OFFICE: Library 48 E-MAIL: flashman@humboldt.edu
PHONE:826-4950
Hours (Tent.): MTRF 9:00 to 10:10 AND BY APPOINTMENT or chance!
Teaching Associates: Paul Burgess X 3745 pab9
FH 166C
Craig Kutil X 4020 cak8 UA 120
PREREQUISITE: Math Code 40
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
curvature. 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 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 and class activities should be kept in a binder, forming the basis for an assignment as part of a final review of your work at the end of the course.
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. A minimum of 4 entries are required to achieve a grade of C. Sample portfolios may be viewed at Library 48 during office hours. The portfolio (quality and quantity) will be used for determining letter grades above the C level. Two portfolio entries will be collected for preview feedback and advice on September 25th.
A portfolio entry can report on the content of reading, illustrate it by examples, and/or follow up on it with an individual response and creativity.
The content of the portfolio
entry should relate specifically and directly to some visual mathematics.
Personal observations , philosophical musings, and aesthetical judgments
are not adequate connections to something visual by themselves to qualify
as mathematical content.
Suggested resources for the entries may be found on
the Assignment
and Reading List.
Portfolios will be due for grading
on Friday, December 5th before 5 P.M.
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 assistance from myself and the course assistants. The quality of the
project will be used for determining letter grades above the C level. Ideas
for projects
will be discussed during the third week.
Preliminary Project Proposals should be submitted for first review
by 5 p.m.,September 25th.
Projects should be submitted
for grading by December 5th 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.
***DAILY ATTENDANCE SHOULD BE A HABIT ***
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. An optional lab time will be organized that will be devoted to a number of different projects as well as working with mathematical software tools, such as Wingeom, Winplot, Windisc. (The software we use is all freeware available from the www site of Rick Parris or from me.) 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.
GRADES: Four or more absences 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 satisfactory attendance and participation,
(2) have a satisfactory record on the daily
assignments and class activities (about 80% +'s),
(3) have participated responsibly on a
satisfactory group project,
and (4) have submitted a portfolio with at
least 4 entries.
** For the grade of B (or A)
a student must at least
(1) be qualified for a grade of
C,
and (2) submit a portfolio with at least
3 (or 6) entries beyond
the work submitted for grade of C.
The portfolio's quality will be used also to determine the final
grade .
Students wishing to be graded with either
CR or NC should make this request using the on-line registration web site.
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Last updated: 9-28-03