MATH 103I. Mathematics as a Liberal Art 
Visual Mathematics. Summer, 2000

 UNDER CONSTRUCTION
last revised 5-28-00


If you have a question, you can ask me by e-mail: mef2@axe.humboldt.edu
HSU Catalog Description:Ways mathematics uses quantitative, geometrical,algebraic, and statistical thinking in problem solving. Completes mandated mathematics remediation and meets GE area B requirement.
Not recommended as preparation for MATH 115. Prerequisite: MATH 40 or 41 or math code 30.

MATH 103I (5 unit)        COURSE INFORMATION          M.Flashman
Mathematics as a Liberal Art (Visual)                                Summer, 2000
MTWR 1300-1440 SH 128
OFFICE: Library 48  E-MAIL: flashman@axe.humboldt.edu    PHONE:826-4950
Office Hours (Tent.)- MTWR  3-4pm       AND BY APPOINTMENT or chance!
PREREQUISITE:  MATH 40 or 41 or math code 30.

TEXTS: (REQ'D.) The Heart of Mathematics: An invitation to effective thinking by Edward Burger and Michael Starbird.
Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by E. Abbott.
Concepts of Modern Mathematics by Ian Stewart .
Configuration Theorems by B. Argunov & L. Skornyakov. (reprint)
Optional* The following provide alternative but consistent views of the themes of this course.
*Geometry And The Visual Arts by D. Pedoe.
*Experiments in Topology by S. Barr.
*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 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 SH 118 computer 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.

Computer Lab Classes: Some class time may be scheduled in SH 118. This is a computer lab. This time will be organized for a variety of creative activities using technology.

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 June 15th.
Projects should be submitted for grading August 3rd before 5 P.M

A Project Fair will be organized for displays and presentations during the examination time on Wednesday, August 9th. 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 date TBA.

Portfolios will be due for grading on August 7th before 5 P.M.
***DAILY ATTENDANCE SHOULD BE A HABIT ***

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 5 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 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: 5/28/00