COURSE SYLLABUS

 

TITLE OF COURSE:                            Pre Calculus 402 <WVHS>/Math 154 <CWU>

INSTRUCTOR:                                     Mr. Michael A. Berube

EMAIL AND PHONE:                        berubem@wvsd208.org  972-5928

LENGTH OF COURSE:                       2 trimesters

CREDIT:                                                .5 per trimester

PREREQUISITE:                                  C grade or better in Math 301/302 or Algebra II/Trig

TEXT USED:                                         Precalculus:  Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic

SPECIAL TOOLS:                                Scientific calculator required. A graphing calculator is a really great idea.  I recommend the TI-84 or TI-84 Plus.

 

COURSE OVERVIEW

 

Pre-calculus is an extension of algebra and the algebraic side of geometry.  We will explore in more depth the many of the concepts that were touched in Math 301 & 302, Algebra II, and Trigonometry.  The topics covered include:  Analytic geometry, polynomials, inequalities, functions, exponents and logarithms, trigonometry, graphing, alternate coordinate systems, and number theory.

 

Pre-Requisite Skills

Students should be able to

1.       Apply the order of arithmetic operations (both with and without the use of technology);

2.       Solve linear equations (in a single variable);

3.       Solve quadratic equations (using the quadratic formula);

4.       Square and cube binomials;

5.       Apply the rules of exponents.

Course Objectives

When successfully finishing this course, students will be able to

  1. Measure angles in degrees and radians;
  2. Identify circular arc length, angular and linear motion;
  3. Work with right angle trigonometry;
  4. Apply the function concepts of the unit circle to periodic behavior;
  5. Work with and graph the six trigonometry functions:
    1. Sine,
    2. Cosine,
    3. Tangent,
    4. Cosecant,
    5. Secant and,
    6. Cotangent;
  6. Compose trigonometric functions and identify dampened oscillations;
  7. Work with inverse trigonometric functions;
  8. Solve problems using trigonometry;
  9. Understand and use analytic trigonometry:
    1. Proving trigonometric identities,
    2. Sum and difference identities,
    3. The Law of Sines and,
    4. The Law of Cosines;
  10. Work with vectors in a plane;
  11. Solve systems of equations using matrices;
  12. Use analytical geometry in two and three dimensions

MR. BERUBE”S GRADING POLICY

 

Pre Calculus is a college level course with college level expectations.

 

There are three things that will contribute to your final grade in this class:

Homework/Classwork/Participation

Homework can be expected on a daily basis.  When an assignment is given, you are expected to complete it by the next day.  I will begin class by going over questions from the previous day's lesson.  The assignment will be collected at the beginning of the period the following day.  Late work will not be accepted.  Most of the time, students will be allowed to work on assignments with a partner or in groups.  However each student is responsible for their own work and copying someone's work is cheating.

Assessments

Assessments will occur on a regular basis and in a variety of forms.  Some assessments will be individual and some may be in groups.  I will inform you of assessments at least two days in advance with the exception of notebook or homework quizzes which will be open notebook and may be unannounced.  If you know that you are going to be absent on the day of an assessment, then it is expected that the assessment is taken before the student leaves.

Notebook

You will be required to have a three-ring binder in which to keep critical bits of information.   It may be periodically checked for content and organization (based on information that I will give you.) 

 

Grading Scale

                                                                100%     95%          A      (4.0)

                                                                94.9%    92%          A-     (3.7)

                                                                91.9%    88%          B+    (3.3)

                                                                87.9%    83%          B      (3.0)

                                                                82.9%    80%          B-     (2.7)

                                                                79.9%    77%          C+    (2.3)

                                                                76.9%    73%          C      (2.0)

                                                                72.9%    70%          C-     (1.7)

                                                                69.9%    60%          D      (1.0)

                                                                59.9%      0%           F      (0.0)

Note:  The computer does the rounding for me.  For example, if it says 91.9%, then I record a B+.

 

Getting Help

I will try my best to spot people in need of help, but I can't catch everyone.  If you get confused don't fall into the trap of thinking that it will all make sense later.  Get help early!   If you don't like my help, get it from a friend or another teacher.  Catching up is a hard game to play.

 

College Credit

Students will have the option of taking this course for dual credit through Central Washington University.  Registration information, including costs, will be passed along to students as it is made available.

MR. BERUBE’S CLASSROOM POLICIES

 

I will hold strictly to the rules set forth in the student handbook.

 

We don't have a lot of time to work with, so we need to be as efficient as possible.  During the time that I spend taking roll, you should be preparing for class. A student is tardy for this class if s/he is not in the classroom and ready to learn when the tardy bell rings. A student is also considered tardy if they do not bring all required materials to class.

 

Late work is only accepted after an unplanned, excused absence.  You are responsible for figuring out what you missed and getting it done the day after you get back, as well as keeping up with the new material. Students may not make up work missed due to unexcused absences.

 

If you are absent before an assessment, I will determine if you were present for the material necessary to be successful on the assessment.  If an excused absence or excused tardy causes you to miss an assessment, then you must make it up after school on the day you return, or before or after school on the following day.

 

Don't cheat.  Not on tests, not on quizzes, not on homework, and don't cheat on work for another teacher in my class.  If you have a problem with something that I have done, please talk with me about it after class or after school.

 

Do not bring food or some beverage other than water into my room.

 

ID badges need to be made available upon request as outlined in the student handbook.

 

In an effort to keep you up do date in regards to your son or daughter's progress in my class; you may register for Family Access and check on your student’s grade on-line, anytime you want - go to http://www.wvsd208.org/hs/sitehome/familyaccess/home.shtml for more information.