatible with the required programs and resources needed for the course. This includes but is not limited to, Pearson, Pearson My Lab, Blackboard, and Respondus lockdown browser. (Pearson MyLab does not work on tablets, phones, or Chromebooks). Students may find a calculator helpful, but they are not required. Online calculators and cell phones will not be permitted in class or during exams. Students my only use a basic 4-function calculator.
Corequisites/Prerequisites	Prerequisites: Willingness to learn and participate in class. Basic computer skills (especially if you are taking an online course).
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/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. * Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
Lecture Topics Outline	Tentative Class Schedule: Week 1: Intro to Course Week 2: 1.2-1.3 Week 3: 1.4-1.6 Week 4: 1.7-1.8, Test 1 Week 5: 2.1-2.2 Week 6: 2.3-2.4, Test 2 Week 7: 3.1-3.3 Week 8: 3.4-3.6, Test 3 (NOTICE: we will have a test Friday before Spring Break) Week 9: Spring Break Week 10: 4.2-4.3 Week 11: 4.2-4.3, Test 4 Week 12: 5.1-5.2 Week 13: 5.3-5.5 Week 14: 5.6-5.7, Test 5 Week 15: 6.1-6.2, Week 16:6.3, Test 6 Week 17: Final Review, Final Exam ** Please see the calendar and assignments tab in Pearson for upcoming assignments
Major Assignments Schedule	** Please see the calendar and assignments tab in Pearson for upcoming assignments
Final Exam Date	May 3, 2024 - 10:00 AM   Through  May 3, 2024 - 10:50 AM
Grading Scale	Let x represent your weighted average in the course. Grade Range AD x≥90 BD 80≤x<90 CD 70≤x<80 DD 60≤x<70 FD x<60
Determination of Final Grade	Your average is calculated by the following percentages. Homework 30% Exams 60% Final Exam 10%
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	This syllabus is subject to change as needed throughout the semester. Any major changes will be accompanied by an announcement in class, via email, or posted on Blackboard. Homework is not to be done during class time unless otherwise stated by the instructor. Homework can be a collaborative effort, but all students are expected to participate as equally as possible. Homework assignments will have unlimited attempts and can be reopened any time before the deadline. Late homework will NOT be accepted. There will be no extra credit or make-up assignments unless there are extraordinary circumstances. These circumstances will need to be discussed with the instructor outside of class time and if possible before the deadlines. The instructor reserves the right to ask for proper documentation regarding these circumstances. Any extensions or make-up credit will be at the instructor’s discretion. Attendance will be used at the instructor’s discretion when determining border line grades. Students must use appropriate e-mail etiquette when corresponding with instructor; for example, complete sentences and a full subject line with your name and course name. Voice mail messages should be clearly spoken identifying students name, course, and a return phone number. Emails or messages determined by the instructor to be rude or disrespectful will not be responded to and will possibly be forwarded to the student’s department chair or program coordinator.
Attendance Policy	Attendance will be used at the instructor’s discretion when determining border line grades.
Additional Information	Testing Policies: Tests will be taken through Pearson My Lab. The tests will be announced on Blackboard, along with the dates and times they will be open.  No make-up tests will be given since students can replace one test score with the final exam score. It is left to the instructor’s discretion if the test will be taken on campus or off campus. Tests will have only one attempt and cannot be reopened once started. If there are technical problems the student should notify the instructor as soon as possible. Poor internet, computer crashes, and dead batteries are not an excuse for a retest! The student is responsible for informing the instructor as soon as possible if they cannot access an assignment. Technical problems and inability to access assignments are not valid excuses for missing an assignment. If an assignment is missed for these reasons the student will receive a zero for the missed assignments.
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	General Education and Developmental Studies Chair: Steven Zani Email: zanisj@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6431