Course Syllabus for Pre-Algebra

Text(s) and Supplies
Aufmann, Richard N., Vernon C. Barker, and Joanne S. Lockwood, Basic College
Mathematics: An Applied Approach, 8^th edition. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2003.
The student will need paper and pencil.

Approved Course Competencies (KCTCS General Education Competency Statements and General Education
Requirements).

I. Communicate Effectively	1. Read and listen with comprehension. 2. Speak and write clearly using Standard English. 3. Interact cooperatively with others using both verbal and non-verbal means. 4. Demonstrate information processing through basic computer skills.
II. Think Critically	1. Make connections in learning across the disciplines and draw logical conclusions. 2. Demonstrate problem solving through interpreting, analyzing, summarizing , and/or integrating a variety of materials. 3. Use mathematics to organize, analyze, and synthesize data to solve a problem.
III. Learn Independently	1. Use appropriate search strategies and resources to find, evaluate, and use information. 2. Make choices based upon awareness of ethics and differing perspectives/ideas. 3. Apply learning in academic, personal, and public situations. 4. Think creatively to develop new ideas, processes, or products
IV. Examine Relationships in Diverse and Complex Environments	1. Recognize the relationship of the individual to human heritage and culture. 2. Demonstrate an awareness of the relationship of the individual to the biological and physical environment. 3. Develop an awareness of self as an individual member of a multicultural global community.
Course Outcomes (competencies)	Student achieving a passing grade will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas, to a degree commensurate with the grade received.
	1. Solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of integers , fractions and decimals. 2. Calculate whole number powers . 3. Calculate square roots of rational perfect squares. 4. Determine prime factorization of whole numbers. 5. Perform conversions among fractions, decimals and percents . 6. Solve problems involving ratios and proportions. 7. Solve problems involving percents. 8. Perform conversions interchanging English and Metric systems. 9. Demonstrate rounding and estimation techniques. 10. State and use the order of operations . 11. Calculate area, volume and perimeter of basic plane figures and solids. 12. Apply basic formulas. 13. Read and interpret tables and graphs . 14. Identify and apply the properties of real numbers. 15. Solve applied problems using these competencies with real word applications.

Course Outline
Week / Date	Activities / Assignments
1	Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division of Whole Numbers
2	Exponential Notation , Order of Operations, Prime Numbers, Factoring, Perfect Square Roots, Least Common Multiple and Greatest Common Factor
3	Addition, Subtraction of Fractions and Mixed Numbers, Equivalent Fractions
4	Multiplication and Division of Fractions and Mixed Numbers, Exponents
5	Addition and Subtraction of Decimals
6	Multiplication and Division of Decimals, Comparing Fractions and Decimals
7	Ratios, Rates and Proportions
8	Percents and the Proportion Method
9	Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division of Integers
10	Operations with Rational Numbers and Scientific Notation
11	Plane Geometric Figures, Area and Volume
12	Length, Weight and Capacity in the US Customary System
13	Length, Mass and Capacity in the Metric System
14	Conversions between US Customary and Metric Systems
15	Pictographs, Circle Graphs, Bar graphs, Broken Line Graphs, Histograms, Frequency Polygons and Statistical Measures
16	Final

Course Structure	The course will consist of a lecture on each new topic, discussion of material including questions from students and explanation from the instructor, homework assignments, computer assignments ( if lab is available), TABE pretest and TABE posttest, two exams and a comprehensive final exam.
Technology/Media Component	Students are encouraged to make use of the tutoring in CER, PLATO computer programs and video tapes in the library.
Course Requirements and Evaluation	How will the final grade be determined? Include points or percentages of categories that will determine the final grade.
	Your final grade will be determined by two one -hour exams to total 40% of your final grade and a comprehensive final worth 30%. The remaining 30% will be divided between homework/quizzes/computer assignments and improvement for TABE pretest to TABE posttest – 20% and attendance – 10%.
Grading Policy	The scale below shows the relationship between your semester percent average and the letter grade you will receive. A = 90 to 100 B = 80 to 89 C = 70 to 79 MP = 60 to 69 E = 0 to 59 To pass this class, you must have a grade of “C” or better.