COURSE OUTLINE AND SYLLABUS 

REQUIRED TEXT: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 4th ed., by Lial, Hornsby, and McGinnis, ISBN 0-321-52578-7 with DVD, which is available in the NSCC bookstore (stand alone DVD ISBN--0-321-44953-3, stand alone lecture on CD (if desired) ISBN--0-321-44632-1, stand alone textbook ISBN--0-321-44233-4)

REQUIRED: DSPM 0800 Review Packet available in the NSCC Bookstore or download from ww2.nscc.edu/dspm (for all test reviews that will be turned in for the homework score) 

CALCULATOR: Texas InstrumentsTI-84 Plus. TI-89 and comparable calculators are not allowed.

RECOMMENDED: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra Student's Solution Manual, 3rd ed., ISBN 0-321-44954-1, available in the NSCC Bookstore

GRADING: Grades for this course will be based on unit tests, homework, and final exams as follows:

Unit tests--60%
Homework--15% (Homework score will be based on the Review Worksheets for Tests 1, 2, 3, and the Final that are in the course packet.)
Final Exam (comprehensive)--25%

Grading Scale

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 70 - 79

F = 0 - 69

Note:  The instructor will issue a student a withdrawal/failing grade (WF) if the student misses the deadlines (dates) on the course outline without contacting the instructor. Students must also contact the instructor by phone or email to report progress once every two week beginning with the first day of class. The student information form is the first contact. Do not send this in before May 30.

PROCEDURES and POLICIES:

• Students are responsible for knowing the information in this syllabus. Do not refer to the syllabus for the lecture classes that can be accessed on the DSPM Web site. However, the DSPM Web site is used to access the assignments and the review worksheets.

• In this video course, students are expected to view the videos, complete the assigned problems, turn in their the review worksheets that are in the course packet, and take the tests by the dates on the course outline sheet. The video tutorials are on the DVDs that are purchased with the textbook packet. The only assignments to be turned in at the time the tests are taken are the review worksheets.

• Tests and final exam are on file in the Testing Center of the Library and must be taken ON or BEFORE the final date listed on the Course Outline. The due date and the last date for taking a test are different. There is a penalty for not testing on or before the due date. Testing on the last possible date indicates that a student is behind schedule and is in jeopardy of not successfully completing the course. Extensions on last possible submission dates will not be granted for any reason.

• Take tests per the schedule. The student can obtain test grades via NS Online if the "Student Information Form" is completed and submitted to the instructor. 

• No notes or review worksheets are allowed when taking exams. Use of prohibited material will result in an "F" for the course. Calculators are not allowed on Test 1.

• Scores for homework and test will be recorded in NS Online. To access NS Online, go to the Nashville State homepage (www.nscc.edu). Move the pointer over "Attend Online"; then click on "NS Online". Follow the log in instructions. The review worksheets that will be submitted can also be accessed through NS Online. To access the Review Worksheets see the "HOMEWORK" Section below.

 COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

• Report Course Progress to your instructor every two week. Failure to do this will result in a grade of "WF". The submission of a test will serve for a progress report on the week that a test is due.

• Complete assignments on DSPM 0800 Elementary Algebra Class and Homework Assignments which can be downloaded from ww2.nscc.edu/dspm or accessed from the home page for this video course. Only the Test Review Worksheets from the course packet will be turned in to be graded for the homework score. Even though the only assignments that are turned in for scoring are the review worksheets, a students should do all the assigned problems in the lessons in order to be successful, master the concepts to go forward, and do well on the tests. The Test Review Worksheets must be turned in to the Testing Center On or Before the test due date listed in the schedule. Ten points will be deducted for a homework score turned in between the due date and the late test date. See access information above.

• Have a final average of 70 or more

• Complete three (3) unit tests and a comprehensive final exam

• Submission of a Student Information Form is required. The instructor will not be set up for record keeping until classes begin. Do not submit the information form until the Friday prior to classes beginning on Monday. Be sure that your instructor hears from you between Friday, May30 and Monday, June 2.

HOMEWORK:

To be successful in this course all problems on the Class and Homework Assignments page  should be completed. The assignments that will be scored for the homework component that weighs 15% of the course grade will the Review Worksheets for Test 1, Test 2, Test 3, and the Final Exam. These worksheets are in the course packet that can be purchased in the NSCC bookstore or downloaded from ww2.nscc.edu/dspm. They can also be accessed through NS Online.  However, do not use the syllabus on the "dspm" Web site. Use the syllabus on the Web site ww2.nscc.edu/marable_l.

