ACADEMIC, ENRICHMENT, ADVISEMENT AND ORIENTATION
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
DSPM 0850
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA       
COURSE SYLLABUS AND GUIDE

 

Instructor's Name:  ________________________________________________
Office Phone No.:  _____________________Office Location ______________
Office Hours: _____________________________________________________
Class Location:  ___________________________________________________
Class Meeting:  ___________________________________________________

LAB: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra have a Lab component. The Lab component is online and it is worth 20% of your grade.

TO THE STUDENT: Although your instructor may go over this document with you in class, it is recommended that you read it carefully as well.  It contains valuable information concerning rules, regulations, and policies, which govern the operation of Academic Enrichment, Advisement, and Orientation and this course.  As a student in this class, it is important that you know this information and that you use it as a guide.

COURSE DESCRIPTION  DSPM 0850 Intermediate Algebra (3 credits).
     This course is designed to develop mathematics competencies that are prerequisites for studying college algebra.  This course will provide the student with a foundation in the following topics for fulfilling the requirements for intermediate algebra: algebraic fractions, graphing equations and inequalities, systems of equations, radical expressions and quadratic equations.  The ability to select and to use appropriate approaches in solving problems that arise in everyday life and as a tool for thinking logically and reasoning critically in decision-making will be emphasized.  Prerequisites:  successful completion of DSPM 0800, one year of high school algebra, or the equivalent.  A student who enrolls in this course will spend three hours a week in the classroom and one hour per week in the laboratory.

If you are enrolled in an Emerging Scholars Learning Community, other  assignments and activities from the Learning Community classes will be used as springboards for math assignments and discussion periodically.

RATIONALE
     Intermediate Algebra is a course which focuses on skills necessary for satisfactory performance in college level math, in other courses in the university curriculum, and in careers which students will enter after graduation.

GENERAL COURSE GOAL
     To assist the student who has not yet mastered the basic math skills necessary for success in college by reviewing basic operations with rational expressions, solve and graph linear system of equations and inequalities, basic operation with radical expressions, and solve and graph quadratic equations.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
1.  The student will develop the ability to perform the basic operations with rational expressions.
2.  The student will develop the ability to solve equations in the form of proportion and word problems
     that involve fractions.
3.  The student will develop the ability to find solutions for equations and inequalities in two variables.
4.  The student will develop the ability to graph the solution set of linear equation and inequality in two
     variables.
5.  The student will develop the ability to work with the distance formula and find the equation of a line
     parallel or perpendicular to another line.
6.  The student will develop the ability to find the solution for a system of two linear equations by
     different methods and to use systems of equations to solve word problems.
7.  The student will develop the ability to do basic operations with radical expressions and to solve
     radical equations.
8.  The student will develop the ability to solve and graph quadratic equations and inequalities and to
     use the Pythagorean Theorem.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
     Each student is required to have a textbook for the course/lab and is required to bring that text to each class meeting.  If a textbook has "tear out" assignments, a used textbook may not be acceptable for the class.
Elementary and Intermediate Algebra by Mark Dugopolski, Second Edition, NY, 2006 McGraw Hill.

REQUIRED MATERIALS
Each student is required to have materials listed below and bring them to each class/lab meeting.
1.  A supply of loose-leaf paper (No spiral notebook paper will be accepted for class assignments.)
2.  A supply of pencils is required.
3.  A supply of graph paper is required.

CAMPUS MAILBOX/E-MAIL
     At the time of enrollment, all students are provided a campus mailbox and a computer account. Students are required to check their mailboxes and e-mails at least once per week, as these will be important means for instructors to communicate about class matters.

PREPARATION OF ASSIGNMENTS
Students are expected to submit all assignments in an appropriate form and condition.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
     Instructional methods for class will involve a number of traditional and non-traditional methods, including lecture-discussion, small group discussion, individualized programs and conferences, and media presentation which involve both in and out-of-class activities and preparations.

