2008/2009 Course Syllabus
AP Calculus AB/BC
Mr. Johnston – room 331
Course Description: (All students should download the AP Calculus course description booklet from www.collegeboard.com)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to calculus comparable to one or more semesters at the college level. The material
is challenging and corresponds with the syllabus of the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Calculus is considered a
fundamental tool in many fields of study including science, business, and engineering. This course emphasizes the concepts of
differential and integral calculus and provides experience in the methods and applications of these concepts. All concepts will be
studied graphically, numerically, analytically and verbally. Graphing calculators are used extensively. A detailed list of course topics
can be found in the official AP Calculus course description.
Textbook: Calculus of a Single Variable Seventh Edition Larson, Hostetler, and Edwards
Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002
Materials: You need to be prepared every day with something to write with, something to write on, and a graphing calculator (TI -83,
TI-84, or TI-89). I expect you to have a notebook to take notes in and to keep up with assignments. Although I will not dictate how
you organize your notebook, you need to be sure you are able to quickly access assignments and graded work. It is your
responsibility to be organized and to keep up with handouts, tests, etc.
Class Website: www.dupontmanual.com/manualteacher/johnston . I will post a list of assignments, important information, and
relevant resources on this website.
Classroom Expectations: Note: All school and district rules and policies will be enforced in this class. Make sure you are aware of
the rules outlined in your student planner.
I expect all students to be in class, on time, and ready to work each and every day. AP Calculus is a demanding and
challenging experience and it takes dedication to be successful. You will definitely have homework on a daily basis and you
will be expected to have it completed by the next class meeting.
I expect you to ask questions and participate in discussion daily. Class discussion gives me the opportunity to get a feel for
where the class is, as a whole, and helps me tailor my pace to meet your needs. Bottom line: if you don’t ask questions, I
will assume that everything is going well and we will continue to move on.
I expect you to behave appropriately. That means following school rules (see your planner), being respectful to everyone at
all times, turning off your phone during class, following the dress code, etc. Be aware that I will write you up if you choose
not to follow the rules. This includes taking cell phones.
I expect you to be here. Attendance is extremely important to your success in this class. The school policy on absences,
tardies, and makeup work will be followed.
I expect you to do your own work. Cheating of any kind will result in zeros and a disciplinary referral for all involved. This
includes but is not limited to: Using prohibited materials on exams/quizzes, looking at someone else’s work during an
exam/quiz, passing off someone else’s work as your own, giving information about a test or quiz to another student, seeking
information about a test or quiz from another student, accessing your cell phone during a test or quiz, etc.
Grading:
Semester grades will be based on the following components. Total points will be used within each component. The JCPS grading
scale will be used. (93-100: A, 86-92: B, 79-85:C, 70-78:D, < 70: U)
Exams (including semester finals)
Quizzes
Class Assignments
: 40%
: 35%
: 25%
Explanation of grading components:
Exams will follow each major unit and will be cumulative. Exams may include a variety of question types, including but not
limited to multiple choice, free response, computational problems. There also may be portions of the exam in which you
will not be allowed to use your calculator. Makeup exams (for excused absences only) may be different from the scheduled
exam (although it will cover the same material). The format for makeup exams may be different than the in class exam. All
exams must be completed during the class period given.
Quizzes (10 to 20 minutes) will occur periodically and may be announced or unannounced. Quizzes must be completed in
the given amount of time. I will drop the lowest quiz score each semester (this will be done at the end of the semester, after
all quizzes have been taken). Makeup quizzes (for excused absences only) may be different from the in class quiz.
Class Assignments consist of any graded assignment that is not an exam or quiz. This includes homework, problem sets, AP
review packets, your writing assignment, etc. Late work will only accepted after excused absences.