Instructor: jason howald. (pronouncing "howald")
Text: Advanced Modern Algebra, by Rotman. We will have regular reading assignments from this text.
Cell Phones: Cellphones make classrooms worse. Please leave them off.
Two kinds of Homework: Weekly written homework assignments will look back at learned material, testing your comprehension and, hopefully, deepening your understanding. Those problems which are not proofs will be graded once with partial credit, but most problems will be proofs. Problems which are proofs will be graded right or wrong ("P" for "proved", "U" for "unfinished"), with two opportunities to resubmit unfinished proofs on subsequent weeks. For example, if homework is due 10/1/07, then 10/8/07 and 10/15/07 will be opportunities for resubmission. You're invited to talk to me about errors, get them fixed in office hours, and rewrite unfinished proofs. This policy reflects my deep conviction that the nature of proof demands that they be evaluated as right or wrong. Long proofs will usually be broken into segments, which are individually scored and individually resubmittable. This is not an invitation to submit late homework -- problems not submitted when due cannot be "resubmitted."
Memorization quizzes. Mathematical proofs proceed from precise definitions of terms, and so knowing these definitions is paramount. I will give you definition lists to memorize and require you to learn them by heart. It's easier than it sounds.
Reading the text: It's very important do any assigned reading before class, so that you are properly qualified to work on the problems in class. Reading the text first is usually the only way to do the preparation homework!
Quizzes: Thursdays will often have a quiz or exam, or be the due date for a memorization quiz.
Exams: We will have two midterms and one cumulative final exam, with approximately one exam every five weeks, on Thursday in lieu of a quiz. Of course, it is a very bad idea to be absent on an exam day. But in some cases, especially serious illness and prior arrangement, excused absences can be warranted.
Grade system Each assignment, quiz, or exam will be given a GPA from 0.0 (F) to 4.0 (A), so that you can more easily understand how you're doing. The final course GPA will the weighted average of the GPA's for all your work. No grades will be thrown out or otherwise disregarded.
Academic honesty statement: Academic honesty from all parties is necessary for the proper functioning of a University system. Exam copying, homework copying, and regrading cons will be dealt with uncompromisingly. Chip Morris is a friendly guy, but I don't want to talk to him about you!
Disabilities: I am eager to make accommodations to students with specific needs based on disabilities. If you feel that you need such accommodations, please contact me or see the Office of Accomodative Services (ext. 3267 in Sisson 111) Of course, early notification is important for us to do a good job making any necessary adjustments.