Precalculus II
Math 127
Spring 2024
Course Syllabus
CLASS INFORMATION
Course Number: Math 127-1006/1013
Class Times: Asynchronous
Class Location: N/A
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Name: Dr. Aaron Harris
Email: aaron.harris@csn.edu
Office: WC A160F
Office Phone: 702-651-7469
Office Hours: M 1:00-4:00pm (Virtual) and W 1:00-4:00pm WC 160F
Virtual Office Hours Link: https://csn.gl.rna1.blindsidenetworks.com/har-prv-yq7
Webpage: MyOpenMath (MOM) is our online learning platform for content delivery, interactive
homework practice, course information, discussions, and grades. Canvas is only used for taking
attendance.
COURSE DESCRIPTION. A rigorous discussion of trigonometric concepts in preparation for
calculus is the focal point of the course. Topics include an in-depth investigation of
trigonometric function and their graphs, analytic trigonometry, solutions of triangles, vectors,
and analytic geometry. This course serves as a prerequisite to Math 181. A grade of C or better in
this course is required for entrance into Math 181.
PREREQUISITES. Math 126 with a grade of C or better; or a satisfactory ACT/SAT/Placement
Test score.
TEXTBOOK AND LEARNING MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Abramson, J. (2021). Precalculus (2nd ed.). Houston, TX: OpenStax.
OpenStax provides free, peer-reviewed, openly licensed textbooks for select college and
Advanced Placement courses. You can download the textbook for free at
https://openstax.org/details/books/calculus-volume-1.
MyOpenMath is the learning management software used in this course. MOM is free for students
and instructions for registration are found in Canvas. Make sure you register using your CSN
student email address as I can only communicate with that email address. Students must register
for MOM by the second day of class and if you do not enroll within three days, you will not be
allowed into the course.
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COURSE MATERIALS. A laptop or tablet will be needed for daily classwork assignments.
Please contact the Office of Technology Services if you need help acquiring technology.
COURSE OBJECTIVES. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to: (a) Analyze
trigonometric and parametric function properties; (b) graph trigonometric and parametric
functions; (c) verify trigonometric identities; (d) solve trigonometric and parametric equations;
(e) solve triangles using the Law of Sines and the Law of Cosines; (f) analyze the concept of
vectors and polar coordinates; and (g) investigate properties of conic sections.
EVALUATION
60% Exams
20% Homework/Activities/Projects/Attendance/Other
20% Final Exam
GRADING SCALE
90-100% A
80-89%
B
70-79%
C
60-69%
D
<60%
F
Per CSN policy, if you quit attending and do not officially withdraw, you will receive a grade of
“F.” I do not (and cannot) give incompletes or withdrawals. If a student disagrees with the
overall grade calculation after the final exam, they must schedule an appointment and physically
meet me at my office in order to review the exam and grade calculation.
COURSE GRADE CALCULATION
Semester Grade (this is your final grade for the course)
Semester Grade = .60 (Test AVG) +.20 (CW/HW/Projects/Other AVG) + .20 (Final Exam
AVG)
*AVG is an abbreviation for average. If there are 300 points possible for all tests and you earned
280 then your test average would be 280/300 = 93.3 (which would then be placed into the “Test
Avg” position for the calculation.
*Your grades are in MOM, Canvas is only used to record your attendance.
IMPORTANT DATES
• January 29—last day to drop without a grade of “W.”
• March 3—last day to apply for Spring 2024 graduation.
• March 29—last day to change from credit to audit.
• March 29—last day to drop a class with a grade of “W.”
HOMEWORK
As with any field, study and practice is essential for mastery. In order to learn mathematics, you
must actively read it, hear it, speak it, and practice it (which includes writing, an essential
component in learning any language). It is expected that students read the section in the textbook
before and after class. By doing so, you will be in better position to more effectively construct
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your own knowledge of the concepts, take more efficient notes, and participate in class. By no
means do the assigned problems guarantee perfect mastery for every student—they are only
those applied to your grade. If a particular concept is especially difficult for you, you should
practice additional problems. The homework deadlines are set as they are due to the memory
retention curve, an exponential decay function. Reviewing and practicing material within the first
24 hours after learning information is optimal in reducing the amount of knowledge lost.
TESTS/QUIZZES
One of my main objectives in the course is to develop your problem solving skills and abstract
thinking capabilities (skills for life!). Make sure you are prepared for the exams as they are the
majority of your grade. Assessments are some of the best learning experiences in higher
education and I hope to challenge your thinking during the course and on the exams. Do NOT
miss on the day of an exam. If you miss an exam, your comprehensive final exam score will
replace that exam grade. If you miss more than one exam, you will receive a zero for the second
and any other subsequently missed exams. There is no makeup for the final exam, students who
miss the final exam will receive a zero.
