Syllabus for Abstract Algebra II
TR 8:30-9:20
Fall 2000

Rohr Science 220 – (619) 849-2604 – gcrow@ptloma.edu

REQUIRED MATERIALS

• Calculator: A scientific calculator is recommended (in the $20 to $25 range).
• Supplies: About five 3.5" computer disks.

Comment
We will try and avoid the following pitfall:

At the beginning college level, visualization is a big part of understanding. Consequently, students who are operating with few mental pictures are not really learning mathematics. Their calculus consists of a vast series of algorithms and a complicated cataloging system which tells them which procedure is used when. The effort put into this kind of teaching and learning is largely wasted: memorized algorithms are soon forgotten and, worse still, such courses perpetuate the idea that math involves doing calculations rather than thinking [emphasis added].

(by Deborah Hughes Hallet in Visualization and Calculus Reform, in the collection Visualization in Teaching and Learning Mathematics, edited by Zimmerman and Cunningham (MAA notes \#19))

Quizzes
You are to stay on top of the material as it is presented. To encourage this scholarly activity (and attendance), ten to fifteen quizzes will be given on days chosen by the instructor. If a quiz is missed, it cannot be taken later. The only days that are off limits are the first day of class and exam days. Three quizzes will be dropped.

Examinations
There will be a comprehensive Final exam. The exam will consist of a take-home portion and an in class portion. The take home portion will include essay questions and Maple lab work. A deduction of 2^n*10% will be deducted for each day "n" that an exam is late (n=1 if the exam is turned in the day after it is due).

GRADING POLICIES

Grading scale. Grades are based on the number of points accumulated throughout the course.
Approximate minimal percentages required to obtain a given grade are:

Other factors that affect grades are

• Questions on written assignments, quizzes, and exams: 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.
• Written Assignments. 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
• Final Examination. The final exam will include problems and questions over material assigned in the text, readings and handouts, as well as material presented in class.

ATTENDANCE POLICY.
After you miss the equivalent of 4 class periods, you will be warned of impending de-enrollment. If you miss the equivalent of 9 class periods, you will be de-enrolled.


CHEATING POLICY
A student who is caught cheating on a quiz will receive a zero on that quiz and may receive a zero for all quizzes for the semester. A student who is caught cheating on an exam will receive a zero on that exam and may receive an "F" for the semester.


THE FINAL EXAM IS A COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION.

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Last modified on 21-July-2000
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