COURSE SYLLABUS
Spring 2009

COURSE TITLE: Elementary Algebra

COURSE NUMBER: MAT0953

CREDIT HOURS: 3

INSTRUCTOR: Ms. DeeAnn VanLuyck

OFFICE LOCATION: A116

OFFICE HOURS:

 Office:
 Monday: 7:30am-8:00am; 8:45am-9:00am; 12:30pm-1:30pm; 2:45pm-3:00pm; 5:00pm-6:00pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-8:00am; 8:45am-9:00am; 12:30pm-1:30pm; 2:45pm-3:00pm; 5:00pm-5:30pm
Wednesday: 7:30am-8:00am; 8:45am-9:00am; 12:30pm-1:30pm; 2:45pm-3:00pm; 5:00pm-5:30pm
Thursday: 7:30am-8:00am; 8:45am-9:00am; 12:30pm-1:30pm; 2:45pm-3:00pm; 4:30pm-5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-9:00am; 12:30pm-2:00pm
MILL:
 Monday: 11:00am-12:00pm; 3:00pm-5:00pm
Tuesday: 3:00pm-4:30pm; 5:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday: 11:00am-12:00pm; 3:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday: 3:00pm-4:30pm
Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm

OFFICE PHONE: (620)223-2700, ext. 317

EMAIL ADDRESS: deeannv@fortscott.edu

DISCUSSION BOARD: N/A

BLACKBOARD ADDRESS: http://blackboard.fortscott.edu, login name = student id, password = last
four digits of social security number.

PREREQUISITE(S): C or above in Math Skills or an appropriate COMPASS score.

A. TEXTBOOK(S) AND REQUIRED TOOLS OR SUPPLIES

1. Hawkes Learning Systems Introductory Algebra – ISBN: 0-918091-26-8
2. Required Hardware if installed on home computer:
400 MHz or faster processor
Windows 98SE or later
64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended)
150 MB hard drive space
256 color display (800 x 600, 16-bit color recommended)
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
CD-ROM drive
3. Optional Textbook (see bookstore for details)

B. COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course is an introduction to algebra with emphasis on operations on real numbers as well as
learning how to solve equations and inequalities . Graphing equations and inequalities, using
properties of exponents, operations on polynomials and factoring polynomials will also be
introduced.

C. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

This will be a problem-solving oriented class. Lesson presentations may include chalkboard,
power point, and practice problems from the courseware. All homework must be completed in
one of the three methods discussed in class and unit tests will be given over the homework
assignments. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all homework assignments in order
to be ready for unit tests. Due dates for the homework will be listed on your progress report when
entering the software or the next class period if using the pencil/paper option. Practice tests can be
completed on the courseware.

D. COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To help the student develop skills which will enable him or her to solve problems and
communicate effectively using the language and techniques of algebra.
2. To acquaint the student with some of the general concepts and principles of mathematics that
will serve as a basis for further studies in mathematics.
3. To help the student build confidence in his or her ability to solve problems in mathematics.
4. To encourage the student to develop and use a sound mathematical vocabulary.

E. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS

1. Integers and Real Numbers (Chapter 1)
A. The Real Number Line and Absolute Value
B. Addition with Integers
C. Subtraction with Integers
D. Multiplication and Division with Integers
E. Exponents, Prime Numbers, and Order of Operations
F. Properties of Real Numbers
2. Fractions, Decimals, and Algebraic Expressions (Chapter 2)
A. Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
B. Adding and Subtracting Fractions
C. Decimal Numbers and Fractions
D. Change in Value and Average
E. Simplifying and Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
F. Translating English Phrases and Algebraic Expressions
3. Solving Equations and Inequalities (Chapter 3)
A. Solving Linear Equations
B. Applications (optional)
C. Solving Linear Inequalities
4. Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables (Chapter 4)
A. The Cartesian Coordinate System
B. Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables
5. Exponents and Polynomials (Chapter 6)
A. Exponents
B. More on Exponents and Scientific Notation
C. Identifying and Evaluating Polynomials
D. Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
E. Multiplying Polynomials
F. Special Products of Binomials
G. Dividing Polynomials
6. Factoring polynomials and Solving Quadratic Equations (Chapter 7)
A. Greatest Common Factor and Factoring by Grouping
B. Factoring Trinomials
D. Factor Special Products
E. Solving Equations by Factoring