CLASS PROCEDURES
For success the student should follow these class procedures:
1.  Attend class meetings on time
2.  Purchase the required textbooks and materials
3.  Submit all class assignments and take all examinations on the announced dates
4.  Have a conference with his/her instructor at least once a semester
5.  Keep all lab work in a folder. This folder should be submitted to the lab at the announced dates.
6.  Attend the lab as directed by instructor and lab assistants
7.  Prepare all assignments according to directions of instructor.
8.  Participate in class discussions, activities, and special sessions in Tutorial Program, Computer
    Tutorial Lab, etc., as directed by the instructor.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Website Materials.  All relevant course materials may be obtained at via the Mathematics Center website, Click on:  Intermediate Algebra Review Materials or follow the steps bellow:
1.   On TSU Homepage click on “Academics”.
2.   Scroll down and click on “Academic Enrichment, Advisement and Orientation”.
3.   On the Navigation Bar click on “Mathematics Center”
4. Click on your course
5. Click on review materials

Tutorial Assistance.    For students who require additional assistance in math, AEAO  offers a tutorial program. You may obtain assistance by contacting Mrs. Barbara Kannard at 963-7421 or 963-7419.  You may also contact one of the assistants in the Math Lab, LRC 218. Also if a student received an IP or an F on their mid-term grade he/she is required to attend two hours of tutorial each week.

Academic Advisement.     Students who are enrolled in two or more courses in the AEAO, should address questions concerning courses and advisement to the Advisement Center located on the first floor of the LRC, room 108, Mr. D. Lee McGahey is the Coordinator at 963-5564.

 ATTENDANCE
Attendance in remedial classes, labs, and scheduled tutorials is mandatory and monitoring of attendance is ongoing.   Because attendance is mandatory, only excused absences will be allowed.

AN EXCUSED ABSENCE IS ONE FOR WHICH THERE IS AN UNAVOIDABLE, DOCUMENTED REASON.
     An absence will be allowed only with documented proof that the absence was unavoidable.  This documentation must be presented to the instructor within three days after returning from an absence.  When excused absences exceed four successive days for a three-hour class and five successive days for a four-hour class, students may be in danger of failing the class and should comply with the recommendation of the classroom instructor. 

EXIT CRITERIA
*Diagnostically Advanced Candidates:  For Diagnostic advancement, students who score 90% or above on the pretest can be placed in the next level course.  This process must be completed by the end of the first week of class.

*Early Exit Candidates:  Students who score between 80%-89% on pretest. These students will be given a prescribed program to complete. The student is expected to attend class each day until their program of study is completed. If the work is completed by the third week of the semester, the student may early exit. If the work is not completed the student will have to remain the class and work alone with the class.

GRADE DETERMINATION
     The following grades for class assignments, tests, laboratory activities, and final grades are awarded in remedial and developmental courses:

With a Range of                Grade
1000  - 900                              A
899 - 800                                 B
799 - 700                                 C
699 - below                             F         

An IP or "In Progress" -- is awarded only as a mid-term or final grade when a student has good class attendance, done required assignments but need more time to master certain concepts.  During the semester following the awarding of the IP grade, the student receiving that grade must re-enroll in the course in which the IP was received.

An I or Incomplete -- is awarded only as a final grade.  It is awarded to a student who has had good attendance and completed all assigned work satisfactorily but who has been unable to take the final examination.  The final exam should be taken within the first two weeks of the following semester and the student must obtain an I Removal Card from the Office of Admissions & Records and presented it to the instructor of the course for the grade to be officially changed from I to the grade awarded for the course.  Failure to have the instructor change the grade will result in a grade of NC (no credit) and the student must have to repeat the course.

A W or Withdrawal is awarded only when there are extenuating circumstances.  A remedial or developmental course is required to meet a demonstrated deficiency and should be completed during the students' first semesters at the University to assure success in later courses.  If student begins to experience difficulty with a remedial or developmental course, they should seek the assistance of their class/lab instructor and Dr. Grimes, Director of R/D Tutorial Program.  If difficulty continues, they should consider dropping other courses to allow more time for the remedial or developmental course. Withdrawal from a remedial or developmental course is seen as a final option and is allowed only when there are extenuating circumstances and no other options. The instructor, the coordinator of the discipline, and Dr. Reeves, the director of the Academic Enrichment, Advisement, and Orientation Program must approve this withdrawal. This grade is not considered a failed attempt.  

