2025 Spring Course Syllabus - Mathematics 3096.001

Introduction to Modern Algebra

3

In person

Recitation: W 8:00-8:50am. 

Lecture: TR 9:30--10:50am.

Recitation:  Wachman 009

Lecture:  Wachman 016

Wachman 610

215-204-7852

Mon and Tues: 1:30--2:30pm

Wed:  9:30--11am

and by appointment

Abstract Algebra: An Introduction, by Thomas Hungerford. 3rd ed.

There will be two midterm exams, each of which will count for 13% of your grade; a comprehensive final exam counting for 20%; and a presentation counting for 10%. In addition, there will be regular quizzes counting 14% total and written homework counting 30% total.

Math 2111 (Basic Concepts of Mathematics) with C- or better

This course will primarily deal with the theory of rings. A particular emphasis will be on writing mathematical proofs 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; they should be written in carefully edited prose involving complete sentences. 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.

Integers, modular arithmetic, rings, polynomial rings, ideals and quotient rings. This material will largely be based on Chapters 1-6 of the textbook. However, since some of Hungerford's choices are unusual, I will occasionally adopt different conventions. This will be explicitly pointed out in class whenever it occurs. If time permits, then I may also cover a selection of topics from Chapters 7 & 8 (Group Theory).

The two midterms are tentatively scheduled for February 20 and April 10; both will be given during the regular class period. The final exam will be on May 1, 8:00am-10:00am. All exams occur on a Thursday and will be given in our regular classroom; they will be open-book and open-notes tests. Materials on the Canvas page of this course can be accessed, but no other external resources are permitted.

Attendance will be recorded for both lectures and recitations; it will be considered in midterm ratings and in borderline grade cases at the end of the semester. Office hours may not be used to cover material missed due to unjustified absences.

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To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to the course requirements. However, if you have tested positive for or are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, you should not come to campus or attend in-person  classes or activities. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as you are able to do so, and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion.

It is important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. 

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 Howard Gittis Student Center South, Rm 420 (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.

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).

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).

The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc.) is not permitted in this class unless specifically announced for a particular assignment; therefore, any use of AI tools for work in this class may be considered a violation of Temple University's Academic Honesty policy and Student Conduct Code, since the work is not your own. The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in a grade of zero on the assignment; a second offense will be reported to the Student Conduct Board.

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).

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.