2021 Fall Course Syllabus - Mathematics 3096.001

Course: Mathematics 3096.001.

Course Title: Introduction to Modern Algebra.

Credits: 3 credits.

How this course will be taught: In person class meetings.

Time: Recitation: M 8-8:50. Lecture: TR 9:30-10:50.

Place: Recitation: Wachman 11 and Lecture: Wachman 306.

Instructor: Maria E. Lorenz.

Instructor Office: Wachman 610 and Zoom ID: 242 722 8807 and Link: https://temple.zoom.us/j/2427228807.

Instructor Email: maria.lorenz@temple.edu

Instructor Phone: 215-204-7842.

Office Hours: T: 3:30pm--4:30pm, W: 1pm--2:30pm, R: 11am -- 12 noon, and by appointment Zoom ID: 242 722 8807 and Link: https://temple.zoom.us/j/2427228807.

Prerequisites: Math 2111 (Basic Concepts of Mathematics).

Course Materials: Textbook: Abstract Algebra: An Introduction by Thomas W Hungerford, 2013, 3rd Edition This is available from Amazon and other online retailers for between $25 and $30.

Course Goals: This course will deal primarily with the theory of rings and groups with a particular emphasis on writing mathematical proofs in these areas. Students should learn 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 research a topic relevant to the course, write a paper on the topic, and report on the topic to the class.

Topics Covered: Integers and modular arithmetic, Rings, Polynomial Rings, Ideals and Quotient Rings, Groups (if time allows).

Course Grading: There will be two midterm exams each of which will count for 15% of your grade, a final exam which will count for 25% of your grade, recitation meetings will count for 5% of your grade, a project which will count for 10%, and homework which will count for 30%.

Exam Dates: The midterm test dates are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 30 and Thursday, November 11th; any potential change to these dates will be announced at least two weeks in advance. The final exam will be on Thursday, December 9th, 8:00-10:00am.

Attendance Policy: You are expected to attend class. If you have an excuse for missing a class, you should let me know (preferably before missing the class, if possible).

Attendance and Your Health: To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to your instructors' requirements. However, if you feel unwell or if you are under quarantine or in isolation because you have been exposed to the virus or tested positive for it, you should not come to campus or attend in-person classes or activities. It is the student's responsibility to contact their instructors to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as they are able to do so, and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion, when illness delays their completion.

Homework: Homework will be assigned regularly. There will be assignments (mostly 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.

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), Khanh Le. Recitations are a valuable course component and you are expected to attend them as scheduled. During the recitation, students will typically 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 at the recitation and active participation in the class activities are expected.

Disability Statement: Any student who has a need for accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability or medical condition should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) in 100 Ritter Annex (drs@temple.edu; 215-204-1280) to request accommodations and learn more about the resources available to you. If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with me, or you would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact me as soon as practical. I will work with you and with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential.

Academic Freedom: 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 (opens in new tab/window).

Add/Drop Policy: Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar (opens in new tab/window) 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).

Incomplete Policy: 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).

Expectations for Class Conduct: The best way to maintain a safe and focused learning environment is for everyone to get vaccinated. Masks must be worn by vaccinated and unvaccinated people in all indoor or in enclosed spaces (including classrooms, the Library, the TECH Center, the Student Center, shuttles/buses, administrative spaces, common areas in residence halls, etc.). For your general health and well-being, hand washing and monitoring your health is still highly recommended.

Student Support Services: The following academic support services are available to students (all links open in a new tab/window):
    The Math Consulting Center
    Student Success Center
    University Libraries
    Undergraduate Research Support
    Career Center
    Tuttleman Counseling Services
    Disability Resources and Services
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs.

For courses in remote mode:

Technology specifications for this course: A working computer with a reliable internet connection, a Webcam, and audio capability. Recommended Internet Speed: 8mbps download & 5mbps upload. You can test your connection at https://www.speedtest.net. Please note: Hard-wired connections are more consistent than Wi-Fi for Zoom sessions. A scanning app such as AdobeScan or CamScanner is required as is access to Zoom and Canvas (the Canvas app is also recommended).
Limited resources are available for students who do not have the technology they need for class. Students with educational technology needs, including no computer or camera or insufficient Wifi-access, should submit a request outlining their needs using the Student Emergency Aid Fund form. The University will endeavor to meet needs, such as with a long-term loan of a laptop or Mifi device, a refurbished computer, or subsidized internet access.

Remote proctoring statement: Zoom, Proctorio or a similar proctoring tool may be used to proctor exams and quizzes in this course. These tools verify your identity and record online actions and surroundings. It is your responsibility to have the necessary government or school issued ID, a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection, the Google Chrome and Proctorio extension, a webcam/built-in camera and microphone, and system requirements for using Proctorio, Zoom, or a similar proctoring tool. Before the exam begins, the proctor may require a scan of the room in which you are taking the exam.

Online Classroom Etiquette: It is expected that each student attends every class on time for the full duration of each class and behaves, in the same professional manner, as if you are in a regular classroom. This refers in particular to your location and attire. It is not appropriate to eat a large meal, drink alcohol, smoke, or get up often during an online class.

Statement on recording and distribution of recordings of class sessions: Any recordings permitted in this class can only be used for the student's personal educational use. Students are not permitted to copy, publish, or redistribute audio or video recordings of any portion of the class session to individuals who are not students in the course or academic program without the express permission of the faculty member and of any students who are recorded. Distribution without permission may be a violation of educational privacy law known as FERPA as well as certain copyright laws. Any recordings made by the instructor or university of this course are the property of Temple University.