DSPM 0800 - Elementary Algebra

Instructor Information • Course Information • Textbook/Materials/Software • Assessment/Grading
Communication Guidelines • Technical Support • Course Topics • Additional Information • Faculty Homepage

Instructor Information

Instructor Name:
 C. M. Pipkin , Associate Professor - Developmental Studies: Math
E-mail:
 cpipkin@southwest.tn.edu
Office Location:
Trailer B, Room 34 , Macon Campus
Office Hours:
Posted on Faculty Homepage
Office Phone:
(901) 333-4616
Office Fax:
 (901) 333-xxxx
Secretary Phone:
 (901) 333-4474

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Course Information

Course Description:
 This course covers elementary algebra topics such as solving linear equations, using proportions to solve problems, laws of exponents, basic operations with polynomials, formulas and applications, graphing linear equations and inequalities, equations of lines, and solving systems of equations.
Course Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

 

  • Review integers, including basic operations with signed numbers, whole number exponents, and simplification of numeric expressions using the order of operations.
  • Simplify variable expressions and be familiar with symbolic statements.
  • Solve linear equations in one variable.
  • Solve applied problems using linear equations.
  • Solve problems involving direct proportions and direct variation.
  • Evaluate formulas and solve literal equations for a specified variable.
  • Develop proficiency with the laws of exponents.
  • Recognize polynomials and perform basic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Graph linear equations on the rectangular coordinate system by various methods.
  • Determine the slope of a line.
  • Write the equation of a line, given a point on the line and the slope; or given two points on the line.
  • Discuss the characteristics of parallel and perpendicular lines.
  • Solve and graph linear inequalities.
  • Solve linear systems of two equations by graphing, elimination, and substitution.
  • Apply the above skills to real-world applications.
Prerequisites:
DSPM 0700 or appropriate score on placement test.
Corequisites:
None.
Instructional /
Learning Methods:
 This course uses a combination of lecture, discussion, and recitation. After demonstrating methods of solution for each new type of problem or simplification technique, the instructor will lead the class through one or more practice exercises. Following the practice, student questions will be discussed. Homework exercises on each topic will be assigned, so that ample opportunity for practice is available.
Course Topics:
 See below
Specific Course
Requirements:
 Students should prepare for each class meeting by reviewing their notes from the previous session, completing the assigned homework based on previous sessions, and reading those sections of the textbook that are designated for coverage in class. Questions about solutions to homework and other practice exercises will be answered at the beginning of each class period, and assigned homework for each chapter will be due on the day of the test for that chapter.

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Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware, and Software Requirements

Required Text:

Basic Math, Algebra, and Geometry with Applications, 2nd Edition. Cheryl Cleaves and Margie Hobbs. Pearson/Prentiss-Hall, 2007.

ISBN: 0536220514

Optional Text:
 None
Supplementary Materials:
  • Graphing calculator. The Texas Instruments model TI-83 plus or TI-84 is recommended.
  • Notebook or folder in which homework assignments will be retained.
  • Package of Scantron sheets for use with multiple-choice tests.
Hardware Requirements:

This course may not require the use of a computer, however these are general recommendations for accessing any of the services that Southwest offers on the Web (e.g. My. Southwest, etc.).

  • minimum 650 or higher Pentium III processor (recommended)
  • SVGA monitor, minimum resolution 800x600 (1024x768 strongly recommended)
  • CD-ROM or DVD drive
  • floppy drive, zip drive, or CD-RW drive
  • Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
  • at least 256 MB of RAM (recommended)
  • (optional) printer
Software Requirements:

The software listed below in the "General Software Requirements" are recommended for any student accessing Southwest services through the internet. Your course may not require the use of a computer or it may have specific software requirements.

General Software Requirements

  • Operating System:
    • Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista ( Windows XP Service Pack 2 recommended)
    • Mac OS X (up to 10.4) (OS 10.4 recommended)
    • Linux
  • Windows Supported Browsers:
    • Internet Explorer 6.0, 7.0 (IE 6.0 recommended)
    • Netscape 7.0, 7.1, 7.2
    • Firefox 1.5
    • Opera 9.0
  • Mac OS X Supported Browsers:
    • Netscape 7.0, 7.1, 7.2
    • Firefox 1.5 (recommended)
    • Opera 9.0
  • Current Anti-Virus protection
  • Reliable Internet connection (broadband recommended but not required)

 
   

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Assessment and Grading

Method of Evaluation:
  • Your final grade in this course will be determined by combining your average score on all chapter tests with your score on the comprehensive final examination. The final exam score will count as one-fourth of your course grade, and your average score on chapter tests will count as three-fourths of your course grade.

