MATH 103I (5 unit)
COURSE INFORMATION
M.Flashman
Mathematics as a Liberal Art (Visual)
FALL,1999
M 1400-1550 SCID 017 TR 1400-1520 SH 128
OFFICE: Library 48 E-MAIL: flashman@axe.humboldt.edu
PHONE:826-4950
Office Hours (Tent.)- MW 10; TR 11:15-12:20; F 2
AND BY APPOINTMENT or chance!
PREREQUISITE: MATH 40 or 41 or math
code 30.
TEXTS: (REQ'D.) Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions
by E. Abbott.
Geometry And The Visual Arts by D. Pedoe.
Concepts of Modern Mathematics by Ian Stewart .
Experiments in Topology by S. Barr.
*Configuration Theorems by B. Argunov & L. Skornyakov.
(* reprint - not yet in bookstore)
Optional* The following provide alternative but consistent views of
the themes of this course.
*Mathematics: The Science of Patterns by K. Devlin.
*Beyond the Third Dimension : Geometry, Computer Graphics, and Higher
Dimensions by Thomas F. Banchoff .
SCOPE: This course will explore topics in geometry and topology
that have arisen from attempts to define and explain the visual aspects
of experience, such as symmetry, space dimension, surface, and perspective.
Limitations, unexpected consequences and applications resulting from the
development of these concepts illustrate the power of mathematics to translate,
to transform, and to classify. Lectures will discuss topics not covered
in the texts as well as those treated in the texts.
Supplementary readings and materials will be supplied as appropriate.
ASSIGNMENTS: There will be regular graded assignments consisting of 3 to 5 problems or activities. Other problems, assigned in class, will be a source for class discussions and activities and will be used to indicate satisfactory class participation. Course materials, including this description, and returned assignments should be kept in a binder, forming the basis for two assignments around the 5th and 10th weeks as well as a final review of your work at the end of the course.
Technology: The computer offers a very useful tool to enhance
visual and computational understanding as well as a powerful device for
discoverying and presenting resources on the world wide web. In this course
we will spend two hours per week in the computer lab. This time will be
devoted to a number of different projects as well as working with mathematical
software tools, such as Wingeom, Winplot, Windisc (all available
freeware from the www site of Rick
Parris or from me), and The Geometer's Sketchpad which is available
in the SD 017 compute lab.
A short list of world wide web sites for further reading will be organized
on a weekly basis with materials specifically related to the course topics.
Monday Classes: Class time on Mondays is scheduled in Science D 017. This is a computer lab. This time is organized for a variety of creative activities using technology as well as time to work specifically on background topics from intermediate algebra and geometry. During the first hour students will have the opportunity to get individual assistance on background topics as well as work with classmates on their class projects and assignments. The second hour will be used to continue some of the work and for more structured activities related to the Tuesday and Thursday lecture/discussions.
Math 99: Extra individual assistance in background intermediate algebra is available by registering for Math 99- which provides drop in tutoring assistance on a daily basis. Taking advantage of this extra help is recommended for most students who have had difficulty with this material previously.
The Project: Each student will participate in a course project as a part of a team. Each team will have three or four members. These projects will be designed with my assistance. The quality of the project will be used for determining letter grades above the C level. Ideas for projects will be discussed during the second week.
Preliminary Project Proposals should be submitted for first review by
September 25th.
Projects should be submitted for grading by December 3th before
5 P.M
A Project Fair will be organized for displays and presentations during the last day of class. Details will be discussed later.
The Portfolio: Each student will organize a portfolio which should contain entries related to the content of this course but not discussed extensively in the lectures. No particular format or topics for entries are required, but each entry must have some substantial (as opposed to purely subjective) content. See the Weekly Reading and Resource List for some suggestions on source materials for developing entries. Sample portfolios may be viewed at Library 48 during office hours. The portfolio (quality and quantity) will be used also for determining letter grades above the C level. One (or two) portfolio entries will be collected for preview feedback and advice on September 23rd.
GRADES: Five hours or more of absence without extenuating circumstances will be justification for a grade of F.
Otherwise final grades will be determined by taking into consideration the quality of work done in the course as evidenced primarily by assignments, projects and portfolios.
**Only the letter grades of A, B, C, D, and F will be given. (No + or -'s)
** For the grade of C or CR a student must at least
(1) have demonstrated adequate mastery of
material from intermediate algebra; (This may be achieved by achieving a code
40 based on the Mathematics Placement Test Part II.) Here is more
information on the MPT.
(2) have satisfactory attendance and participation;
(3) have a satisfactory record on assignments
and class activities (about 80% +'s);
(4) have participated responsibly on a satisfactory
group project;
and (5) have submitted a portfolio with at least 4 entries.
** For the grade of B a student must at least
(1) be qualified for a grade
of C,
and (2) submit a portfolio with at least 7 entries.
The portfolio's quality will be used to determine the final grade also.
** For the grade of A a student must at least
(1) be qualified for a grade
of C,
and (2) submit a portfolio with at least 10 entries.
The portfolio's quality will be used to determine the final grade also.
Students wishing to be graded with either CR or NC should make this request in writing at the records office as described in the fall course lists.
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Tool Kit: You should assemble the following items for possible
use at each class:
a deck of playing cards
scissors
colored pencils or pens (6+)
fastener of some kind (stapler, tape, or glue stick)
rubber bands (at least 2)
string (at least a meter)
a 3.5 inch computer disk for saving work and making a copy of wingeom
for use on any windows PC on campus or elsewhere.
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Last updated: 8/21/99