INSTRUCTOR:  Cathy Godbey                                        EMAIL:  godbey@columbiastate.edu 
OFFICE LOCATION:  W235                                            HOME EMAIL: godbey@tnweb.com  
DSPM0800                                                                 OFFICE PHONE: (931)540-2703
WEBSITE: http://www.columbiastate.edu/godbey            

COURSE DESCRIPTION – ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA
Topics for instruction include integers, algebraic operations, linear equations, inequalities, functions, graphing techniques, and systems of equations.  Methods for solving real-world applications are integrated throughout the course content.  Upon earning a grade of “C” or better, the student advances to Intermediate Algebra, DSPM0850.  (Prerequisite: DSPM0700 or entry assessment.)

REQUIRED TEXT  Introductory and Intermediate Algebra, Lial/Hornsby/McGinnis, 2 ed., 2002
                        Addison/Wesley (publishers), a scientific calculator (TI-30X IIS) is recommended

COURSE OBJECTIVES
On the successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1.  simplify first-degree algebraic expressions
2.  create a table of values and a graph for given relations
3.  identify a function given the graph of a relation including the concepts of domain and range
4.  analyze the graph of linear functions identifying the x-intercept, y-intercept , and slope
5.  solve linear equations in one variable using multiple approaches – numeric, graphic, and algebraic
6.  solve linear absolute-value equations in one variable using multiple approaches
7.  graph linear equations in two variables by using ordered pairs, by using the intercepts, and by
     using the slope and the y-intercept
8.  determine whether two linear graphs are coinciding, parallel, or perpendicular by inspecting their
     corresponding equations
9.  write linear equations in two variables when given information about their graphs
10. solve systems of linear equations graphically and algebraically (by using substitutions and by using
     elimination
11. solve linear inequalities in one variable
12. graph linear inequalities in two variables
13. solve systems of two linear inequalities in two variables graphically
14. solve formulas and literal equations for a specified variable
15. solve geometric applications
16. solve real-world applications that are integrated throughout the course content

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Attendance:  Regular class attendance is required and is necessary for success in any mathematics classroom.  Students are expected to attend class and to be on time for each class meeting. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each instructional period.  Two late arrivals to class (tardies) or early departures from class will constitute one absence.  Points will be deducted for all absences.  Please refer to GRADING section below.  In case of inclement weather, please call the Columbia State closing line at (931) 540-2515. 
2. Homework is assigned daily following each instructional session.  Students are responsible for completing all homework assigned, including the chapter test assignment, by the following class meeting.  Students will be given pop Homework Quizzes on which they will submit the homework problems requested from their homework notes.  The quizzes will count as one test grade. There will be no provisions for making up quizzes. The two lowest quiz grades will be dropped.  All graphs must be turned in on ¼ inch graph paper. 
3. Internet Lab Assignments:  There are five "extra credit" laboratory assignments that are posted on an Internet web site.  The five labs, which correspond to the five units of instruction, may be attempted multiple times.  If a student scores 70 or above on any attempt, that student will earn a maximum of 5 points for that unit Internet lab.  If a student attempts all five unit labs during the semester, regardless of any individual score on the unit lab assignment, then the student will receive a "bonus" 5 points.  The maximum extra credit points attainable are 30.   In order to complete these exercises an access code must be purchased.  This access code is included at no charge with the purchase of a new textbook.  The lab assignments are timed and will expire on the day of the unit test. There is no provision for a “make-up” of any missed laboratory assignment.
4. Testing:  A calculator (NO cell phone) is allowed in Intermediate Algebra on all tests and on the final.  You will not be allowed to use a graphing calculator on any test that requires graphing.  Scratch paper will not be allowed during tests.  There are no provisions for make-up tests.  If you must be absent on test day, you will be permitted to substitute your final exam grade for one test.  Any additional tests missed will receive a grade of zero.  A student who has taken all tests will be able to substitute the final exam grade for the lowest test grade (this does not include the test grade made up of five quiz grades).
5. Student Conduct:  Cheating and other forms of academic misconduct, including plagiarism, are prohibited.  The instructor has the authority to assign a zero for the exercise or examination or to assign an F in the course in the case of academic misconduct.  Disruptive behavior in the classroom (e.g., offensive language, repeated outbursts from a student causing disruption in the flow of instruction or concentration on the subject taught, disturbing noises from electronic devices) will not be tolerated.  Please refer to the Columbia State student handbook in the back of the catalog, page 88.

Do not leave your seat until you have been dismissed by your instructor.  Do not talk while your instructor is talking.  1^st offense – warning, 2^nd offense – change seats, 3^rd offense – asked to leave. 

6. As a general rule, you will not be allowed to drop this course or any other Developmental Studies course.  You may be allowed to drop only in the case of an extenuating circumstance.  Before you will be allowed to drop, you must consult with your instructor (adjunct faculty must see a site coordinator) and the coordinator of Developmental Math. A student not completing the course will receive a grade of "F" if official withdrawal procedures are not followed.  Please check the current schedule book for the last date to withdraw without a failing grade.
7. Students with Disabilities:  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students are encouraged to register with the counseling/disability services office (931-540-2572) for possible assistance with accommodations.  It is the student’s responsibility to voluntarily and confidentially provide appropriate documentation regarding the nature and extent of a disability.  Students requesting special accommodations are (strongly) encouraged to contact the counseling/disability services office at the beginning of the semester.

8. Crisis Management Plan;  Students should follow the instructor’s instructions in the event of an emergency.  The Security Emergency Cell Phone number is (931)619-4310.

GRADING

The taking of all five tests and a comprehensive final examination is required.  You will have homework quizzes that will add up to one test grade.  In addition to the tests/final exam and quizzes, there will be five extra credit Internet assignment opportunities.  You will have penalty points deducted from your score for any absence.  There are no “excused” absences.  The attendance penalty will be the number of absences squared.  For example, 1 absence = 1² = 1 point deduction, 2 absences = 2² = 4 points deduction, 3 absences = 3² = 9 points deduction, 4 absences = 4² = 16 points deduction and so forth.  Please take the attendance policy seriously.  Your grade will be calculated as follows:

A student who earns a grade of PR must retake the course the next semester that the student enrolls in this college.  The criteria for a PR (Progress) grade is as follows:

1. You must have 300 test points (out of the possible 600 test points),
2. You must attend class regularly,(2 or less absences)
3. You must not have previously received a PR in this course.

Grades are not mailed to students.  You may access grades through Web for Students (www.columbiastate.edu) five (5) working days after grades are required in Admissions.  Students needing official copies of grades must request it in writing from the Office of Admissions and Records.  Call the Transcript information line at 931-540-2550 for detailed instructions.  Students may print a copy of their grades from Web for Students.