Martin Flashman's Courses

Math 371/480 Spring, '01

MATH 371 Geometry  T Th. 14:00 - 15:20 ROOM: SH 128
Projects are due Tuesday, May 1.

MATH 480- Supplement T. 15:30 - 16:50 ROOM: For 204A

Back to Martin Flashman's Home Page :)

Last updated: 01/5/01
The following description is still being developed.
SPRING, 2001                     COURSE INFORMATION(tentative)        M.FLASHMAN
MATH 371/480: GEOMETRY            T Th 14:00-15:20; T 15:30-16:50        ROOM: SH 128/ sd 017
OFFICE: Library 48     E-MAIL: flashman@axe.humboldt.edu          PHONE:826-4950
Hours (Tent.):  MTWR 9:15-10:20  AND BY APPOINTMENT or chance!
PREREQUISITE: Math 240 and high school geometry (or permission ).
  • TEXTS:

    • SCOPE: This course will cover various topics from "classical and modern geometry." We will examine informally and formally selected theorems and theories for planar and spatial geometry from both synthetic and analytic (algebraic and transformational) viewpoints. Other approaches to geometry such as differential geometry and topology may be presented as time permits.
    Lectures will organize the topics to present materials not covered in the texts as well as those treated in the texts. Supplementary readings and materials will be supplied as appropriate.

    TESTS & ASSIGNMENTS: There will be at least 2 (3) self-scheduled quizzes plus a practical oral quiz on the use of technology (WinGeometry or Sketchpad).

    Reading: Each student will be expected to read short articles about geometric topics from   The College Mathematics Journal, The Mathematics Teacher, Scientific American, a geometric web site, or other approved sources and make brief written summaries of these to be passed in every Tuesday. These will be graded Honors/Cr/NCr.
    Reports should include (1) correct citation, (2) Geometric subject area, (3)Result(s), and (4)proofs if interesting.

    Weekly problem assignments will be due on Thursdays. (Accepted one day tardy at most!)
    Some problems may be assigned but not numerically graded.

    Projects: Each student will be expected to develop a course project that presents some aspect of geometry with both results and explanation. These may done in partnerships of two (or three) students and with consultations with Professor Flashman. A brief preliminary descriptive project proposal is due Tuesday, February 20th from each partnership. A progress report on the project is due March 27th.
    Final projects are due for review Tuesday, May 1st. (These will be graded Honors/Cr/NCr.)

    The final examination will be an OPEN BOOK TAKE-HOME EXAMINATION, distributed Thursday, May 3rd, and DUE Friday, May 18, before 5 P.M.

    MAKE-UP TESTS WILL NOT BE GIVEN EXCEPT FOR VERY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES!
    It is the student's responsibility to request a makeup test promptly.

    GRADES: Final grades will be determined taking into consideration the quality of work done in the course as evidenced primarily from the accumulation of points from graded assignments and examinations approximately as follows:
     

    Homework 20 %
    Reading Summaries 10%
    Project 10%
    Quizzes 30%
    Final Exam 30%
    Total 100%

    ** Active class participation will be considered in deciding individual grades after a general grade range has been assigned.
    The final grade for Math 480 will be determined by the technology assignments and the oral technology quiz.

    TECHNOLOGY: We will be using the computer at various stages of this course to illustrate and investigate some of the geometry dynamically. For this purpose we will use Geometer's Sketchpad and Wingeometry. We will go to For 204A on Tuesdays to use this software and for exploring other software as well.

    Back to Martin Flashman's Home Page :)