Shepherd University's Stretch-Model Courses

Students who do not meet the state requirements for placement in writing and/or mathematics must enroll in stretch-model courses -- MATH 101A/B and/or ENGL 100A/B .

MATH 101A    Fundamentals of Math I (2 credits)                       ENGL 100A   Basic Academic Writing I (2 credits)

MATH 101B    Fundamentals of Math II (2 credits)                      ENGL 100B   Basic Academic Writing II (2 credits)

Stretch-Model courses include individual tutoring and group tutoring sessions. These classes are organized with a lecture and a tutoring lab.  Students attend 100 minutes of lecture per week and 50 minutes of tutoring, set up similar to lab instruction. 

MATH 101A  +  MATH 101B  =  MATH 101

If students score below placement (ACT 18 or below, SAT 450 or below) for mathematics/quantitative skills, they enroll in the stretch-model version of the introductory college-level mathematics.  Successfully completed, the two semesters of  MATH 101A and MATH 101B are equivalent to the one-semester version of MATH 101.

MATH 101A. Fundamentals of Mathematics I (2 credits)
An extensive review of the properties of integers; working with fractions, decimals, and rational numbers; the Euclidean algorithm; polynomials and operations on polynomials; irreducible verses
reducible polynomials; factoring; Bézout’s theorem; the division algorithm and long division; geometric sequence as an application; simplifying expressions involving polynomials; revisiting
the basic algorithms of arithmetic using the concept of polynomials; and different number bases and operations in them as an extension. The course ends with an exit exam. This course, together
with MATH 101B, is equivalent to MATH 101 in general studies. Placement in this sequence of courses is determined by SAT or ACT score as mandated by state policy.

MATH 101B. Fundamentals of Mathematics II (2 credits)
This course includes solving first and second degree equations; the relationship between factoring and finding roots; solving first and second degree polynomial inequalities; graphic representation
of inequalities and equations; interval notation including unions of intervals; exponential notation; laws of exponents; working with exponents; simplifying expressions using exponents; and solving
systems of equations in two unknowns. The course ends with an exit exam. This course, together with MATH 101A, is equivalent to MATH 101 in general studies. Prerequisite: MATH 101A.

Contact Francoise Nelles (876-5293) for more information regarding math instruction.  Email: fnelles@shepherd.edu.

ENGL 100A  +  ENGL 100B  =  ENGL 101

If students score below placement (ACT 17 or below, SAT 440 or below) for English/verbal skills, they enroll in stretch-model version of the introductory college-level writing course.  Successfully completed, the two semesters of  ENGL 100A and ENGL 100B are equivalent to the one-semester version of ENGL 101.

ENGL 100A. Basic Academic Writing I (2)
The first of a two-semester course sequence, ENGL 100A is designed to enhance critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as they support academic essay writing, particularly the argument
essay. The two semesters stretch the same material as ENGL 101 in order to give students more time to master the course objectives. ENGL 100A emphasizes instruction on the criteria of thesis,
academic essay structure, critical reading skills, and critical thinking skills. An emphasis is placed on the reading and writing processes, particularly the stage of revision. Students will be required to
attend 100 minutes a week of lecture and 50 minutes a week of tutoring. Completing both ENGL 100A and ENGL 100B serves as an alternate to ENGL 101, and as such serves a prerequisite to
ENGL 102, 103, or 104.

ENGL 100B. Basic Academic Writing II (2)
The second of a two-semester course sequence, ENGL 100B is designed to enhance critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as they support academic essay writing, particularly the argument
essay. The two semesters stretch the same material as ENGL 101 in order to give students more time to master the course objectives. ENGL 100B emphasizes instruction on the criteria of evidence,
style, sentence-level correctness, and MLA documentation. An emphasis is placed on the reading and writing processes, particularly the stage of revision. Students will be required to attend 100
minutes a week of lecture and 50 minutes a week of tutoring. ENGL 100A is a prerequisite to ENGL 100B. Completing both ENGL 100A and ENGL 100B serves as an alternate to ENGL 101,
and as such serves a prerequisite to ENGL 102, 103, or 104.

Contact TC Williams (876-5221) for more information regarding writing instruction.  Email:twilli04@shepherd.edu.

Please Note: Students who do not have an ACT or SAT score are normally required to take a placement test. The Academic Support Center offers ACCUPLACER and ASSET tests on a regular basis for a $10 fee.  Students can contact the Center at 876-5221 to set up an appointment.  Scores and placement counseling are available after testing.