F. COURSE COMPETENCIES

UNDERSTAND INTEGERS AND REAL NUMBERS (CHAPTER 1)
1. Evaluate arithmetic expressions (including absolute values) using the order of operations and
properties of real numbers.

UNDERSTAND ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS (CHAPTER 2)
2. Evaluate algebraic expressions.

UNDERSTAND SOLVING EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES (CHAPTER 3)
3. Solve linear equations in one variable.
4. Solve proportion equations .
5. Solve linear inequalities in one variable showing solutions on a number line.
6. Solve literal equations that do not require factoring.
7. Develop and solve mathematical models including number, geometry, and percent
applications.

UNDERSTAND EXPONENTS AND POLYNOMIALS (CHAPTER 4)
8. Plot points on a coordinate plane.
9. Graph linear equations, by plotting points.

UNDERSTAND EXPONENTS AND POLYNOMIALS (CHAPTER 6)
10. Apply the laws of exponents to simplify expressions containing integer exponents.
11, Express numbers in scientific notation.
12. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on polynomial expressions.

UNDERSTAND FACTORING POLYNOMIALS & SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
(CHAPTER 7)
13. Factor expressions with common factors , expressions that require grouping, trinomial
expressions, and difference of square expressions .
14. Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
* Designates core outcomes and competencies for Computational Skills from the Kansas Core
Outcome Project (2001, 2004, 2005).

G. GRADING PLAN

Grades can be accessed at any time by logging into the courseware and selecting Progress Report.

The grade will be calculated as follows:

15% - Homework and/or Quizzes
70% - Unit tests
15% - Final exam

Homework will be completed using one of the three methods listed below. Once the student picks
a method it cannot be changed. All due dates are listed on the student’s Progress Report if using
Computer Option I or II. For students choosing the Textbook Option, homework will be due the
next class period or a homework quiz will be given.

Students may choose from the fol lowing homework options:

Computer Option I: Mastery learning in which the student will receive 100% for
mastery (80%) of concept or receive 0% for not mastering the concept. (The student
may do homework as many times as he/she wishes until mastering the concept.)

Computer Option II: Homework in which the student receives the highest grade
on each homework assignment. (The student may do homework as many times as
he/she wishes before the due date and take the highest grade.)

Textbook Option: Homework on paper/pencil from the HLS textbook and open
note homework quizzes given on homework assignments the last ten minutes
of class or - if time runs out – the homework assignment will be collected.
(Homework assignments/quizzes cannot be repeated for a higher grade; make-up
quizzes will be up to the instructor’s discretion.)

If a test is taken online, the student must turn in all work to the MILL staff immediately
after taking the test so partial credit can be added to the test score. No partial credit will be
given if the test is taken late.

H. ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to attend class regularly and to be on time. A record of attendance will be
kept. Students may miss up to 12 class periods. Students should login to the courseware frequently
for any updates and/or changes in the schedule. If the instructor cancels class, this is not
considered an absence for the student. Also, if the class is dismissed for a test, then the student
will be counted as attending if the test is taken on time and absent if the test is taken late. The
instructor reserves the right to drop/withdraw any student for attendance problems.

I. COURSE COMPONENT SPECIFICS

Student Getting Started Directions

Purchase the software required by your instructor. Please note that once you open the package,
the materials are NOT refundable.

