MATH 085-SP70
Fall 2014 ABLE Syllabus
Fall 2014-1 Fall
MATH 085-70, Room D-224
Mondays, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
August 25, 2014 – October 13, 2014
Professor Rachelle Evans
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Professor Rachelle A. Evans, Esq.
Office: Becker Library, L28
Office Hours:
Mondays: 3:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. (except 9/8,
10/6, 11/3, and 12/1 only 4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
due to Department meetings)
Wednesdays: 3:00 p.m. – 5:15 pm
Tuesdays, Thursdays: 11:50 a.m. – 1:20 p.m.
Other hours by appointment
E-mail: revans@ben.edu
Office phone: 217-718-5336
Mobile Phone: 303-847-9414
PRE-ASSIGNMENT: Obtain the textbook and workbook. Read chapters 1 and 7 in the
textbook in preparation for our first class. Get acquainted with our class D2L page. Please read
over the notes provided for you on D2L. Please complete the pre-tests for Chapters 1 and 7 in the
textbook and bring them with you to our first class.
MATH 85-SP70 – DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is intended for the student who is not adequately prepared to pursue collegelevel math courses. Topics to be covered include operations with real numbers, using
basic laws of algebra, and fundamentals of geometry.
II.
TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS
We will use the textbook Basic College Mathematics through Applications, 5th
edition, by Geoffrey Akst and Sadie Bragg, ISBN: 978-0-321-73339-9. We will also
use the workbook, My WorkBook with Chapter Summaries, ISBN: 978-0-321-75977-1.
You will need a 3 ring binder (2” or 3” is recommended, as you should expect to take
extensive notes), loose leaf notebook paper (several sheets), several pencils (3 or more),
and a pen. Note: CALCULATORS OF ANY KIND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE
USED FOR ANY TESTS IN THIS COURSE.
III.
MISSION STATEMENT
Benedictine University is dedicated to the education of undergraduate and graduate
students from diverse ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. As an academic
community committed to liberal arts and professional education distinguished and guided
by our Roman Catholic tradition and Benedictine heritage, we prepare our students for a
lifetime as active, informed and responsible citizens and leaders in the world community.
IV.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
A. BENEDICTINE CORE GOALS:
Benedictine University's core mission is to prepare students for active
participation in an increasingly interconnected world. Its Core Curriculum
advances this mission by enabling students to attain a broad range of learning
goals, listed below:
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MATH 085-SP70
Fall 2014 ABLE Syllabus
Professor Rachelle Evans
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1. Demonstrate an effective level of cognitive, communicative, and research
skills;
2. Achieve a college level of computational skills and an ability to understand and
interpret numerical data;
3. Acquire a knowledge of the history and heritage of western civilization, to
include
 the contributions of religious faith and philosophical thought to
understanding the person in community,
 the relationship of the individual to society: membership and participation
in groups and institutions,
 scientific literacy through a knowledge of the history, the methods, and
the impact of science on the individual, society, and the environment,
 artistic and literary heritage;
4. Develop an understanding of global society: cultural diversity, mutual
relationships, interdependence of peoples and nations;
5. Apply liberal learning in problem-solving contexts as preparation for active
participation in society;
6. Make informed ethical decisions that promote personal integrity, the legitimate
rights and aspirations of individuals and groups, and the common good.
B. COURSE GOALS/OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:
1. Know and apply the central concepts of the subject matter.
2. Use technology to enhance learning.
3. Use inquiry and collaboration to solve problems.
4. Students will develop proficiency in working with whole numbers, fractions,
decimals, percents, and signed numbers.
5. Students will understand the notation and basic laws of algebra and be able to
solve simple algebraic equations.
6. Students will become familiar with basic terminology and computations in
geometry.
V.
TEACHING METHODS/DELIVERY SYSTEM
This course should be thought of as a workshop, in which I will demonstrate how to solve
problems. You will solve problems (I call these student examples) at your seat and up at
the board. You will sometimes be expected to work in small groups or with partners.
You will prepare for class by reading the textbook, taking pre-tests and post-tests, and
doing homework problems (either from the workbook or the textbook) and by taking notes
before each class. We will be using our workbooks regularly for homework and in class
problems.
