Course Overview

Professor: April Lane Hartmann

Content Specialist: Andrew Vanden Heuvel

Need help? CLI Help Desk (helpdesk@christianleaders.net)

Overview
Some people say that "mathematics is the language of God" because the natural world is so beautifully described by mathematical relationships. This course explores the mathematics of algebra, a fundamental building block of all advanced mathematics. The course begins with a review of fundamentals and continues into the study of expressions, equations, inequalities, graphing, and applications to geometry.

Outcomes

1. Solidify knowledge of some math basics: exponents, square roots, order of operations, fractions, and decimals.
2. Know how to write algebraic expressions, set up equations and inequalities, and solve them.
3. Master basics of graphing using the coordinate plane.
4. Understand expressions with exponents and scientific notation.
5. Know operations with polynomials: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and factoring.
6. Grasp properties of triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem.
7. Value and use mathematics to discern God-given patterns in creation and to manage creation wisely.

Resources
This course uses resources from the Khan Academy and The NROC Project. The videos and practice assignments will be critical to your success in the course. In addition, a reading is provided for each topic, which can be used to supplement the concepts learned in the videos. Please note: Use of a calculator is allowed. 

Required Assignments

1. View all online lectures and read all articles on each topic. You are required to view all online lectures and complete the Khan Academy practice quizzes. Reading the related articles is recommended, but not required. Then take the unit quiz. Active engagement with course materials prior to attempting the quiz is required for each unit. If a resource is provided in multiple formats, simply choose whichever format best supports your learning. CLI’s system tracks your viewing history to determine meaningful engagement. Make sure you are logged into your student account when viewing or downloading the materials.

2. Take the online quiz for each unit. You will have 75 minutes to answer 20 multiple-choice questions for each quiz. Each quiz covers the readings and video lectures for that unit. Once a quiz has started, you must finish it, and you cannot retake it. 

3. At the end of the course, you will be invited to complete a brief Course Feedback Survey. Your feedback helps CLI evaluate the course and identify opportunities for improvement.

Course Forum

Each course forum is located near the beginning of the course, immediately before the first course-content section. The forum allows students to post course-related questions and comments for other currently enrolled students to view and discuss. You can also search previous posts to see whether your question or topic has already been addressed. 

The forum is intended primarily for peer discussion and may not receive an immediate response. Questions or concerns requiring timely assistance should be directed to the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net.

Grading Scale

A  93-100%   A- 90-92%   B+ 87-89%   B  83-86%   B- 80-82%   C+ 77-79%   C  73-76%   C- 70-72%   D+ 67-69%   D  63-66%   D- 60-62%   F  0-59%

Students' final grade is based on the average of all required quizzes and assignments. Each graded activity is weighted equally unless otherwise stated. The single lowest quiz score will be excluded from the overall grade.

Your average for the course must be at least 60%. Otherwise, you will fail the class and will receive no credit.

Deadline

You have 180 days to finish the course. If you have not received a final grade for the course before your enrollment ends, you will be automatically unenrolled, you will receive an “Administrative Withdrawal” for the course on your transcript, and all coursework will be removed. You will have to start over and take the class again to receive credit.

To avoid potential administrative delays or additional fees, please complete all assignments at least three weeks before your enrollment end date.

If you believe you qualify for a two-week extension, as outlined in our Catalog policies, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net as soon as possible, ideally at least three weeks before your enrollment end date.

Please Note: Effective September 1, this course will transition to a single-quiz-attempt format to align with standard CLI course metrics. If you are currently enrolled and intend to utilize a second attempt on any upcoming quizzes, please complete them prior to September 1.