DVMA Course Descriptions

Develops skills that are essential background for an intermediate algebra course. Topics include a brief review of fundamentals of arithmetic and pre-algebra. As much as possible, the course is applications oriented. Elementary algebra topics include real number operations, variable expression, polynomial operations, factoring of polynomials, operations with rational expressions, linear equations in one or two variables, systems of linear equations, linear inequalities, solving quadratic equations by factoring, properties of radical expressions and solutions of applications problems.

Develops midlevel algebra skills that are essential background for a college-level mathematics course. Topics include a brief review of basic algebra, linear equations and inequalities (including graphs), factoring quadratic expressions, quadratic equations (including graphs), fractional algebraic expressions, exponents and radicals. prerequisite: adequate score on placement test or successful completion of DVMA 93

Helps students develop college-level reading skills, including using new and specialized vocabulary appropriately in writing and speaking; identifying, understanding and analyzing key parts of a text; and applying systematic reading methods to increasingly complex reading assignments in textbooks, academic articles and other required reading materials. Students also improve their college-level writing skills as they learn to adopt and adapt recursive writing processes, develop the parts of an academic essay and write coherent short expository essays for a variety of purposes and audiences using a variety of patterns of organization.

Develops students’ confidence in their ability to plan, organize, develop and edit their writing in response to college-level writing tasks through a focus on development of clear, coherent paragraphs and longer essays with emphasis on basic grammar and sentence-combining skills, formulation of thesis statements, development of ideas and increased competence in writing about reading.