Class syllabus for Fundamentals of Calculus 2013-2014
First off I would like to take this time to welcome you back to The Barstow School. Hopefully you had a fun
and relaxing summer and are now prepared to begin another successful and exciting year. I am looking forward
to the opportunity of guiding you on a tour through the beautiful and awe inspiring world of logic and quantity,
a world I like to call: Mathematics. And now without wasting any more time…. wait, let us waste just a little
more time…………………. O.K. now without wasting any more time let us begin our journey together.
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus Textbook: APPLIED CALCULUS FOR BUSINESS, ECONOMICS, AND
FINANCE Warren B. Gordon / Walter O. Wang / April Allen Materowski Pearson Publishing
Fundamentals of Calculus is a yearlong introduction into differential and integral calculus. While the material is
abstract and sophisticated, the pace and depth can be adjusted to some extent in an effort to fit and ability and
interest of the students. This is not a proof based course and will rely heavily on the use of a (required)
graphical calculator.
Class Structure
Part 1: The nature of mathematics classes:
Let's face it mathematics can be at times quite abstract and difficult. The study of mathematics will test your
resolve, discipline, patience, and confidence as well as your problem solving abilities. Mathematics primarily
deals with the structure and application of quantitative logic therefore unlike other fields of study, it is rare that
you will be asked to express your opinion or your feelings. Please don't misunderstand that while the discipline
of mathematics may not solicit these things from you, I personally do care about your feelings and opinions. It
is my hope that we can find a way to mutually communicate these important aspects of ourselves. Clearly by
looking at the technologically sophisticated world around us we can see the necessity of mathematical literacy
but let us not forget that much if not most of the human experience can 't be accessed by the language of
mathematics.
Part II: The nature of your semester grade:
Your semester grade will be computed using the following formula:
40% Q1+40% Q2+20% SE = SG
Where SG: semester grade Q1: first quarter grade Q2: second quarter grade SE: semester exam.
Part III: The nature of your quarter grade.
Each quarter will be composed of 4 two-week cycles. A typical cycle is illustrated below:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Go over last test or quiz
New material Assign H.W.
New material Assign H.W.
New material Assign H.W.
Group quiz 50 points
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Go over last test or quiz
New material Assign H.W.
New material
Assign H.W.
Review for test
problems
Assign review
Test 100 pts.
Collect H.W. 50 points
(each class meets 4 of the 5 days shown above)
Each cycle consists of 100 Test point + 50 Group Quiz points + 50 Homework = 200
Your quarter grade = Total number of points earned / Total points possible
All points earned are of equal weight with the following distribution (some variation may occur):
Tests: 4 X 100 – lowest = 300 points per quarter
Group Quizzes: 4 X 50 = 200 points per quarter
Home work: 4 X 50 = 200 points per quarter
Part IV: The nature of Homework:
Homework will generally be assigned Monday through Thursday. It will be collected on test day (every other
Friday) at the end of each two-week cycle.
A reduction of homework grade will occur if:
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Homework is late** (variable reduction, see below)
Lack of readability (variable reduction)
Lack of completion (variable reduction)
Missing or incorrect heading or assignments submitted out of order (no credit assigned, resubmit
required)
You don't write out the problem or show your work (variable reduction)
The assignment sheet is not stapled to the front of the assignment ( no credit assigned, resubmit
required)
Two-week assignment sheets will be distributed at the beginning of each cycle as well as posted on the
Internet.
** Homework not turned at the same time as the relevant test will be considered late. Late homework can be
turned in at any time during the current quarter with the following point reduction penalty scheme.
Assuming homework due on Friday, if the homework is turned in the following Monday then a 5 point
reduction occurs. An additional point is removed for each (school) day the homework is not turned in. A
maximum of 30 points (out of 50) can be deducted. Of course excused absences will not result in homework
if the student consults with me immediately after return to school.
Part V: The nature of Group Quizzes
As the name implies group quizzes are quizzes taken in a group format. While you may use each other as a
resource you may not use any written material including your book or notes. Four 50-point group quizzes are
expected per quarter. In order to receive a Group Quiz score you must participate. Simply copy others work will
not be acceptable. Group quizzes cannot be dropped or retaken. If you are absent during a group quiz you must
make up the quiz by yourself or possibly with others who have not taken the quiz.
Part VI: The nature of Tests
Four 100-point tests are expected per quarter. A review will generally be provided the day (Thursday) before
the test. Of the four tests given in a quarter, your lowest score will be dropped. Tests cannot be retaken. If you
missed a test due to an excused absence you are expected to schedule a time with me to make up the missed test
as soon as possible.
Frankbucks can be used to buy points and applied to your overall point total. There is one exception:
Frankbucks cannot be used to buy an A+. An A+ must be earned without extra credit.
Part VII: Then nature of classroom behavior.
Classroom behavior expectation can be summarized with
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Rule Number one: Be Respectful
Please be respectful to each other. Remember that when you insult, attack or embarrass another human
being in public it will come back to you in the same uncomfortable way.
Please be respectful to me, Mr. Frank. Teach me by your example how you want to be treated by me.
Please be respectful to the classroom. Many generous people have sacrificed much to provide this
wonderful environment, please do your part to preserve it.
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Rule Number two: Be Honest
It is assumed that you are the author and creator of all that you turn in for credit with your name on it.
You may receive help on homework and group quizzes but under no conditions are you allowed to copy
another person’s work. If you are found cheating on a test, you and anyone who assisted you will be
held responsible with consequences to follow. Remember that your integrity is worth more than a few
points on a test
Part VIII: The nature of human nature:
Please let me know directly if there is anything that I can do to help you to learn the mathematics that is being
taught to you. Feel free to express yourself either face to face or in writing if you are not feeling good about
your experience in this class. It is only human nature to be unaware of that which has not been brought to our
attention so please let me in on what is going on with you.
Part IX: My Schedule:
Period class
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7.
8.
Advanced Topics
AP Calculus section 1
Finance H
AP Calculus section 2
Free
AP Economics
Free
Fundamentals of Calculus
Please feel free to come in for extra help during my research time.