2018 Fall Course Syllabus - Mathematics 3096.001
Course: Mathematics 3096.001.
Course Title: Introduction to Modern Algebra.
Time: TR: 9:30am -- 10:50pm M: 8:00am -- 8:50am.
Place: Lecture: Wachman 10; Recitation: Wachman 9.
Instructor: Maria E. Lorenz.
Instructor Office: Wachman 610.
Instructor Email: maria.lorenz@temple.edu
Instructor Phone: 215-204-7852.
Office Hours: W 1:00-2:30 | R 11:00-12:30 | by appointment.
Prerequisites: Math 2111 (Basic Concepts of Math) with a grade of C- or better.
Textbook: Title: Abstract Algebra: An Introduction, 3rd Edition. Author: Thomas W. Hungerford. Publisher: Cengage Learning; 3 edition (July 27, 2012) ISBN-10: 1111569622 ISBN-13:978-1111569624.
Course Goals: This course will deal primarily with theory of rings and groups with a particular emphasis on writing mathematical proofs in these areas. Students should learn how to communicate mathematical ideas in written form in the context of modern algebra. Written proofs must offer the reader a logical and well-organized narrative explanation of an approach to a solution of a problem. Proofs should be written in clear, carefully edited prose that is relatively free of grammatical errors. Students will also be expected to use sources to research a topic relevant to the course, and to write a paper and give a presentation on that topic.
Topics Covered: Integers and modular arithmetic, Rings, Polynomial rings, Ideals and Quotient rings, Groups.
Course Grading: There will be two midterms each counting for 15% of your course grade, quizzes counting for 8% of your grade, a course project counting for 8% of your grade, recitation work counting for 4% of your grade, homework will count for 30% of your grade, and the final exam for 20% of your grade.
Exam Dates: Midterm exams are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October 4 and Thursday, November 15 during the regular class meeting. The final exam is scheduled for Thursday, December 13, 8am--10am as announced on the university web site.
Attendance Policy: You are expected to attend class. If you have an excuse for missing a class, please let me know. If you have 4 or more unexcused absences, your grade will drop half a notch (e.g. B to B-) for each 4 classes you miss.
Homework: Homework will be assigned regularly. There will be assignments from the text that will be handed in for grading. Many of the problems will require you to write complete mathematical proofs. Once the assignment has been graded, you will be expected to submit a rewrite and a will receive a corresponding grade adjustment. Your ability to write mathematics should improve greatly over the course of the semester; the homework will emphasize this.
Canvas: This is a registered Canvas course. You should check Blackboard regularly for announcements and course information.
Project: A group project requiring research, writing and revising a paper, and a presentation will be required. Details will be given in class.
Recitation and TA: The weekly recitations with be run by the graduate teaching assistant (TA), Brandi Henry. Short quizzes will be given regularly in recitation. Recitations are a valuable course component and you are expected to attend them as scheduled. During the recitation, students will be given a worksheet of problems to work through; they will form groups (of 2 or 3) and work on writing solutions together. The TA can remind the class briefly of some concepts or material if necessary and will be available to answer questions and provide assistance. The recitation is meant to be interactive; engaging in a discussion with their peers as well as the TA should allow students to be aware of their difficulties and address them as well as provide an opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of the material. Attendance of the recitation and active participation in the problem solving and the written work will account for 4% of the grade.
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss the specific situation as soon as possible. Contact Disability Resources and Services at (215) 204-1280, 100 Ritter Annex, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here.
Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar for exact dates.
During the Drop/Add period, students may drop a course with no record of the class appearing on their transcript. Students are not financially responsible for any courses dropped during this period. In the following weeks prior to or on the withdrawal date students may withdraw from a course with the grade of "W" appearing on their transcript. After the withdrawal date students may not withdraw from courses. Check the University Calendar (Opens in new tab/window) for exact dates. See the full policy by clicking here. (Opens in new tab/window)
The grade "I" (an "incomplete") is only given if students cannot complete the course work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is necessary for the student to have completed the majority of the course work with a passing average and to sign an incomplete contract which clearly states what is left for the student to do and the deadline by which the work must be completed. The incomplete contract must also include a default grade that will be used in case the "I" grade is not resolved by the agreed deadline. See the full policy by clicking here. (Opens in new tab/window)