Honors Geometry Course Syllabus
Teacher’s Name: Mrs. Susan Vitale
Course: Honors Geometry – 527
Department: Mathematics
Full year course 2012-2013
Textbook and Author: Larson Ron, et.al., Geometry, Boston, MA: McDougal Littell, 2007.
Larson Ron, et.al.,
Supplemental Material: Geometry, Practice Workbook, Boston, MA: McDougal Littell, 2007.
Purpose: The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the many concepts included in
Euclidean geometry. Students will continue to develop a strong mathematical foundation upon which to
build. Topics will include parallel lines and planes, triangles, polygons, circles, constructions, solid
figures, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry aligned with the Common Core. Abstract reasoning
will be developed in an advanced use of theory and applications. Algebra will be integrated. Since this
is an honors course, problems of higher degree of difficulty will be presented as well as theoretical
explanations of greater depth.
Objectives: The student will:

discover the link between geometry and algebra

reinforce the algebra-geometry connection

explore new geometric concepts through graphical techniques and formulas

discover important geometric properties by inductive reasoning, in an experimental way

develop reasoning skills, logical thinking through estimation problems, data analysis,
justifying and explaining answers, developing and practicing syllogisms and proof styles

connect what is learned in class to the world

develop a knowledge of graphing calculators, compass and protractor
Requirements: Bring to every class:
 Text book and workbook
 Binder with section dividers
OR
 Notebook and folder
 Additional paper (for quizzes and in-class assignments to be turned in)
 Two sharpened pencils (minimum)
 One bright colored pen (for correcting)
 One dry erase marker (minimum)
 TI-83 or TI-83 plus (or TI-84 or TI-84 plus) graphing calculator
 Laptop computer (occasionally)
 Compass and protractor (for at home practice)
Personal and School Policies:
a) All school policies will be strictly observed.
b) Regular, timely attendance is essential.
c) Students are responsible for ALL work missed when absent. It is the student’s
responsibility to check my website and see me for missed assignments. (Due dates for
missed work will be given on an individual basis.)
d) I am available after school in Room 244 for extra help.
e) Extra credit assignments will not be given to individuals but may be offered to the class at
my discretion.
Evaluation:
 Tests are worth 45%
 Quizzes are worth 35%
 Journal, algebra refresher assignments and homework are worth 15%
 Effort, which includes preparation and participation, is worth 5%
Testing Policy:
o Tests – after each chapter or half chapter; there will be a minimum or 3 per quarter. Tests
will be announced and posted to my webpage at least two classes before.
o Quizzes – written and oral; maybe be announced or spontaneous.
o Warm-ups review/notebook quizzes will be given each non-test day. Five warm-ups will
constitute one quiz grade.
o Journal and algebra refreshers are assignments to enhance material covered. There will be a
minimum of 3 per quarter.
Class Rules:
 Respect for each other will be required at all times.
 Students will come to class with ALL required supplies and assignments. No one will be
granted a trip to their locker. Arriving unprepared for class, without required supplies, is
unacceptable.
 Students will lose effort points when unprepared for class.
 Please show all your work. Partial credit will be given. Answers without work are
unacceptable.
 Neatness counts! If I can’t read it I can’t accept it.
 NO WORK IS TO BE DONE IN PEN. Pen will be used ONLY for correcting assignments as
they are reviewed. Any graded assignments done in pen are subject to penalty (5-10 points).
 Arriving late for class is unacceptable. Students will lose effort points after the first tardy.
Homework:

Homework will be assigned regularly.

Homework must be in composition notebook and should be dated.

Diligent effort is expected on all assignments.

Assignments will be checked for effort. I am available after school in room 244 for extra
help.

Lack of understanding of material covered is not an acceptable excuse for incomplete
assignments.
Additional Information: Any problems or concerns should be brought to my attention immediately. I
am here to help you succeed. Mutual caring and respect will be the key to both our successes. Let’s
have a great year! 
My email address: svitale@sacredhearthamden.org