Syllabus for Elementary Algebra

PREREQUISITES:

None

CATALOG DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:

A course for students with little or no previous algebra background. Included topis are signed
numbers, exponents, order of operations, factoring, algebraic fractions , linear equations and
inequalities , word problems and percents. No college credit.

COURSE PURPOSE:

This is a remedial course designed to prepare students for Intermediate Algebra. It has been
designated as a course for students needing to satisfy a deficiency in Mathematics. It is review of
basic algebra concepts. Topics covered in this course can be found in the Catalog Description of the
Course. As shown above.

EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES:

The student will be expected to achieve the following objectives:
1. Identify and graph , on a number line, sets of real umbers
2. Understand the meaning and effects of operations on rational and real numbers.
3. Write algebraic expressions and evaluate them using the order of operations.
4. Identify properties of real numbers.
5. Solve linear equations and solve formulas for specified variables .
6. Analyze application problems, solve them, and state the conclusions.
7. Interpret and graph linear equations .
8. Perform arithmetic operations on polynomials.
9. Evaluate expressions involving integer exponents.
10. Factor polynomials using various methods .

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: (Required Textbook)

Gustafson, David R. and Peter D. Frisk. Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, An Integrated
Approach (5^th edition). Pacific Grove, California: Brooks and Cole Publishing Company, 1999.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

The expected course outcomes will be realized through a variety of instructional strategies. Those
strategies include, but are not limited to, the following: lecture, expository-discussion,
demonstration, inquiry, and group activities . The instructor also will integrate appropriate multimedia
technology.

Elementary Algebra

STUDENT PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES: (Attendance/Punctuality)

Regular class attendance is required. . Failure to regularly attend any zero level course may
result in an Administrative Withdrawal (AW) from the course. This AW may affect your eligibility
for financial aid, athletics and veterans benefits. Consult your instructor or the NSU catalog for the
complete AW Policy. Any student with perfect attendance for any testing period will receive five
points on their exam. Any student going to the tutor during a testing period will receive 1 point per
hour spent there, up to 5 points maximum on their exam. Plan to get notes and handouts from other
students if you are unable to attend a class. Students are not permitted to leave and return to class
during a class period. Students who leave or arrive after roll has been taken must notify the
instructor. Students are not permitted to bring food to class. No visitors without instructor’s prior
consent. The student may seek assistance from the Mathematics Department tutor, SC 264, or in
the Student DevelHaskell Annex.

EVALUATION OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT:

Four 100 point exams, plus a comprehensive final, will be administered. No make up exams
will be administered. Students who miss an exam or exams may count their score on the
comprehensive final for one missed exam. Students who arranged their other activities around test
schedules and complete each exam when administered will be allowed to replace their lowest exam
score with the score on their comprehensive final. Grades will be computed on the following scale:

of the “HIGH” total. The “HIGH” total is found by adding the highest score made on each exam.
Students are advised that the last date to drop a course with an automatic “W” will be April 15^th ,
2009. The last day to drop a single class or completely withdraw from NSU is May 8^th , 2009. A
“W” or “F” will be assigned depending if the student was passing or failing at the time of
withdrawal.

ADA COMPLIANCE:

If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special
accommodations of any nature whatsoever, the instructor will work with you and the University's
Office of Student Affairs to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that you have a fair
opportunity to perform in this class. Please advise the instructor of such disability and the desired
accommodations at the first class attended.

INCLEMENT WEATHER / DISASTER POLICY:

The following are basic premises for the inclement weather policy at Northeastern State
University:

1. Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.

2. It is the student's responsibility to receive the information when weather is
questionable.

3. Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.

4. Faculty members are obligated to hold classes if the University is not closed, unless
the faculty member is unable to get to campus.

Policy:
During times of inclement weather, decisions concerning day classes will be made
by 6:00 a.m. in order for the media to be notified and for students to receive the
announcement before they leave home. Decisions concerning night classes will be
made by 3:00 p.m.

The following media will be notified regarding closing of the campus:

The automated attendant message on 918-456-5511 will be modified to include
information concerning campus operations during inclement weather.