OFFICE: Library 48 E-MAIL: flashman@humboldt.edu
PHONE:826-4950
Hours (Tent.)- Flashman: M-Th 14:30 to 15:20 AND BY APPOINTMENT or
chance!
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 regular graded assignments consisting of 5 to 10 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.
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 four 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 Thursday, July 18th.
NEW: 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.
The Project Option.(New 7-12-02) A student, alone or with a partner, may decide to assemble a project related to visual mathematics as an alternative to making 3 portfolio entries. Such a project will be designed with my assistance. The quality of the project will be used for determining letter grades above the C level only. Ideas for projects will be discussed during the second week. Any student interested in doing a project should consult me by July 21st for approval.
Portfolios will be due for grading on Tuesday, August 6th before 5 P.M.
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, Forestry 205A. This time 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: Three 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 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 (about 80% +'s),
and (3) 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 to determine the final grade
also.
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: 7/3/02