CLASS POLICIES
Higher education serves not only for developing intellect, but also to prepare students for the
workforce. Having integrity and professionalism are two sets of skills employers consistently
value. Integrity is being honest in all your dealings and living by moral and ethical principles.
Professionalism is a combination of qualities such as having a positive attitude, timeliness,
politeness, ability to work with others, productivity, taking responsibility for your behavior, time
management, and organization. I expect nothing less than integrity and professionalism in our
workplace and interactions. With that preface, the official class policies are described below.
Students’ Rights and Responsibilities. When you choose to become a student at CSN, you accept
the rights and responsibilities of membership in CSN’s academic and social community. You
can find policies covering students such as the Student Conduct, Students’ Right to Know,
Students’ Academic Integrity, and Disruptive and Abusive Student in the following locations: (a)
Catalog and Student Handbook: https://www.csn.edu/catalog in the Policies and Procedures
section; and (b) CSN Website: https://www.csn.edu/policies-procedures under the heading
“Student Policies.”
Courtesy and Respect. Regardless of position, higher education is a wonderful opportunity to
learn and grow together. Simple norms of courtesy such as turning off all electronic devices
before entering the room, no side discussions while one person is speaking, and respectful
discourse are expected. You may read CSN’s Disruptive and Abusive Students policy here:
https://www.csn.edu/sites/default/files/documents/disruptive_and_abusive_students_policy_7.22.
16_2_chk.pdf
Course. This course can be very intense for students. You are expected to be competent and
comfortable with the prerequisite material from Math 126. The material covered is mandated by
the mathematics department and cannot be eliminated. Please be sure to make personal plans to
allow yourself sufficient time to be successful.
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Time Commitment. As with most college courses, students are expected to put in a minimum of
two hours outside of class for each hour in class in order to be successful in the course (6 hours
per week studying outside of class for a 3 credit course).
Calculators. A scientific calculator is needed periodically throughout the course, phones are not
allowed on the exams. Although not required, it is convenient to have a basic scientific
calculator, such as the TI-30XIIS (approximately $10-20). We will use the Desmos online
scientific and graphing calculator when applicable (free).
Late Work Policy. Late work is not accepted for credit. If you miss a class, you lose the
classwork credit for any classwork collected that day. If you miss a class for any reason, you are
responsible for all material covered, announcements made in your absence, and acquiring
materials that may have been distributed in class. Please do not email me with “I had to miss
class [input reason], what did we do in class?” Similarly for homework or other deadlines—they
will not be accepted for credit after the deadline.
Attendance Policy. Education is both an opportunity and a privilege. Research shows that
attendance is an important factor in student achievement. It is expected that students “show up to
class” by engaging daily with the content, preparing for the lectures, taking active notes, working
diligently through the assignments, and asking questions. Part of the significance of an
undergraduate degree is that it signifies to a potential employer that you will show up to work.
Employers know that reliable students are typically reliable employees as well. This course is
asynchronous and therefore students are not bound to a set meeting time nor attendance taken.
That being said, it is of utmost importance that students engage with the content daily.
Tests and Final. Do not miss an exam. If you miss an exam, your comprehensive final exam
score will replace that exam grade. If you miss more than one exam, you will receive a zero for
the second and any other subsequent missed exams. There is no makeup for the final exam,
students who miss the final exam will receive a zero. Tests will be proctored virtually using
ProctorU. ProctorU is a live online proctoring service that allows students to take exams from the
comfort of their home. This service is available 24/7, however students will need to schedule a
proctoring session at least a week in advance to avoid the potential of limited testing times.
Technical Difficulties. You may experience technical difficulties related to computer connections
or equipment during the term. This cannot be used as an excuse for failure to complete
assignments. It is your responsibility to locate the computer hardware, software and internet
connections necessary to stay connected and current with your course work. Computer lab
information and hours can be found at https://www.csn.edu/computerlabs.
Communication and Response Time. Email is my preferred form of communication. The official
communication policy of CSN is that online interactions are to be done through CSN email or
Canvas. As I teach up to 180 or more students in a typical semester, please put your name,
course, and time in the subject line if you email me directly (i.e. Jane Doe Math 126 MW 6:007:20pm). I make a concerted effort to reply to students within 24 hours during the week and 48
hours over the weekend by in kind communication.
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CSN Student Email. All students enrolled at CSN have a CSN Student Email account and I will
use that email address to send communications. It is extremely important that you check your
student email daily. You can access your student email through GoCSN (go.csn.edu). Once you
validate your student email address, you will have access to Microsoft Office 365 and OneDrive
storage.