The review worksheets to be turned in for scoring should be done on regulation-sized notebook paper using the front side only. The work must be neat and organized. Do not send in a list on answers only. These are provided with each worksheet for self checking. Credit will not be given for exercises that give the answers only for exercises that require work.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to algebra course. Topics include the fundamental operations of real numbers, polynomials, exponents, factoring, ratio, proportion, linear expressions, solving quadratic equations by factoring, and introduction to graphing. Prerequisite: DSPM 0700

Course Outcomes:

1. Simplify expressions using multiple algebraic operations.
2. Solve linear equations and simple quadratic equations by factoring.
3. Solve application/word problems using linear equations.
4. Graph linear equations in two variables using the X and Y intercepts.
5. Factor polynomials completely.
6. Apply use of calculator in multiple algebraic topics--expressions, equations, graphing linear equations, scientific notation.

MISCELLANEOUS:

According to the college catalog, conduct of an unacceptable nature may be reason for dismissal from the college.  Cheating is dishonest and constitutes unacceptable behavior.  No notes or review sheets are allowed to be used on a test. If notes or review sheets are found during testing, a course grade of "F" will be recorded. Students getting caught cheating in this course will be dismissed from the course with a grade of F.  The last day to withdraw from this course without penalty is published in the academic calendar of the current catalog.  Nashville State Tech complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  If you wish to request any accommodation for this class, please notify the instructor as soon as possible.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Review for Test 1 (in the packet) must be turned in to the Testing Center (K-158) video box on or before June 12, 2008. Ten points will be deducted from a review worksheet homework score if the assignment is turned in between June 12 and June 17. A zero will be recorded after June 16.

Test 1 over 1.1 through 1.8 is on file in the Testing Center of the Library and must be taken on or before June 12, 2008. Ten points will be deducted from the final score of a test taken between June 12 and June 17.  A score of zero will be recorded after June 16. Calculators cannot be used when taking Test 1. Calculators can be used for the remaining tests.

 Review for Test 2 (in the packet) must be turned in to the Testing Center (K-158) video box on or before July 3, 2008. Ten points will be deducted from a review worksheet homework score if the assignment is turned in between July 3 and July 9. A zero will be recorded after July 8.

Test 2 over 2.1 through 2.8 must be taken on or before July 3, 2008. Ten points will be deducted from the final score of a test taken between July 3 and July 9. A score of zero will be recorded after July 8.

Review for Test 3 (in the packet) must be turned in to the Testing Center (K-158) video box  on or before July 21, 2008. Ten points will be deducted from a review worksheet homework score if the assignment is turned in between July 21 and July 26. A zero will be recorded after July 25.

Test 3 over 3.1, 3.2, and 4.1 through 4.7 must be taken on or before July 21, 2008. Ten points will be deducted from the final score of a test taken between July 21 and July 26. A score of zero will be recorded after July 25, 2008.

Review for Final Exam (in the packet) must be turned in to the Testing Center (K-158) video box on or before  August 4, 2008. There will be no extension on this due date.

The Final Exam over sections 1.1-1.8, 2.1-2.8, 3.1-3.2, 4.1-4.7, and 5.1-5.5 must be taken
on or before August 4, 2008. No final exam can be taken after April 25. No extension will be given for any reason.

See following Table for schedule.

TABLE FORM OF THE COURSE SCHEDULE:

To receive the maximum score on tests and final exam, tests must be completed by the date as given. There will be a 10 point reduction in a test score on tests taken after the maximum test date but on or before the reduction test date. Do not ask for any extension after the reduced score dates. The reduced score dates are the given makeup period if a test is not taken on or before the due date. There is no extension of the final exam date. Be sure to check with the testing centers for hours that tests may be taken. Missing testing center hours for a testing site will not be accepted as a reason for having missed a test or homework extension date. Students should make sure of the testing times and days at the testing site being used. Students may need to adjust the days that tests are taken so that due dates are not missed. If a student's testing center is not open on the stated due date, the tests may need to be taken before the due date. Watch these dates carefully. No tests (i.e. grade of zero) will be administered after the reduction test date. No notes or review worksheets are allowed when taking exams. Use of prohibited material will result in an "F" for the course. Be sure to find out the hours at your designated testing center. For instance, the testing center on the main campus closes at 4:30 p. m. on Friday.