Spring 2007

Instructor: Brad Whitaker
Class meetings: WF 4:00 – 4:50
Office hours: 
        MWF 2:30 – 3:45
        T 9:30 – 11:30
        R 9:30 – 11:30 & 3:00 – 4:00

Text:
Modern Geometries (5th edition),
James R. Smart,
Brooks/Cole, 1998
ISBN 0-534-35188-3

Taxicab Geometry
Eugene F. Krause
Dover Books, 1986
ISBN 0-486-25202-7

REQUIRED MATERIALS
In addition to the text and notes:
A descent compass – the one you used in high school can probably stand to be replaced
A descent straight edge – also known as rulers, but we won’t be measuring
Method of storing work done in lab – memory stick
Mechanical pencil – dull lead on a construction or homework is not impressive

COURSE PHILOSOPHY
Mathematics is learned primarily by doing Mathematics--not simply listening to it; that is, the effective learning of mathematics is an active process, involving participation. Thus, the course aims to maximize student involvement, hence student achievement.

Individual concepts in mathematics are learned (mastered as opposed to memorized) by thinking and working through numerous examples and exercises which involve these concepts; by this process mathematical concepts become familiar, and less abstract.

The instructor is responsible for overall planning, for directing instructional activities, and for evaluation of student achievement.

You are ultimately responsible for your own achievement. For example, you are responsible for meeting all scheduled activities of the course, such as class meetings, problem assignments, quizzes, exams, and the final examination; you are also responsible for regular work outside class in preparation for class lectures and discussions.

GRADING POLICIES

Grade components. The grade components are homework, a project portfolio of problems and constructions including products of Geometer's Sketchpad, and two examinations. Other factors that affect grades are

• Late work. A written assignment or computer assignment is late if it is not received at the beginning of class on the due date. Late work need not be accepted. Work accepted late may be assessed a penalty. Make-up tests (or the exam) will be given only by arrangement with the instructor for reasons of documented emergency.
• Written Assignments. Written assignments and test/exam questions and problems must be formulated carefully in terms of words and symbols used in the course. Credit is determined by the degree to which answers and solutions respond to the specific question or problem stated. Maximize your credit by learning the language and symbols of the course. Assignments collected must be prepared in a style suitable for grading. The following guidelines are used to determine credit:
• the organization must be easy to follow
• the work must be legible
• complete solutions must be written for problems (not just answers); answers must be clearly marked
• use complete sentences to answer questions

· Test and Final Examination. The test and the final exam will include problems and questions over material assigned in the text, readings and handouts, as well as material presented in class.

THE FINAL EXAM IS A COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION.

SCHEDULE ET. AL.

Texts: The sections of the Smart text that are on the menu for this course are: 1.1 – 1.3 * 2.1 – 2.3 * 3.1 – 3.5 * 4.1 – 4.3 * 5.1 – 5.6 * 9.1 – 9.5. In addition, selected readings and problems will be taken from the Krause text

Homework: Due dates for homework will be given when the homework is assigned. Unless otherwise noted, homework assigned during a week will be due at the beginning of class on Wednesday of the following week.

Geometer’s Sketchpad: Assignments that are not completed within the time of the class need to be completed prior to the next Wednesday class.

Exams: The midterm exam will take place the week before Spring Break. The final exam is scheduled for Friday from 3:30 – 5:30. Take-home exams will be the primary method of examinations used in this class. However, there will be an in-class component to the exams.

Problem Portfolio: The portfolio will be handed in before spring break and before the final exam. It is expected that each students sets a pace to have half of the “18 problems” completed by spring break, along with other problems or constructions that are assigned.