Student Grievances. Any student conflicts or concerns with course scheduling, course material,
et cetera should be addressed with me initially. If I cannot resolve your issue, please contact the
Math Department Office at 702-651-7585. You will be directed to the Department Chair.
CSN/Nevada State High School Students. The Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
legislates that when a student attends a post-secondary institution, privacy rights transfer to the
student (and away from the parent) regardless of age. Parents do not have the right to inspect a
minor student’s academic records and professors will not discuss student grades or attendance
with parents. For more information on the Authorize Third Party Release visit
https://www.csn.edu/mycsn-student-guides
Extra Credit. No, I do not give extra credit. I give the grade that you have earned throughout the
course. Remember that not only are you held to a standard as a student, but I am also judged by
the standard that I keep for the mathematics department as your instructor. Not holding that
standard would be academically unethical.
Videotaping/Recording. According to state law NRS 396.970, “Except as otherwise provided in
subsection two, it is unlawful for a person to engage in any kind of surreptitious electronic
surveillance on a campus of the System without the knowledge of the person being observed.”
To protect not only my privacy, but more importantly, the privacy of my students, there are no
recordings of the class allowed. Please speak with me personally if you have a documented
disability requesting recorded lectures or if you would like to discuss this policy further.
Syllabus Disclaimer. The instructor reserves the right to modify the course schedule as necessary
(the schedule is tentative). It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of any changes made. The
instructor also reserves the right to change the schedule in any manner at any time with written,
electronic, or verbal notification.
Academic Integrity and Collaborating vs Cheating. Cheating, plagiarism, and other acts of
academic dishonesty are held as serious offenses. I highly encourage you to collaborate with
your peers however, there is a distinction between verbal collaboration and copying. I have a
responsibility to report any such incident in writing to the administration and it is likely the
student involved will fail the course and be expelled from the college. As William Shakespeare
said, “honesty is the best policy, if I lose mine honor, I lose myself.” Please review CSN’s
Academic Integrity Policy where the full list of penalties for a violation are addressed:
https://at.csn.edu/documents/student-academic-integrity-policy
Objectionable Materials Policy. Instructors have the responsibility to set and maintain standards
of classroom behavior appropriate to the discipline and method of instruction. No objectionable
materials or language will be used during this class. This includes all possible modes of the class:
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online and in person. The instructor will make the final determination regarding any
objectionable materials or language. Students may not engage in activity the instructor deems
disruptive or counterproductive to the goals of the class. Instructors have the right to remove
offending students from class.
Safety Procedures. Approved classroom safety procedures are posted in each classroom and are
to be followed. Students are to familiarize themselves with the nearest exit to use during fire
alarm exercises. Do NOT use the elevators during these drills. Students will take ALL personal
belongings with them when exiting the building. No student will be allowed back into the facility
until the all clear is given.
STUDENT SUPPORT AND SERVICES
Free Tutoring. The Charleston, Cheyenne, and Henderson campuses provide CSN students free
drop-in math tutoring via the Math Resource Center. For location and hours, see
https://www.csn.edu/math-science-resource-centers.
Center for Academic Success. Centers for Academic Success (CAS) provides quality DROP-IN
academic assistance to all students enrolled in for-credit courses at CSN. CSN CAS Tutors are
available online through Smarthinking, which is accessed in the Canvas online learning
management system. View a tutorial video on how to access CSN Tutors/Learning Assistants
online at https://youtu.be/uJB9po-mRFk. You may choose “Submit a Question” if you don’t
have time for a live session. A Tutor responds to offline questions within 24 hours. Contact us at
one of campus phone numbers, and we will assist you with accessing all learning support.
Academic learning support includes assistance with placement test preparation, learning
strategies, Canvas, Smarthinking online tutoring, Microsoft Office, reading, writing, oral
presentations, math, and science. CAS Tutors also provide support in facilitating study groups.
You may experience embedded learning assistance in one of your first-year courses. Professors
and CAS Staff will make you aware of how to access services as part of your course curriculum.
CAS is open Monday through Sunday to be more accessible to all students – Monday – Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Smarthinking tutors are
available 24/7. You may visit https://www.csn.edu/centers-academic-success for more details or
contact us at one of our offices during our regular operational hours: Charleston Centers (702651-5732), North Las Vegas Learning Commons (702-651-4232), Henderson Learning
Commons (702-651-3125).
