COURSE: Advanced Algebra / Trigonometry

TEXT: College Algebra and Trigonometry, Lial, Hornsby, and Schneider; Addison-Wesley, 

 ©2009

TERM:             2010-2011

INSTRUCTOR: William J. Kohne

e-mail:             wkohne@benet.org

 

COURSE AIM AND CONTENT: This course has at its purpose to give the student a strong Precalculus background. Problem solving will be emphasized, along with applications. The material covered will prepare students for the mathematics they will need in their respective majors or courses of study in college, as well as prepare them for the Advanced Placement Calculus next year. Roughly speaking, the material covered corresponds to the entire text with the exception of the chapter on Conic Sections.

 

GRAPHING CALCULATOR: Students must have a graphing calculator for this course. Any calculator in the TI-83 or TI-84 family is acceptable. If you are buying a new calculator, I recommend the TI-84 Siver Edition (best) or the TI-84 Plus. The TI-85, and TI-86 are acceptable, but will not be supported by the teacher.  The TI-92 and the TI-89 are not allowed on exams and quizzes, either in Advanced Algebra / Trig or A.P. Calculus. The A.P. Calculus exam requires an approved calculator. I have a complete list of acceptable calculators.          

 

GRADING, HOMEWORK, AND TESTING

           

"      QUIZZES: Intermittent quizzes will occur, with a total point value of 100 points (i.e., one exam).

 

"      HOMEWORK: Algebra is essentially a skills course. Like any skill, your ability will be directly proportional to the amount of practice that you put in. Homework is the practice portion of the course and consequently is the most important part of the course for the student. It cannot be over emphasized. Collection and grading of homework will vary, depending on the availability of time for the instructor to grade it. If collected, it will be returned graded. But whether it is collected or not, it is critical to your success. Exams will take care of themselves if you are conscientious about the homework. Homework will count as one exam (100 points) each quarter. Late homework is not accepted unless the instructor is notified before the due date of extenuating circumstances.

 

"      EXAMS:  There will be 4 to 5 one hour in class exams (100 points each) each quarter.

 

"      FINAL GRADE: Each semester, your grade will be computed in the following way: 40% for the first quarter; 40% for the second quarter; 20% for the Final Exam.

 

INTEGRITY: Integrity and honesty are expected of all Benet students. Actions such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication, forgery, falsification, and misrepresentation are violations of these expectations and constitute unacceptable behavior in the Benet community.

 

Collaboration on (not copying of) homework can be helpful and is usually encouraged. When expectations are otherwise, it will be noted. Cheating on any exam or quiz will result in an F (0%) for that exam or quiz, and cannot be dropped.

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 the student. If any doubt exists about what constitutes academic dishonesty in AAT, students have the responsibility to speak to me.

 

DAILY CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

 

There’s nothing astonishing here; just good old common sense:

 

 

To facilitate the above, note the following:

 

Daily in class materials include:

 

P       Textbook

P       Graphing Calculator

P       Notebook and pencil(s): note taking in pencil is mandatory; periodic notebook checks will be made. Math textbooks can be tough to read; a good set of class notes is the best thing you can provide yourself.

P       Folder: for handouts, returned homework, quizzes and exams.

 

NOTE: The penalty for not having your textbook and/or calculator in class is 1 point off your quarter grade.           

 

ATTENDANCE:

 

Research indicates that the single best predictor of grade is class attendance. Thirty-five years of teaching experience makes me believe it. If you miss class for whatever reason, it is your responsibility to:

 

P       Obtain and copy notes from a classmate as soon as possible, after which you can see me for further explanation if necessary.

P       Make up any missed work

P       Do this as soon as possible.

 

If you miss a test day, the make up date is 7:00 a.m. the next morning, assuming you are back.

 

Otherwise, make arrangements with me before school the morning you return. Usually, if you are absent n days, I will allow n+1 days (including the day of return) to make up any work. This is open to discussion, but the ball is in your court.

 

Try to arrange for doctor and dentist visits outside of school hours. Ditto for college visits and vacation days.

 

If you miss class for any reason, you must have a blue slip for readmission to class.

 

EXTRA ASSISTANCE: Most mornings after 7:00 a.m. and after school most days (except Tuesdays) in M-221. I am often available by appointment (meaning just let me know you are coming) during period 6 in my classroom or 2nd period in the Faculty Center.