VI.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. ATTENDANCE POLICY
This course is highly accelerated, and students will need to take a great deal of
responsibility for their own learning outcomes. Attendance is required in each
class meeting for the full period of time. Any absence must be due to
extraordinary circumstances and will require documentation for it to be
considered excused. Documentation must be provided immediately in order to
determine what, if any, accommodations are reasonable or possible. Class
attendance will directly impact your final grade, and each undocumented
absence will be considered unexcused and will result in a 20% reduction in the
final grade for the course.
Due to the accelerated nature of the course, should you experience a medical
condition which prevents you from attending any class(es), appropriate medical
documentation must be provided immediately so it may be determined what, if
any, accommodations are reasonable or possible.
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Fall 2014 ABLE Syllabus
Professor Rachelle Evans
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It is extremely important, due to the accelerated nature of this course, for
students attend each class session. You will be graded on your attendance. If
you have to miss a class for any reason, please email me before the class you
must miss. However, you are responsible for finishing any work or tests before
you miss class. If you are not present in the classroom for the ENTIRE CLASS
SESSION, and the absence remains undocumented, you are absent and it will
count against you.
Attendance points cannot be made up. Tests can be made up if you contact me
before the test is given and arrangements are made to take the test before I
grade the rest of the tests and hand them back.
B. PREPARATION FOR CLASS / PARTICIPATION IN CLASS / IN CLASS WORK
Being prepared for class means that you have brought the necessary materials
and completed the necessary homework – textbook, workbook, finished
homework (including all pre-tests and post-tests), completed quizzes in D2L
(when and if assigned), notes, pencils, and pen. Pens may be used for notes,
but all pre-tests, post-tests, homework assignments from the workbook and/or
textbook, and in-class tests must be completed in pencil. Be prepared to
participate fully during each class session. Preparation for class, Participation In
Class, and In Class Work will constitute 10% of your grade. Seeing as how this
is a condensed 8 week course, if you are not prepared for class once during the
semester, you will lose half of your grade in this category, and you will only
receive a maximum of 5% for this category. If you are not prepared for class
twice during the semester, you will lose your entire grade for this category and
your final grade will be reduced by 10%.
C. READING ASSIGNMENTS
Reading the textbook is part of your homework assignments. Reading and
working through the examples in the book, and taking your own notes, will make
the problems you do for homework and the post-tests seem easier. I will teach
the class as if everyone has completed the reading assignment as well as the
written homework, pre-tests, and post-tests.
D. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
Written homework will be assigned every class, including pre-tests and posttests. Students are expected to bring their completed assignments to class each
night. Students must complete THE ENTIRE PRE-TEST AND POST-TEST for
credit for that assignment. Homework problem assignments from the workbook
and/or the textbook are graded on completion, NOT accuracy. Homework
assignments from the textbook or workbook are only considered complete if 90%
of the problems assigned have been sincerely attempted and neatly written. For
homework assignments from the textbook, you must copy the question
(excluding word problems). You must show work for EVERY PROBLEM you
attempt on any written assignment; DO NOT JUST WRITE THE ANSWER. If
work is not shown, a student will not receive credit. Students will not receive
credit if less than 90% of the homework problems from the assignment have not
been attempted. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what the
homework is and to complete it by the next class session. Again, as stated in the
attendance policy, if you are absent, you must notify me of your absence in
advance and turn in any homework to me in advance of the class period.
Homework may only be e-mailed (i.e. scanned and then e-mailed to the
instructor) if the student will be absent and the absence is not an undocumented
absence. I will collect and grade all pre-tests, post-tests, and homework
assignments. You are allowed to work together on homework or to seek
assistance from a tutor. However, it is not acceptable or tolerated to copy from
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Fall 2014 ABLE Syllabus
Professor Rachelle Evans
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anyone else or have someone else complete your assignment. Each student
must turn in their own individual assignment; there are no joint written
assignments in this course. Also, as this is an accelerated course with a week
between each class session, late written assignments will not be accepted,
unless there is a serious medical emergency and the absence is documented.
Written assignments will be worth 20% of your grade if any quizzes at all are
given; 25% of your grade if no quizzes are given.