A X Grade is awarded for students after the first 3 weeks of classes or on Midterm.  It is awarded for students who stops coming to class for more than 3 consecutive class meetings without any documented excuse, and to students who never came to class.

FINAL GRADE DETERMINATION
Students' semester grades are determined by adding

In class tests average              500 Points
Lab                                         200 Points
Quizzes, homework, etc.       50   Points
Final Exam score.                  250 Points

REQUIREMENTS FOR READMITTED STUDENTS  (AEAO Readmission Program) The Academic Enrichment Readmission is a holistic retention program for students who have been readmitted after suspension.  For that reason, for a student to experience successful recovery from suspension and make a passing grade in the AEAO course for which he/she was suspended:

1.   The student must comply with all conditions for readmission and must complete all online labs  
      (including AEAO 1020), classes, sessions, and tutorials as prescribed, (extra lab or tutorial hours
      specified by the instructor)
2.   If you have been readmitted to the University because of academic suspension, you are required to
      enroll in and pass the Academic Recovery course (AEA 1020) as a requirement for successfully
      completing the enhanced version of DSPM0800 or DSPM0850.  If you are not in compliance with this
      requirement, immediately contact Advisement Center, room 108 916-5513.
3.   If any students are in recovery class DSPM 0800 they must register for DSPM- 0850recovery class
      also. 

REQUIREMENT FOR STUDENTS REPEATING DSPM 0850

1.   If you are repeating DSPM 0850, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DO EXTRA LAB OR TUTORIAL
      HOURS (specified by the instructor) per week.
      NOTE: If you are repeating DSPM-0850 for the third time, you are required to enroll in and pass  
      the Academic Recovery course (ORN-102). Failure to pass one course results in failure to pass the
      other. If you are not in compliance with this requirement, immediately contact Dr. Monetha R.
      Reaves, Director of AEAO at 963-5563.
2.   Students repeating DSPM 0850, can not attempt diagnostic advancement during the first week of the
      semester or during mid-term.

TESTING POLICY FOR CHAPTER TESTS IN DSPM COURSES
     Students are required to show the right methods (specific method) of work and proper steps related to  
     each question when it is necessary on all tests.  Credit will not be given without proper steps shown.
1.  In class tests will be given as announced by instructor, each test will contain
     material covered in previous chapter.  Students not taking the test when it is given in class must
     immediately reschedule test with their instructor.
2.  If the student's average after the final exam is 70% or above, he/she may exit the course. Students
     participating in Academic Recovery must satisfy all condition of readmission to exit the course.
3.  In case of emergencies, see the course instructor.
4.  Students, who are officially excused for illness (with medical documentation) etc., must arrange with
     course instructor to make up all tests and class/laboratory work immediately.

ACADEMIC AND CLASSROOM CONDUCT (FROM TSU STUDENT HANDBOOK)
1.   The instructor has the primary responsibility for control over classroom behavior and maintenance
      of academic integrity, and can order temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any
      student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct in violation of the general rules and regulations
      of the institution.
2.   Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.  Students guilty of
      academic misconduct either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are immediately
      responsible to the instructor of the class.  In addition to the other possible disciplinary sanctions 
      which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures as a result of academic
      misconduct, The instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or a zero for the exercise or
      examination, or to assign an "F" in the course.

HANDICAP STUDENTS
     If you have a documented disability that requires special accommodations, please let your instructor know.  The instructor will be happy to work with you.

MATH LAB POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
     The math lab provides educational opportunities to meet the needs of our students and for students who need extra practice with mathematical problems outside of the class atmosphere.  All Developmental Math lab sessions are online. 
Open Math Lab  located at the Learning Resource Center, room 218.  Math Lab conduct a group as well as individual open tutorial help sessions for students enrolled in Mathematics courses throughout the university.  The hours of operation for the Tennessee State University (TSU) Math Lab are from 8:00 am until 4:30 PM.  Monday through Friday. 
Completing the weekly online lab is mandatory for the class. Those students missing a Lab will be in danger of failing.
Grading  The lab counts as 200 points of your class grade.  Labs cannot be redone to remove low scores.  Online Lab is very important to overall grade.  Please take it seriously. 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE AND HOMEWORK
DSPM 0850
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

 

CHAPTER 6

SECTION 6.1:      Reducing Rational Expressions.
Homework Problems:  15, 19, 33, 37, 39, 48, 51, 61, 65, 73, 85, 89.

