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Department
of Mathematics |
Topics in Geometry
MA 341–001
Fall Semester 2009
Classroom: 339
Whitehall Classroom Building
Time: MWF
2:00–2:50 pm
Professor: Dr.
Office: Patterson
Office Tower 759
Office Hours: MWF
1:00-2:00 or by appointment
Office
Phone: 859–257–1258
email: droyster@ms.uky.edu and david.royster@uky.edu
URL: http://www.ms.uky.edu/~droyster
Class
Homepage: http://www.ms.uky.edu/~droyster/courses/fall09/MA341
Text: Foundations of Geometry by Gerard A.
Venema, ISBN: 0-13-143700-3.
Number
of Class Meetings in the Semester: 45 classes
Prerequisites: Consent
of the Department
Objective: We
will discuss the development of geometry and geometries through a study of the
history of
Tests: We will have homework, classwork and a final. The schedule indicates that the time for the Final Exam is Wednesday, December 16 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.
Grades: Your
course grade will be determined by the homework, the classwork, and the final.
| Exams | Homework | Final Exam | |
| Percentage | 35% | 35% | 30% |
Purpose: The
purpose of this course is twofold. First, in this course you are introduced, or
re-introduced, to the method of Mathematical
Proof. We will be given a certain
set of AXIOMS and UNDEFINED TERMS. The purpose here is for you to learn how to
prove theorems, facts, lemmas, etc.
in a formal
mathematical system. This is a
system in which all of the axioms and undefined terms are stated at the
beginning, and not introduced when people feel that they may be needed. This is an easier way in which to learn how
to prove theorems than some other areas offer.
In doing this, we will develop as
much Geometry as we possibly can. You will be introduced to new and interesting
areas in Geometry, with much of our semester spent on the study of Hyperbolic Geometry. You will learn that there is a lot more to
Geometry than you may have dreamt of in your philosophies. We will learn one of the Fundamental Theorems
of Mathematics that many students never get to see.
Class
Policies: There
are several policies to which you must pay heed.
i) Attendance is extremely important in
a class of this level. If you feel that
you do not need to attend this class, you are in the wrong classroom—go find a
course in which you will be challenged and in which you will learn something
new.
ii) You are allowed one unexcused absence
and one excused absence in this course.
Any absences beyond this will have an impact on your grade for the
course.
iii) You have been given a day-by-day
course syllabus. You NOW KNOW when we
have class and when we do not have class.
I expect you to be here on all days that we have class.
iv) I will not accept late homework. If for some reason you miss a class and it is
excusable, see me as soon as possible to discuss the situation.
v) Academic dishonesty will be punished
severely. Be cognizant of Article II of
the Student Code of Conduct.
vi) Be on time to class and remain until
dismissed. Do not leave in the middle of
class.
Inclement Weather
Policy: The University of Kentucky Severe Weather
Policy can be found at http://www.uky.edu/PR/News/severe_weather.htm.
The UK Infoline at (859) 257-5684, UK TV
Cable Channel 16 and 19, or the UK Web site at www.uky.edu
are the best places to find the most up-to-date situation. In the event that we have inclement
weather[1]
but the University does not close or cancel classes, and I have to cancel the
class, a message to that effect will be left on my voicemail (859–257–1258) and
I will email every member of the class (if I have access to email).
If you feel that travel during inclement weather
would be hazardous, then try to inform me as soon as safely possible. You will be given the opportunity to make up
any work missed or due on that day. As
always, each student is responsible for any work missed and will be expected to
get the notes from another student or from the web.