E. QUIZZES
Quizzes may be assigned and must be completed online using D2L between
class sessions. If assigned, these quizzes will be timed, and a student will have
a one-week window (prior to the next class session) for them to be completed.
Quizzes are worth a maximum of 5% of your grade, if any are assigned. If
quizzes are assigned, they will be weighted by the same amount. For example, if
2 quizzes are given throughout the semester, they will be worth 2.5% each. If
only one quiz is given, it will be worth 5% of your grade. Students will be told
when quizzes are going to be assigned, and when and if they are assigned will
depend on whether or not we are on track with our schedule.
F. TESTS
There will be 4 in class tests in this course, and a comprehensive Final Exam
covering all concepts taught in the course. Each test will be given on the date
stated in the Topical Outline (see Section VIII) and will be worth 12.5% of your
grade. The Final Exam will be worth 15% of your grade. Tests CANNOT BE
MADE UP unless a student has a documented absence, and only one test can
be made up during the course. In order to make up a test, a student must notify
the instructor in advance of the absence, and must make arrangements with the
instructor to make up the test prior to the next class session. THE FINAL EXAM
CANNOT BE MADE UP AND MUST BE TAKEN DURING THE LAST CLASS
SESSION. FAILURE TO TAKE THE FINAL EXAM WILL RESULT IN A
FAILING GRADE (“F”) FOR THE COURSE, unless the student takes an
Incomplete (see Incomplete Request).
F. CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
Refrain from socializing and any other behaviors that may distract others. Please
turn your cell phones off during class! Put them away until class is over. Failure
to abide by this rule will result in your dismissal from that class period.
Benedictine University at Springfield Student Academic Honesty Policy
The search for truth and the dissemination of knowledge are the central missions of a university.
Benedictine University at Springfield pursues these missions in an environment guided by our
Roman Catholic tradition and our Benedictine heritage. Integrity and honesty are therefore
expected of all University students. Actions such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication,
forgery, falsification, destruction, multiple submission, solicitation, and misrepresentation are
violations of these expectations and constitute unacceptable behavior in the University
community.
Student’s Responsibility
Though there is no formal honor code at Benedictine University at Springfield, students are
expected to exhibit academic honesty at all times. Violations against academic honesty are
always serious and may result in sanctions that could have profound long-term effects. The final
responsibility for understanding the Academic Honesty Policy of the institution, as well as the
specific policies for individual courses normally found in syllabi, rests with students. If any doubt
exists about what constitutes academic dishonesty, students have the responsibility to talk to the
faculty member. Students should expect the members of their class to be academically honest.
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Fall 2014 ABLE Syllabus
Professor Rachelle Evans
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If students believe one or more members of the class have been deceitful to gain academic
advantage in the class, students should feel comfortable to approach the faculty member of the
course without prejudice.
Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Academic
Affairs. Along with a verbal warning, the following are consequences a student may face for
academic dishonesty:
 a failing grade or “zero” for the assignment;
 dismissal from and a failing grade for the course; or
 dismissal from the Institution.
VII.
MEANS OF EVALUATION
Homework / Out of Class Written Assignments: 20% to 25%
Quizzes: 0% to 5% (up to 5 may be given; they will all be weighted the same if given)
In-class work/participation: 10%
4 In Class Tests (excluding final exam): 50% (4 @ 12.5% each)
Final Exam: 15%
Grading Scale:
A = 100-90%
B = 89-80%
C = 79-70%
D = 69-60%
F = 59% or below
Note: Courses offered at Benedictine University that are numbered below 100 do not
count toward the 120 credit hours required for graduation. However, the credit will be
calculated into the cumulative grade point average.
If a student believes that an error has been made in reporting a grade, an appeal must be
made in writing to the instructor and must be initiated within 60 calendar days after the
end of the term for which the grade in question was reported. The appeal should contain
specific information about why it is believed the grade reported is inaccurate. See the
Student Handbook for additional details.
Add/Drop Dates
Please refer to the current Academic Calendar for add/drop dates.
