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Last updated: 1/14/98
The following description is still being developed.
SPRING, 1998 COURSE INFORMATION(tentative) M.FLASHMAN MATH 371/480: GEOMETRY M W 13:00-14:50 ROOM: SH 128/ sd 017 OFFICE: Library 48 E-MAIL: flashman@axe.humboldt.edu PHONE:826-4950 Hours (Tent.): M - TH 9:30-10:40! AND BY APPOINTMENT or Chance! PREREQUISITE: Math 240 and high school geometry (or permission ).
TEXTS:
SCOPE: This course will cover various topics from "classical and modern
geometry." We will examine informally and formally selected theorems and
theories for planar and spatial geometry from both synthetic and analytic
(algebraic and transformational) viewpoints. Other approaches to geometry
such as differential geometry and topology may be presented as time permits.
Lectures will organize the topics to present materials not covered in the
texts as well as those treated in the texts. Supplementary readings and materials
will be supplied as appropriate.
TESTS & ASSIGNMENTS: There will be at least 2 (3) self-scheduled quizzes
plus a practical oral quiz on the use of technology (Sketchpad).
Reading: Each student will be expected to read short articles about
geometric topics from The College Mathematics Journal,
The Mathematics Teacher, Scientific American, a geometric web
site, or other approved sources and make brief written summaries of these
to be passed in every Wednesday. These will be graded
Honors/Cr/NCr.
Reports should include (1) correct citation, (2) Geometric subject area,
(3)Result(s), and (4)proofs if interesting.
Weekly problem assignments will be due on Wednesdays. (Accepted
two days tardy at most!)
Some problems may be assigned but not numerically graded.
Projects: Each student will be expected to develop a course project that
presents some aspect of geometry with both results and explanation. These
will done in partnerships of two (or three) students and with consultations
with Professor Flashman. A brief preliminary descriptive project proposal
is due Monday, February 23rd from each partnership. A progress report on
the project is due April 8th.
Final projects are due for review Tuesday, April 28th. (These will be
graded Honors/Cr/NCr.)
The final examination will be an OPEN BOOK TAKE-HOME EXAMINATION, distributed Wednesday, April 29th, and DUE Friday, May 15, before 5 P.M.
MAKE-UP TESTS WILL NOT BE GIVEN EXCEPT FOR VERY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES!
It is the student's responsibility to request a makeup test promptly.
GRADES: Final grades will be determined taking into consideration the quality of work done in the course as evidenced primarily from the accumulation of points from graded assignments and examinations approximately as follows:
** Active class participation will be considered in deciding individual grades
after a general grade range has been assigned.
The final grade for Math 480 will be determined by the technology assignments
and the oral technology quiz.
TECHNOLOGY: We will be using the computer at various stages of this course
to illustrate and investigate some of the geometry dynamically. For this
purpose we will use Geometer's Sketchpad. We will go to SD 017 on Wednesdays
to use this software and for exploring other software as well.