Brainfuse Free Tutoring. Brainfuse is a free CSN student service which offers free online
tutoring, writing services and homework assistance 24/7. Certified Brainfuse tutors provide live,
on-demand tutoring and assignment help in a variety of subjects. Brainfuse tutors meet students
where they are at in order to effectively help students of all skill levels. To access services,
students can log into their GoCSN account and then into Canvas. Students can choose a listed
course on the left and then click on Brainfuse Online Tutoring. Call 702-651-5619 for additional
information.
Academic Advising. Academic Advisors help students assess academic strengths and limitations,
learn academic success strategies, explore careers, declare a major, navigate the educational
system, access campus and community resources, and connect to campus life. Contact
Information: Charleston Campus: Building D – Student Services Area : 702–651–5670, North
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Las Vegas Campus: Student Services Area : 702–651–4049, Henderson Campus: Building B –
Room 120 : 702–651–3165. https://www.csn.edu/advising
Library Statement. CSN Libraries provides support for students completing assignments that
require research and the use of information. Librarians are available to students for one-on-one
assistance locating and citing quality information either online (https://library.csn.edu/ask/) or at
one of our campus libraries. Find more information on our website (https://library.csn.edu/).
Accommodation Statement. The College of Southern Nevada is committed to making physical
facilities and instructional programs accessible to students with disabilities. If you have a
disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require
accommodations, please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC) so that such
accommodations can be considered. All discussions will remain confidential. The Disability
Resource Center (DRC) has offices at all three campus locations as the focal point for
coordination of services for students with disabilities. If you have a physical, emotional, or
mental disability that “substantially limits one or more major life activities (including walking,
seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working),” and will require accommodation in
this class, please contact the DRC at WC (702) 651-5644 , or email at WCDRCStaff@csn.edu at
NLV (702) 651-4045, or email at CYDRCStaff@csn.edu and at HNC (702) 651-3795, or email
at HCDRCStaff@csn.edu. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services contact (702) 651- 4448, or
email at Deaf.HH.Services@csn.edu. Students that receive accommodation letters, please send
me your official letter showing the provisions of those accommodations within the next 48 hours.
For those students that would like to earn a little extra money, stop by the DRC to fill out a job
interest card. This office hires students as note takers, readers, proctors, scribes, lab assistants,
and research assistants as needed. CSN’s current American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
statement can be found at: https://www.csn.edu/sites/default/files/documents/adaadaaa_policy_2.pdf
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The Counseling and Psychological Services
(CAPS) offers short-term, problem-focused counseling to CSN students who may feel
overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work, family, and relationships. Clinicians are
available to help students cope with stresses and personal issues that may interfere with their
ability to perform in school. The service is provided confidentially and free to currently enrolled
students. To schedule an appointment, please call CAPS at West Charleston 702–651–5518, or at
North Las Vegas 702–651–4099, or at Henderson 702 –651–3099.
Early Alert Referral Program (MyCoyotePLAN). A referral program to connect students with
college resources when assistance is needed to achieve success. Referrals may be initiated by
faculty and staff as well by students through MyCoyotePLAN. After a referral is submitted,
students will receive an email notification and will be contacted by the department to which they
were referred to offer assistance.
TRIO Student Support Services. One stop shop for first-generation college, financial aid-eligible
and disabled students offering tutoring, academic advising, career exploration, college-transfer
assistance, and development of college success strategies. Contact information: North Las Vegas
Campus: Building E Room 109 : 702–651–4441 or https://www.csn.edu/trio
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SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS. (a) Participate in class and be an active learner by taking
notes, engaging with the content, asking questions, and doing the classwork; (b) master the
homework and work extra problems in areas of difficulty; (c) seek to have good metacognitive
awareness as you work, study, discuss, reflect, and analyze mathematics in order to become a
more effective and autonomous learner; (d) find a good student to be your study partner; (e) use
every resource including tutorial services, computer tutorials, online videos, textbooks, notes, et
cetera; and (f) bolster any background knowledge that proves to be a stumbling block for the
course content.
SEMESTER SCHEDULE (*See Disclaimer Statement as this is subject to change.)
Week of Sections
Preparation
Practice
Homework
Jan 14
Syllabus, 6.1
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
Jan 21
6.1, 6.2
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
Jan 28
8.1, 6.3
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
Feb 4
6.4/6.6, 6.5
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
Feb 11
7.1, 7.2, Test 1
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
Feb 18
7.4
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
Feb 25
7.5, 7.6
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
Mar 3
7.7, 7.3
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
Mar 10
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
Mar 17
8.2, 8.3
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
Mar 24
9.1, 9.4
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
Mar 31
9.5, 10.2
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
April 7
10.3, 10.4
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
April 14 10.7
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
April 21 Test 3
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
April 28 Review for Final
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
May 5
Final Exam
Read sections
Classwork/Textbook MyOpenMath
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