Incomplete Request
To qualify for an “I” grade, a minimum of 75% of the course work must be completed with a “C”
or better, and a student must submit a completed “Request for an Incomplete” form to the
Registrar’s Office. The form must be completed by both student and instructor, but it is the
student’s responsibility (not the instructor’s) to initiate this process and obtain the necessary
signatures.
Student Withdrawal Procedure
It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course by completing the appropriate
form, with appropriate signatures, and returning the completed form to the Advising Office. Please
refer to the Student Handbook for important financial information related to withdrawals.
*NOTE: The Instructor reserves the right to change the daily teaching schedule to facilitate
learning and understanding, or because inclement weather or some other circumstance has
forced cancellation of class. Assignment due dates and the testing schedule may change, with
as much advance notice given as possible. Students are responsible for keeping informed of
changes.
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MATH 085-SP70
VIII.
Fall 2014 ABLE Syllabus
Professor Rachelle Evans
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TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE
Date
Monday,
8/25
Section
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
Monday, 9/1
Topics of Instruction
Introduction/Syllabus
Chapter 1: Whole Numbers
 Introduction to Whole Numbers
 Adding & Subtracting Whole Numbers
 Multiplying Whole Numbers
 Dividing Whole Numbers
 Exponents, Order of Operations, and Averages
 Solving Word Problems
Chapter 7: Signed Numbers
 Introduction to Signed Numbers
 Adding Signed Numbers
 Subtracting Signed Numbers
 Multiplying Signed Numbers
 Dividing Signed Numbers
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Review of Chapters 1 and 7, Whole Numbers and Signed
Numbers, for Test 1
Chapter 2: Fractions
 Factors and Prime Numbers
 Introduction to Fractions
 Adding and Subtracting Fractions
 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
TEST 1: CHAPTERS 1 and 7
Chapter 3: Decimals
 Introduction to Decimals
 Adding and Subtracting Decimals
 Multiplying Decimals
 Dividing Decimals
Monday, 9/8
Monday,
9/15
6.1
6.2
6.3
Review of Chapters 2 and 3, Fractions & Decimals, for
Test 2
Chapter 5: Ratio & Proportion
 Introduction to Ratios
 Solving Proportions
Chapter 6: Percents
 Introduction to Percents
 Solving Percent Problems
 More on Percents
4.1
4.2
4.3
TEST 2: CHAPTERS 2 and 3
Review of Chapters 5 and 6, Ratios & Proportions and
Percents, for Test 3
Chapter 4: Basic Algebra: Solving Simple Equations
 Introduction to Basic Algebra
 Solving Addition & Subtraction Equations
 Solving Multiplication & Division Equations
9.1
TEST 3: CHAPTERS 5 and 6
Chapter 9: Algebra
 Solving Equations
5.1
5.2
Monday,
9/22
Monday,
9/29
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MATH 085-SP70
Fall 2014 ABLE Syllabus
9.2
9.3
Monday,
10/6
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
11.6
Monday,
10/13
Professor Rachelle Evans
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 More Solving Equations
 Using Formulas
Review of Chapters 4 and 9, Basic Algebra and Algebra,
for Test 4
TEST 4: CHAPTERS 4 and 9
Chapter 11: Basic Geometry
 Perimeter & Circumference
 Area
 Volume
 Similar Triangles
 Square Roots & the Pythagorean Theorem
Comprehensive Review
Comprehensive Review
FINAL EXAM over Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11
IX.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
Benedictine University at Springfield provides individuals with disabilities reasonable
accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities, and services.
Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in campus-sponsored
programs, activities, and services, or to meet course requirements, should contact the
Resource Center as early as possible: springaccess@ben.edu or 217-717-9253.
X.
ASSESSMENT
Goals, objectives, and learning outcomes that will be assessed in the class are stated in
this syllabus. Instructor will use background knowledge probes, one-minute papers,
reflective essays and/or other Classroom Assessment Techniques as deemed necessary
in order to provide continuous improvement of instruction.
I look forward to working with each and every one of you. If you have any questions regarding
this syllabus, or any other questions regarding the course, PLEASE feel free to contact me at any
time. I am always open to suggestions. I hope we all have a wonderful semester together!
Professor Rachelle Evans
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