• Some Visual Mathematics web sites for surfing.
• Course Description
• Assignment and Reading List
• Film List
• Class Topic Notes and Outlines (as available)
  

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:

Office hours:R 11-12:50

Office hours: MWF 7:00-8:00am

Office hours:T 10-11:30am;W 2-3pm.

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.

This requirement helps students cope with, and participate in, the changing world. Recognizing the importance of scientific methods as investigative tools, the courses present science as a unified discipline with a major impact on the human condition.
In particular this course attempts to enhance the general education goals to:

• provide an understanding of the nature, scope, and limits of science and its relation to other branches of human inquiry;
• teach the language of science to facilitate cognition, interpretation, and communication;
• develop scientific reasoning for use in the critical examination of information;
• identify sources of information for the pursuit of scientific inquiry;
• develop mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning and demonstrate their widespread applications in problem solving;
• promote an understanding of the impact of scientific knowledge and technology on our civilization both past and present and recognize the contributions made by men and women; and
• consider the moral and ethical implications of science so as to nurture a respect for human values.

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.
One (or two) portfolio entries should be submitted for preview feedback and advice by February 26th.

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 Wednesday, April 28th 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.
Click here for Project Proposal Guidelines and Suggestions
Preliminary Project Proposals should be submitted for first review by 5 p.m., February 26th.
Projects should be submitted for grading by Wednesday, April 28th 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.

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: 2-5-04