LS 10A Lecture Format
Course Information
Spring 2004 

Text	Introductory Algebra by Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis, Addison Wesley, 7th edition, 2002
	Geometry Activities for Intermediate Algebra by Stan Barrick
	Supplementary Activities for Elementary Algebra by Pam Fredenburg
Calculator	Basic scientific calculator.  No graphing calculators.
Scantron	General Purpose Answer Sheet #F-262-L

       

                       

Curriculum

The curriculum for LS 10A includes a review of fundamental concepts, measurement geometry, and introductory algebra.   LS 10A is a course that satisfies the Entry Level Mathematics Requirement.  This means that after receiving credit for LS10A you may substitute course passage for passage of the ELM exam.  Students who scored between 36 and 42 on the ELM will be placed in LS 10A.  Students who scored at least 44 on the ELM may take LS 10A or LS 10I or LS 10X and Math 9.  This course is not recommended for students who have never had algebra or for students who scored less than 36 on the ELM.  Students who scored less than 36 on the ELM should take LS 7A and LS 7B.

 

Course Format

The instruction for this course is provided through a structured lecture format. In addition to the regularly scheduled class meetings, you will be required to spend at least one additional hour in open lab each week.  See the schedule posted in LSN 2110 for open lab times.  Open labs will begin the second week of instruction, Monday, September 8 , 2003.  See your instructor's information handout for specific information regarding homework and quiz policies.     

 

Attendance

Regular attendance and effort in this cocurse is the best guarantee of your success. For that reason, attendance is mandatory and there are consequences for non-attendance.

• Attendance is mandatory and taken in all classes.
  • Missing more than 20 minutes of class is considered an absence.
  • Missing up to 20 minutes of class is considered a partial absence.
  • Two partial absences are considered one absence.
• After 3 absences, your instructor will discuss the situation with you. Your instructor will give you written notification that you have three absences and the consequences of any further absences.
• After 4 absences, you may be given a No Credit grade. In order to avoid receiving a No Credit grade, you must ask your instructor for information about submitting a written petition. YOu must submit your petition to the LS 10A Lecture Format coordinator, Pam Fredenburg. If you do not submit a petition within one week of your fourth absence, you will receive a No Credit grade. 
• After 5 absences, you automatically receive a No Credit grade. If you are absent more than 5 times due to a medical problem, it is recommended that you withdraw from the University.

• Students who entered the University after Fall 1998 must fulfill the entry level mathematics requirement within two semesters. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the University.

 

Course Grade

LS 10A is graded as credit or no credit.  (It may be possible to receive a grade of report in progress.)  If you receive a "RP", you may be required to attend a three-week post session. 

 Assessment will be based on the following point scale: 

3 Midterm Exams -100 points each	300 points
Comprehensive Final Exam	200 points
Homework/Quizzes	100 points (by percent)
EGAD Test	40 points
Total Possible	640 points

 

To earn a credit grade, students must do ALL of the following:

• Complete the course with a 70% average (448 points) AND
• Pass the Elementary Geometry Algebra Diagnostic (EGAD Test) with a score of at least 25 AND
• Pass the comprehensive final exam with at least 70% (140 points).

 

Midterm exams

There will be three midterm exams given during the semester.  Midterm exams may not be retaken to improve the score.   If you miss a midterm exam, a make up exam will be given on the last day of instruction.  Students may take at most one make up exam.  You must have taken all three midterm exams and the EGAD (Elementary Geometry and Algebra Diagnostic) test in order to be eligible to take the final exam. 

 

Final exam

The comprehensive final exam will be given during finals week at the time published in the class schedule.  No deviation from this schedule will be allowed, except in the case of a conflict in the final exam schedule.  A score of at least 70% on the comprehensive final exam is required for passage of the course, and it may NOT be retaken to improve the score.  A 3” by 5” note card with geometry formulas is allowed on the final exam. 

Disability Accommodation

If you have a documented disability (visible or invisible) from SSWD at CSUS and require accommodation or assistance with assignments, tests, attendance, note taking, etc., please provide your instructor with written documentation from SSWD by the beginning of the third week of the semester so that arrangements can be made.

LS 10A may be repeated once

A student who fails LS 10A twice must receive permission from the Learning Skills Mathematics Director, Dr. Stan Barrick in order to take LS 10A a third time.

 

Homework and Quizzes

Homework is also essential to course success.  Homework assignments are included in Supplementary Activities for Elementary Algebra.  These assignments may be modified at your instructor's discretion.  Homework will be assigned daily and collected daily.  Quizzes will be given frequently and may not be made up.  Plan to spend approximately 8 hours a week outside of class for homework.

 

Retaking the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Test

If you retake and pass the ELM Test during the semester you are enrolled in LS 10A and wish to receive a “CR” grade in LS 10A, you must: 

Failure to do both of the two above items will result in a “NC” grade in LS 10A. 

 

Only under serious and exceptional circumstances are students allowed to drop Learning Skills classes.  If you stop attending a Learning Skills class and do not follow the appropriate procedure you will receive a failing grade in the class.

 

We hope that you have a successful and enjoyable semester.  If you have any questions or concerns, please talk with your instructor, with Pam Fredenburg, the LS 10A Lecture Coordinator or with Dr. Stan Barrick, the Mathematics Program Director.