SECTION 6.2:      Multiplication and Division
Homework Problems:  15, 19, 23, 25, 39, 41, 43, 47, 71, 75, 77.

 SECTION 6.3:      Finding the Least Common Denominator
Homework Problems:  11, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 45, 53, 65.

 SECTION 6.4:      Addition and Subtraction
Homework Problems:  21, 25, 29, 35, 43, 51, 53, 57, 63, 65. 

SECTION 6.6:      Solving Equations with Rational Expressions
Homework Problems:  7, 11, 21, 27, 33, 37, 39, 55, 61, 63. 

SECTION 6.8:      Applications of Rational Expressions.
Homework Problems:  33, 34, 35, 37, 39, 41, 42, 57.

Review
Test #1 (Chapter 6 Test)
 

CHAPTER 7 

SECTION 7.1:      Solving by Graphing and Substitution.
Homework Problems:  7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 25, 29, 33, 35, 37.

 SECTION 7.2:      Solving by Addition.
Homework Problems:  9, 13, 15, 19, 23, 33, 37, 47, 67, 68.

Review
Test #2 (Chapter 7 Test)

CHAPTER 8 

SECTION 8.1:      Compound Inequalities in One Variable.
Homework Problems:  7, 11, 15, 21, 25, 29, 35, 37, 45, 49, 53. 

SECTION 8.2:      Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities.
Homework Problems:  11, 15, 19, 21, 25, 27, 59, 61, 65, 71. 

SECTION 8.3:      Compound Inequalities in Two Variables.
Homework Problems:  13, 15, 17, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30.

 Review
Mid Term Exam (CHAPTER 6, 7 & 8)
 

CHAPTER 9 

SECTION 9.1:      Radicals.
Homework Problems:  7, 13, 15, 21, 27, 31, 37, 43, 51, 57, 63, 67, 71, 77, 81, 85, 91. 

SECTION 9.2:      Rational Exponents.
Homework Problems:  7, 9, 15, 19, 27, 31, 37, 43, 47, 49, 55, 79, 85, 89, 91.

SECTION 9.3:      Operations with Radicals.
Homework Problems:  5, 11, 17, 19, 25, 33, 37, 43, 51, 65, 67, 71, 75, 79, 89, 91. 

SECTION 9.4:      Quotients, Powers, and Rationalizing Denominators.
Homework Problems:  3, 5, 11, 15, 21, 31, 37, 41, 49, 53, 71, 75, 79, 87. 

SECTION 9.5:      Solving Equations with Radicals and Exponents.
Homework Problems:  5, 9, 13, 19, 21, 29, 35, 37, 43, 47. 

SECTION 9.6:      Complex Numbers.
Homework Problems:  7, 11, 17, 25, 29, 41, 47, 51, 55, 63, 67, 85, 87, 91. 

Review
Test# 4 (Chapter 9 Test)

CHAPTER 10

SECTION 10.1: Factoring and Completing the square
Homework Problems:   6, 14, 17, 22, 28, 36, 48, 52, 59, 67, 76, 87, 92

SECTION 10.2: The Quadratic Formula
Homework Problems:   10, 14, 19, 24, 27, 37, 48, 57, 62, 81

SECTION 10.3: Graphing Parabolas
Homework Problems:   10, 16, 25, 26, 29, 42, 49, 56, 59

SECTION 10.5: Quadratic and Rational Inequalities
Homework Problems:   12, 26, 30, 43, 45, 47, 51, 59, 76

Review
TEST#5 (Chapter 10 Test)


COURSE EVALUATION

FINAL EXAM REVIEW

FINAL EXAM

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