TO INSTALL THE SOFTWARE AT HOME:

1. Place CD #1 in the CD-ROM drive. (CD#1 is the only CD needed for the installation.)
2. Double-click on the My Computer icon.
3. Double-click on the CD-ROM drive (has a picture of a CD-ROM disk).
4. Double-click on Setup.exe.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
6. You will be prompted for a Course ID.
-If you have internet access, enter fortscottida in the box after
http://www.hawkeslearning.com
-If you do not have internet access, select the option that says “No, I will not be
accessing the internet from this computer”.

TO GET YOUR ACCESS CODE:

1. Go to www.hawkeslearning.com and click on get your access code.
2. Fill out the form (including your 15-digit license number on the yellow sticker on the CD
sleeve).
3. Your personalized Access Code will be displayed on the screen. You will also receive an
email containing your Access Code in the body of the email as text and as an attachment
called "access.cod". Save this attachment to a floppy disk or another option. If you have
any questions, please email us at codes@hawkeslearning.com.

TO ENTER THE SOFTWARE AND SAVE YOUR ACCESS CODE:

1. Double-click on the purple diamond icon on the Desktop (or go to Start, Programs,
Hawkes Learning Systems).
2. Enter your Access Code when prompted. You may type it, paste it, or load it from disk (if
you saved it) by clicking the “F1-Load From Disk” option and browsing to the path where
you saved it. If you type or paste your Access Code, you will be prompted to save it. We
recommend you save your Access Code to a floppy disk or another option to avoid typing
it each time you enter the software.

TO CERTIFY (DO YOUR ASSIGNMENT IN THE SOFTWARE):

1. The Certify option is where you will complete your assignment.
2. After certifying, you will be given a certification code (this verifies that you completed your
assignment). It is recommended that you print and/or save your certification code.
3. a. If you have internet access, you should receive a message that says your certificate
has been submitted in your instructor’s gradebook. You are now done with that
assignment! If you do not receive this message, follow the directions under “b.”.
b. If you do not have internet access, you will need to manually submit your
certification code on the internet to get credit for your assignment in your instructor’s
gradebook. To do this,
- go to www.hawkeslearning.com/fortscottida and log in using your Access Code
- click the Register Certificate(s) link
- select the Lesson Name from the drop down list. Load from disk or type in your
certification code and click OK. Your certification code is now submitted!
- you need to perform these steps after you Certify to get credit for each of your
assignments

*** Be sure you register your Certification Code ON or BEFORE the due
date to get full credit for the assignment. If the lesson is submitted AFTER
the due date, it is LATE. ***

Student Directions for taking a WebTest or Practice WebTest:

1. Be sure you are connected to the internet.
2. Log into the Hawkes Learning Systems courseware using your access code.
3. Click the button titled WebTest found on the bottom right-hand corner of the Table of Contents
screen.
4. Click on the Take Test button on the left hand side of the screen
5. Select the Assigned Test option and click OK.
6. Choose the appropriate test from the list and click OK.
7. The test will download and begin immediately.
8. When finished with the test, click End Test to submit your test results.
9. You will be notified of your score immediately.
10. You can review your answers after taking a practice test at any time. But, if taking a real test for a
grade, scratch paper must be turned in to a MILL staff member immediately after taking the test so
partial credit can be added to the final score.

J. SERVICE LEARNING – N/A

K. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT

Students are expected to show respect to others in the classroom at all times. If a student is
disruptive in class, the student will be asked to leave and an absence will be recorded. If this
continues to be a problem, the student and the instructor will meet with the Dean of Students to
see if a solution can be worked out.

No cell phones or electronic devices such as MP3 players are to be heard or seen during class
time! During the first week of class, the student will receive a warning. After the first week,
the student will be asked to leave and an absence will be recorded. If during a test, the test
may be taken and credit withheld. The student may return for the next class.

If the student chooses to bring a laptop to class, the laptop is to remain closed until the
instructor gives the student permission to open it. If this becomes a problem, no laptops will
be allowed during class time.

L. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Homework will be completed using one of the three methods discussed in class. Students may
NOT receive ANY help on the certification phase (if using Computer Option I), the homework
webtests (Computer Option II), the in class quizzes, or during a test. Do not ask tutors,
instructors, staff, or peers for assistance since it will be labeled as “academically dishonest” and
the following consequences will occur! Academic dishonesty will result in no credit given for the
particular assignment, quiz, or test. The instructor also reserves the right to drop/withdraw or
fail a student for any act that may be labeled "academically dishonest."

All tutoring must be on the practice and/or instruct phases of the software. If a test is taken
online, the student must show appropriate photo identification, not use any notes or formulas , and
turn in all work to the MILL staff immediately after taking the test so partial credit can be added to
the test score. No partial credit will be given if the test is taken late.

No cell phones are allowed during tests! If a cell phone is seen while the student is testing,
the instructor reserves the right to withhold credit for that test.

M. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

1. Evacuation procedures (TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLASS)
2. Location of first aid kit (TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLASS)
3. Campus security: (TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLASS)
4. Universal Precaution Kit (TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLASS)

N. MISCELLANEOUS

The courseware has an instruct phase that explains how to do the problems in the section with an
oral description if you have speakers or headphones and also a short video lesson, the practice
phase including tutorial buttons to help you learn the concept, and also the certify stage to see if
mastery has been achieved. In addition, there is free tutoring in the MILL (hours posted in the
MILL and on bulletin boards throughout the college) in which both full time math instructors, Ms.
VanLuyck and Mrs. Malone, will be able to sit with you during the practice and/or instruct phase
of the software to help you understand it better.

O. WEEKLY OR DAILY TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Week 1: Introduction, 1.1 a, b, 1.2
Week 2: 1.3, 1.4, 1.5
Week 3: Review, Test 1, 2.1a, b
Week 4: 2.1c, d, 2.3, 2.5
Week 5: 2.6, Review
Week 6: Test 2, 3.1 a, c
Week 7: 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2
Week 8: Review, Test 3 (Ch. 3 & 4)
Week 9: 6.1, 6.2a, b
Week 10: 6.3 a, b, 6.4
Week 11: 6.5 a, b, 6.6 a, b
Week 12: 6.7a, b, Review
Week 13: Test 4 (Ch. 6), 7.1b, c
Week 14: 7.2, 7.3a
Week 15: 7.4, 7.5, Review
Week 16: Test 5 (Ch. 7), Review for final

SIGN THIS PAGE, DETACH FROM SYLLABUS, AND RETURN TO INSTRUCTOR.

COURSE TITLE: Elementary Algebra

COURSE NUMBER: MAT0953

CREDIT HOURS: 3

INSTRUCTOR: Ms. DeeAnn VanLuyck

OFFICE LOCATION: A116

OFFICE HOURS:

Office:
 Monday: 7:30am-8:00am; 8:45am-9:00am; 12:30pm-1:30pm; 2:45pm-3:00pm; 5:00pm-6:00pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-8:00am; 8:45am-9:00am; 12:30pm-1:30pm; 2:45pm-3:00pm; 5:00pm-5:30pm
Wednesday: 7:30am-8:00am; 8:45am-9:00am; 12:30pm-1:30pm; 2:45pm-3:00pm; 5:00pm-5:30pm
Thursday: 7:30am-8:00am; 8:45am-9:00am; 12:30pm-1:30pm; 2:45pm-3:00pm; 4:30pm-5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-9:00am; 12:30pm-2:00pm

MILL:
 Monday: 11:00am-12:00pm; 3:00pm-5:00pm
Tuesday: 3:00pm-4:30pm; 5:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday: 11:00am-12:00pm; 3:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday: 3:00pm-4:30pm
Friday: 11:00am-12:00pm

OFFICE PHONE: (620)223-2700, ext. 317

EMAIL ADDRESS: deeannv@fortscott.edu

P. AFFIDAVIT

My signature below indicates that I have read and understand the syllabus for the course listed
above and have been given a copy of my own to keep.

______________________________________________
Student Signature

____________________
Date

______________________________________________
Name (Printed Clearly)