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The information and policies in this guide are subject to change. The latest version can be found on the web at lhs.lexingtonma.org/Teachers/Haupt. Course homework assignments can also be found at this URL.
Honors Advanced Math is a fast-paced, upper-level mathematics course designed to prepare students for any of the upper-level mathematics courses, particularly, but not exclusively, the calculus courses. A description of the exact content of the course can be found in the LHS Program of Studies. We will cover roughly chapters 1-9 in our primary text, giving more or less emphasis to certain sections. Homework assignments will be posted at the beginning of each unit outlining what material will be covered before all exams though they may be changed or expanded as the unit goes on.
Before you begin this course, I think it would be valuable to look closely at the expectations the LHS Mathematics Department has for students in the honors level courses:
Honors courses progress at a very fast pace covering the greatest breadth and depth of topics. Students are expected to have mastered the skills and thoroughly understood the concepts covered in prior courses. They are expected to have retained this past knowledge, which will generally not be reviewed in the course. Mathematical concepts are often introduced at an abstract and theoretical level. New ideas are often developed through student investigation with minimal guidance from the teacher. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge to open-ended and non-routine problems. Students will sometimes be expected to learn material by reading the textbook and/or solving problems on their own. Typical classes include minimal review of homework and previously covered material. Students are expected to be highly self-motivated, taking the fullest responsibility for their own learning and seeking help when needed. The course is designed to meet the needs of a student who thrives in a more independent learning environment.
This statement is consonant with my philosophy for this class. Keep this ideal in mind when evaluating the flow of the class. If this description does not appeal to your goals or expectations, come talk to me about what you'd like to get out of your mathematics courses.
We
will use two textbooks. The
primary text will be Demana, Waits, Foley, and Kennedy, Precalculus: Functions and Graphs, Fifth
Edition. In addition, we will occasionally use
an older textbook, Richard Brown, Advanced
Mathematics, which possesses a
superior treatment of certain topics.
On reserve in the library is a copy of the complete solutions manual for
the Demana textbook (yes, complete means solutions to every single problem in
the book). Another copy is
available in the Math Help Room.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the Student's Solution Manual
(odds only), you can purchase directly from the publisher's website.
Some other free supplementary materials are available on the web at www.awl.com/demana.
Since
this course requires extensive graphing calculator problem solving, students
will be required to have a good, modern graphing calculator. A TI-83/84 (or
TI-83/84 Plus) is strongly recommended. If for any reason you are unable to
acquire a calculator, the Math Department offers a TI-83 Loaner Program and we
can loan you a calculator for the year.
Certain advanced calculators with symbolic algebra features (such as the
TI-89 and TI-91) will not be permitted during tests as they would provide an
unfair advantage. There is a single rule
governing conduct in this class. 1. Be respectful to your classmates and your
instructor . If
I ever feel that you have violated this basic tenet I will ask you to briefly
stay after class to discuss the issue. If necessary, I will ask you to stay
after school (during Z block) to discuss the issue further. Such action will
generally be followed by parental and administrative notification. Actions that
I consider disrespectful include tardiness, belligerence, excessive talking, or
any other inappropriate or childish action. You
should plan on bringing your calculator every day. I may occasionally ask you to bring a textbook to class as
well. When I do, make sure
you bring it. Tests
and major quizzes (80%). A chapter
test will be given at the end of each chapter and a major quiz may be given in
the middle of any chapter. You should anticipate a major quiz or test every
couple of weeks. I do not allow retakes of tests. This policy will be further
detailed in class at an appropriate time. Homework (20%). The homework grade is composed of handed in
homework, homework checks, and small quizzes. You should expect some type of
homework assessment each week. When I check homework or give a pop homework
quiz, forgetting your homework is not an excuse. In the event that there are few of this type of
assessment in a given quarter, the quarter grade may be calculated from the
test/major quiz grades entirely. The cumulative final exam in
this class will count for 16% of the total final grade. Whenever you are absent, it is your responsibility to find
out what you have missed. I will provide reasonable support to help you catch
up. If you are absent the day of a test you will be required to make that up
sometime on the day you return. If at all possible you should contact me ahead
of time to make arrangements. I check email frequently and often that is the
best way to inform me that you will be absent. My address is below. My
office is located in room 713, the math department office area. The best way to
contact me outside of class is to email me at my school address: dhaupt@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us or just drop by my desk in 713. I generally keep very open office
hours. I encourage you to come see
me whenever you are unclear about the homework or the class materials. This is a very challenging course; you
don't want to fall behind. I'd like to help you if you'll let me know you're
struggling. Work hard and good
luck with this academic year. Many students find this material to be the
highlight of their high school mathematical experience. Keep a positive
attitude and you may agree.Class Requirements
Grading
Absences and Makeup Tests
Contact Information