MTH 322 Geometry Fall 2010
Department of Mathematics, University of Rhode Island
Instructor |
Orlando Merino, merino@math.uri.edu, 874-4442, Lippitt Hall 101C |
Meets |
Lippitt Hall 204, MWF 11 a.m. |
Text |
Revolutions of Geometry, by Michael O’Leary, Wiley 2010. ISBN 978-0-470-16755-7 |
Prerequisites |
MTH 215 or permission of the instructor |
Topics |
Geometry in Egypt, Babylon and China. Thales and mathematical proofs. Pythagoras. Euclid's Elements, Triangles, Parallel Lines, Circles, Archimedes, Analytic Geometry, Projective Plane, The Fifth Postulate, Non-Euclidean geometries. |
Evaluation |
Midterm 25%, Final Exam 25%, Written project and oral presentation 25%, Homework 25%. |
About the Course |
This course is an introduction to Geometry. We will study the subject by following its development in history. In this class you will do mathematical proofs, as well as oral and written exposition of mathematical topics. We will pay special attention to the NCATE/NCTM Program Standards 2, 3, and 11, which are listed below. NCATE/NCTM Program Standards (2003) Standard 2: Knowledge of Reasoning and Proof Candidates reason, construct, and evaluate mathematical arguments and develop an appreciation for mathematical rigor and inquiry.
Standard 3: Knowledge of Mathematical Communication Candidates communicate their mathematical thinking orally and in writing to peers, faculty, and others. Indicators
Standard 11: Knowledge of Geometries Candidates use spatial visualization and geometric modeling to explore and analyze geometric shapes, structures, and their properties. Indicators
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Technology |
We will use the software GEOGEBRA, which is available free for download. |
Instructor's expectations |
[Based on: Zucker, S., Teaching at the University Level, AMS Notices (43), 1996, pp 863-865.] |
Special Needs |
Any student with a documented disability is welcome to contact me early in the semester so that we may work out reasonable accomodations to support your success in this course. Students should also contact Disability Services for Student, Office of Student Life, 330 Memorial Union, Kingston, 874-2098. |
Academic Honesty |
Students are expected to be honest in all academic work. A student's name on any written work shall be regarded as assurance that the work is the result of the student's own thought and study. Work should be stated in the student's own words, properly attributed to its source. Students have an obligation to know how to quote, paraphrase, summarize, or reference the work of others with integrity. The following are examples of academic dishonesty.
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H1N1 Flu |
The H1N1 Flu Pandemic may impact classes this semester. If any of us develop flu-like symptoms, we are being advised to stay home until the fever has subsided for 24 hours. So, if you exhibit such symptoms, please do not come to class. Notify me at 874-4442 or merino@math.uri.edu of your status, and we will communicate through the medium we have established for the class. We will work together to ensure that course instruction and work is completed for the semester. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have posted simple methods to avoid transmission of illness. These include: covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; frequently washing your hands to protect from germs; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and staying home when you are sick. For more information, please view www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm . URI information on the H1N1 is posted on the URI website at www.uri.edu/news/h1n1.html , with links to the CDC at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ . |
Additional Information |
The University Manual (See www.uri.edu/facsen/MANUAL_08.html ) contains useful information: 8.39.10-12 (attendance); 8.51.11-14 (excused absences); 8.51.15 (examinations during the semester); 8.51.16 (final examinations); 8.27.16-19, 8.27.17-19, 8.27.10-15 (plagiarism-instructor's responsibilities, judicial action, and student's responsibilities); and 8.52.10 (grading criteria). |
Civility Policy |
The University of Rhode Island has adopted a civility policy regarding disruptive classroom behaviors. Disruptive behaviors are defined as behaviors that interfere with the learning and/or teaching process. Disruptive behaviors in the classroom include inappropriate talking during lectures or class discussions or in any manner interfering with other student's ability to have a quality learning experience. Students who engage in disruptive behavior will receive one warning without penalty. Continued incidents of disrupting the class will result in the initiation of removal procedures or the loss of a letter grade. Disruptive behaviors include cell phone and pager use. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off, silent, and out of sight during classes, and you should not be checking for calls or messages during class (including "texting"). Common sense and common courtesy should govern classroom civility. |
"Incomplete" grade |
I follow to the letter the URI regulations concerning incomplete grades, namely the following paragraphs taken from the university manual:
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