Course Syllabus

DSPM 0800 Elementary Algebra Spring 2002

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Instructor: Scott McDaniel

Office: SAG 118 Phone: 904-8367 wk; or 895-5079 hm;

e-mail: Preferably through WebCT or   smcdanie@mtsu.edu

Web Site: http://www.mtsu.edu/~smcdanie also we will be using the WebCT  web site (www.mtsu.edu/webct). Your username is generally your frank account name (e.g. snm2b).
Your password is generally your social security number. Both of these may be changed at any time.

**Other times may be made by appointment

Materials:

Elementary and Intermediate Algebra Graphs and Models by Bittenger, Ellenbogen, and Johnson. You must purchase a TI-83 or TI-83 PLUS for this course.  There will be several homework problems as well as test questions that will require the use of it.  Other calculators such as the TI-81,TI-82 or TI-85 as well as any other type of graphing calculator may be used; however, you will not be able to get specific “technical support” for them.  The TI-83 will be a requirement in both Intermediate Algebra and College Algebra.  A 3-ring notebook to keep a math journal and to organize class notes, homework, and tests is required. An e-mail account and Internet access are required.  MTSU e-mail accounts are available free to students from the Office of Information Technology 898-5345.  Internet access is available for student use in the library, KOM computer labs, and the Developmental Studies Math Lab.  Pencil must be used on all tests. Graph paper will also be needed for assignments.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is vital to success in the course. The standard policy of the Developmental Studies Department states that having more than three absences for a MWF class or more than 2 absences for a TR or MW class will result in a grade of “F” for the course. Also, three tardies will be counted as one absence. Therefore, attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class. If you are tardy it is YOUR responsibility to get on the roll. A written excuse must be provided for all absences. For absences due to inclement weather, call my office(904-8367) BEFORE the absence. There are NO FREE ABSENCES. However, the Developmental Studies Program recognizes that university-sanctioned events could result in absences. A student who anticipates missing class because of a university-sanctioned event should contact the instructor before the event to arrange for early completion of assignments. Note:  For Summer classes no more than three absences are allowed.

If you do not miss any more than one class for any reason (excused or not) and are not tardy and do not leave early more than once, you will receive 2 points to your final grade.

Test and Grading: 

Tests

Each test will be cumulative.  That is, test 2 will have material from test 1 on it; test 3 will have material from test 1 and test 2, etc.  Sometimes over half the test will be over “old” material.

Tests should be taken on the on the scheduled day. If this is impossible, contact me prior to the test or before the next class to arrange for a make up. Students may make up no more than one test. The make-up tests will be significantly more challenging.  If more than one test is missed, a grade of (0) will be assigned for the test.  A missed test must be made up within one week from the original test date.  The final exam (post-test) is a departmental comprehensive timed (25 questions, 35 minutes) final—again, it is 20% of your grade.

Quizzes

You will have 5 quizzes throughout the semester.  These will be short (2-10 questions) and will be taken online (Webct).  You will be given the dates in class on when the quizzes should be taken.   If you do not take a quiz before the deadline, you will get a 0 for that quiz grade.   If something goes wrong with the computer, notify me immediately through phone call (904-8367) or email through Webct.

Test Dates

Final Exam 

The final exam is a departmental exam that is worth 150 points.  This is equivalent to 20% of your final grade.  The final will be 25 multiple choice questions and you will have 35 minutes in which to complete it.  It will be very similar to the pretest taken the first day of class.  You must take the final exams in order to pass your DSP classes.

WebCT

The website www.mtsu.edu/webct will be used in this class.  This is where you can check your grades take quizzes, and communicate with me via email or discussion board.  All grades will be posted here. 

Grading Scale

675-750                A

600-674                B

525-599                C

0—524                 F

Note:  There are no D’s given in Developmental Studies.

Note: There is no plus/minus grading

If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, reader, etc., please speak with me as soon as possible. Students may also contact the Office of Disabled Student Services (898-2783) with questions about such services.

Only registered students may attend class. Children, visitors, or pets are not allowed. Also, turn off beepers or cellular phones while in class. Class disturbances will not be tolerated. Continuously disruptive students may be asked to leave class.

Developmental Studies Math Lab: Students are strongly encouraged to use the Math Lab located in SAG 202. In addition to the tutors, computers, and videotapes will be available. Students must sign in and out of the laboratory on both the computer and sign-in sheets. Students must work on mathematics while in the laboratory.

**Students may not withdraw from Developmental Studies Courses except in extreme cases, which must be approved by Dr. Carol Bader, Chair of Developmental Studies (898-2568, Peck Hall, Room 217).

Academic Misconduct

Misconduct, Academic: Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty, or facilitating any such act will not be tolerated. Academic misconduct is a disciplinary offense, and I punish such offenses to the highest degree allowed by the university.  I will assign a grade of "F" for the exercise or examination for the first offence.  If a second offense occurs, I will assign an "F" for the course.  This policy includes writing answers from the back of the book without showing your work.