SYLLABUS
MAT 0041 - INTRODUCTION TO
ALGEBRA
INSTRUCTOR:_____________________ OFFICE/HOURS:___________________
PHONE:____________________________ E-MAIL: __________________________
Lead Instructor: Rhonda Dillow Office: J1003
Phone: 1-800-481-2242, ext. 3251 E-mail: rhondad@shawnee.cc.il.us
Credit Hours: Three (3) semester hours Prerequisites: None
Textbook(s)
and Class Materials:
Beginning Algebra,
9th edition, by Lial, Hornsby and Miller, Scott Foresman
and Company, Glenview, Illinois 1996.
A complete set of instructional videos is on
reserve in the Shawnee College library.
Any student who is having difficulty with the course material should
make use of these videos.
Specific
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the algebraic
fundamentals. The material covered in
this course includes operations on signed numbers, linear equations and
inequalities, exponents, polynomials and rational expressions. It is designed for students who have had no
algebra or who desire a review the this material. Successful completion of this course should
prepare a student for MAT 114, Intermediate Algebra.
Course
Objectives:
During this course the student should develop
manipulative skills and a conceptual framework for working with:
operations on integers
operations on rational
numbers
operations with powers
operations with rational
expressions
linear equations and factorable
quadratic equations
ratio and proportions
polynomial terminology
addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division of polynomials
factoring techniques
equation solving
techniques
Instructional
Modes:
1. Lecture/demonstration, problem solving
and in class discussion methods will be used in addition to homework
assignments.
2. The chalkboard will be utilized
extensively. The overhead projector will
be used whenever it is felt its use as a visual
aid would be helpful.
3. Students will be encouraged to
verbalize their thoughts, views, concerns, etc., and considerable
student/teacher interaction will be encouraged.
Student Expectations:
1. Attend class regularly and be on time.
2. Read and prepare assignments prior to
class.
3. Turn in assignments on time.
4. Be prepared for exams over assigned
material. Take tests at regularly
scheduled times unless extenuating circumstances interfere. Quizzes may be announced or unannounced.
Student Evaluation:
1. A comprehensive final exam
will be given at the end of the semester.
(200 pts.)
2. Announced one-hour exams,
covering the material in the chapters, will
be given throughout the semester. (100 pts.)
3. Announced or
unannounced homework assignments and quizzes may be given as a means of insuring out of class work. Instructor may also use computer work,
notebooks or projects as he/she sees fit.
4. *** Specifics
on the grading procedure and/or a tentative course schedule developed by the
instructor may accompany this syllabus.
Office
Hours:
Office hours will be posted on the bulletin
board outside the instructor’s office.
Other times are possible by scheduling individual appointments at
mutually convenient hours. Students are
encouraged to consult regularly with the instructor regarding class progress or
other topics of concern.
Inclement
Weather Policy:
Become familiar with the inclement weather
policy of Shawnee Community College. It
will be read in all classes and posted in the cafeteria or student lounge.
Academic
Dishonesty or Plagiarism:
Review the college policy regarding academic
dishonesty in the Student Handbook.
College
Policy:
Administrative policy
prohibits the following: eating,
drinking, or using tobacco in the classroom; bringing children or other
unauthorized individuals to the classroom.
Attendance
Policy:
Each student is expected to attend all
class meetings. The student is expected
to be on time and ready to begin class with the proper materials at the
beginning of each class period.
Topical
Outline:
Using
symbols
Variables,
equations, and inequalities
Negative
numbers
Addition
of real numbers
Subtraction
of real numbers
Properties
of addition
Multiplication
of real numbers
Properties
of multiplication and addition
The
set of real numbers and its subsets
Simplifying
equations
The
addition property of equality
From
word problems to equations
Formulas
The
addition property of inequality
The
multiplication property of inequality
Exponents
& Polynomials
Multiplying/Dividing
polynomials
Factoring
techniques
Quadratic
equations
Note: The above schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. Specific instructor page may follow: