MTH 449/549

COURSE INFORMATION

SPRING 2008

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Catalog Description:  Projective Geometry.  3 hrs. Projective geometry using both synthetic and algebraic methods.  (PR:  MTH 300)

Course Goals: 

• To understand the fundamental objects of geometry
• To undertake a reasoned study of the major topics in projective geometry
• To appreciate the artistic qualities of space
• To become acquainted with Geometer's Sketchpad software

Required Materials: Edwards, Lawrence. Projective Geometry. Floris Books.  2003.  ISBN 0-86315-393-3

Instructor: Dr. J. Silver Office: SH 717

Telephone: 696-3044 Email: silver@marshall.edu

Webpage: http://users.marshall.edu/~silver/

Office Hours: 2:00 - 3:00 MF, 1:00-2:00 W, 10:00-11:00 TR

Grading Policy: Grades will be figured on a percentage basis. There will be three exams. The homework average will be counted as equivalent to a fourth exam.

       90 - 100% = A,  80 - 89% = B,  70 - 79% = C,  60 - 69% = D,  0 - 59% = F

Homework Policy: Homework is due on the second class day after assignment. The lowest six homework grades will be dropped. No excuses are accepted for late homework.  At least one homework assignment must be typed, and a figure drawn with Geometer's Sketchpad.  That assignment will be given 10 bonus points.

Attendance Policy: Attendance will be taken daily by collecting homework. Borderline grades will be determined by class attendance.

Exams: Tests will be given on February 8, March 17, and on May 5.  If you are unable to take an exam due to unavoidable circumstances (e.g. illness, death in the family, accidents), you must contact me prior to the exam time and furnish written verification of the excuse in order to take a make-up test.

Graduate Students:  Students enrolled in this course for graduate credit (MTH 549) are required to turn in a 10 page term paper on topics from non-Euclidean geometry.  This will count as equivalent to an additional exam.

Method of Instruction: The course will be conducted primarily by traditional classroom lectures, with occasional classroom activities. Lecture notes will be posted on WebCT after each class session.

Partial Bibliography:

Bennett, Dan. (2002). Exploring Geometry with The Geometer’s Sketchpad. Emeryville, CA: Key Curriculum Press.

Burger, E. B. (2005). The Heart of Mathematics, 2^nd Ed.. Emeryville, CA: Key Curriculum Press.

Coxeter, H.S.M. (2003). Projective Geometry. NY: Springer-Verlag.

Edwards, Lawrence. (2003). Projective Geometry. Great Britain: Floris Books.

Faulkner, T. Ewan. (2006). Projective Geometry.Mineola, NY: Dover Books.

Frantz, Marc. (2007) Viewpoints: Lessons in Mathematics and Art. Available: http://php.indiana.edu/~mathart/viewpoints/lessons/

Meserve, Bruce E., and Izzo, Joseph A. (1969) Fundamentals of Geometry. Indianapolis, IN: Addison-Wesley.

Reynolds, B. E., and Fenton, W. E. (2006). College Geometry Using The Geometer’s Sketchpad. Emeryville, CA: Key Curriculum Press.

Sanders, Cathi. (1994) Perspective Drawing with The Geometer’s Sketchpad. Emeryville, CA: Key Curriculum Press.