  • Homework for each chapter is due on the day of the chapter test, and will not be accepted late. If the homework assignment is complete, accurate, and on time, your test score for that chapter will be increased by 5%.
Grading Scale:
  • A = 100 - 90
  • B =  89 - 80
  • C =  79 - 70
  • D =  Not applicable. D grades are not given in Developmental courses.
  • F =  below 70
Minimum standards for successful completion of basic developmental courses will be a grade of "C." (There are no "D" grades awarded.)
Testing Procedure/Policy:

Some procedures for testing are described above, under Method of Evaluation. Other procedures are as follows:

  • NO MAKEUP TESTS will be given. If you are absent on the day of a scheduled test, you will be required to present documented evidence to show that your absence was unavoidable. Otherwise, the absence is not excused and your grade for the missed test is zero. If the absence is excused, your final exam grade at the end of the course will be used as a substitute grade for the test that you missed. This can be done only once; if you miss more than one test, your grades for all but one will be zero.

  • The dates for the chapter tests and the final exam are listed on your class schedule sheet. The chapter tests and the final exam are mandatory.
Major Assignments:
  • Your class schedule sheet will specify which sections of the textbook are intended for coverage at each class meeting. Those sections comprise your assigned reading before each class.

  • Homework assignments consist of practice exercises located at the end of each chapter in your textbook. These problems are labeled Chapter Review Exercises, and only the odd-numbered exercises are required. Your homework notebook will be reviewed by your instructor on each test day. If your homework assignment for the chapter being tested is complete and accurate, a credit of 5% will be added to your test score for that chapter. If parts of the homework for that chapter are incomplete or inaccurate, the credit awarded will be less than 5%.








Participation/
Attendance Policy:

The Tennessee Board of Regents requires mandatory attendance for all students in developmental classes. The following rules apply:

1. A student may fail a developmental class, regardless of prior course grades, after missing the equivalent of two weeks of class. Failing a course may adversely affect VA benefits, financial aid, insurance benefits, dependency status, scholarship eligibility, etc.

2. Being late to class (tardy) is sometimes unavoidable. However, consistent tardiness causes you to miss important parts of the information that is presented to the class by the instructor. If you arrive more than five minutes after the scheduled starting time for the class, you are tardy. Three times tardy counts as one absence.


Additional Policies:
Students are expected to abide by all policies and procedures stated in the Southwest Tennessee Community College catalog and in the Student Handbook.

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Guidelines for Communications

E-mail:
 Each student has been provided a Southwest e-mail account. Please do not email your classmates unless the topic relates specifically to this course. E-mails that contain advertisements, solicitations, personal interests, etc. are strictly forbidden.

Below are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind when sending email:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Typing in all CAPS is considered SHOUTING in Cyberspace. So please use upper and lower case characters when sending e-mails.
  • Remember, without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your e-mails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members.

 


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Technical Support

My.Southwest Support:

When experiencing problems with My.Southwest click on the following link for assistance: https://apps.southwest.tn.edu/my-southwest-content/HelpDesk/Ticket.asp

When requesting help please provide as much information as possible, such as, your name and a full detailed explanation of the problem.

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Course Topics

  • Solving linear equations.
  • Using proportions to solve problems.
  • Laws of exponents.
  • Basic operations with polynomials.
  • Formulas and applications.
  • Graphing linear equations.
  • Solving and graphing inequalities.
  • Equations of straight lines.
  • Solving systems of equations.





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Additional Information

Students With Disabilities

Southwest Tennessee Community College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified students with disabilities. The student is responsible for contacting the Career Counseling Center to arrange for appropriate accommodation. When the disability has been documented and verified a counselor will contact the faculty member regarding any special accommodations to be provided.

For more information, refer to the College Catalog under the section entitled, "Student Affairs" or contact the Counseling/Advising Centers located on:

Macon Cove Campus
Farris Building, Room 2144                  
(901) 333-4223

Union Avenue Campus
Building B, Room 124
(901) 333-5122

Drop / Withdrawal Dates

See the official college catalog for the current withdrawal policies. Important semester drop and withdrawal dates can be found on the college Web site at http://www.southwest.tn.edu.

Academic Misconduct

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited. A student guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly, through participation or assistance, is immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. The instructor has the authority to assign an “F” grade or a zero for the exercise or examination, or to assign an “F” for the course. College sanctions for academic misconduct may include suspension or dismissal from the College. Please see the section in the current Catalog on Academic Misconduct.

Open Labs

Macon Cove

Union Avenue

Gill

Southeast

Whitehaven

Syllabus Updates

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes.

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Syllabus Date: May 11, 2007