This is the syllabus for Geometry Math 495. Here you'll find information on prerequisites, grading policy, homework, study resources a tentative course schedule.
Details
Your daily attendance is required. This is an upper-level proof-based course. Being present to follow (and present!) proofs is mandatory.
Office Hours
Grading
Homework
In most of the homework you will be writing proofs. As in any higher-level mathematics class, your proofs should be written in complete sentences. The goal of the proof should be to explain not to verify. Pictures and diagrams are encouraged. A selection of problems will be graded. If a problem is to be graded, it will be graded as follows.
You are welcome to work with your classmates on problem sets but your final writeup must be your own. Do not look up solutions to the problem in any written form, including the internet. You are encouraged to ask me questions about the problem sets.
Presentations
You will be asked to present examples, problems and theorems at the board. Many will also be assigned as written homeowork, some will be theorems from the text. Grades will be given using the homework rubric above.
Exams
The examinations will be in class during our usual time. The exams will be closed book, closed notes, closed friends and open-brained.
Laptops & Phones
Do not use your laptop, phone or electronic media device in class unless instructed to do so.
Other Resources
- Euclidean Geometry
- Desmos Geometry App
- Euclid's Elements Online by David Joyce
- Oliver Byrne's 1847 Edition of the Elements. Here's a sample.
- Geometry Applets from cut-the-knot.org. A huge collection of interactive constructions, including:
- From the (now-defunct) Geometry Center:
- Models of the Hyperbolic plane, including Minkowski, Poincare, Klein
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
Evaluation of these learning outcomes will be done through a mix of assignments, class exercises, projects, research papers, group work, written & oral quizzes and exams.
Course Description
We will cover the first 7 chapters of the textbook, and various parts of chapters 8-14.
Natural Sciences Requirement
This course satisfies the Foundation of Natural Sciences/Mathematics requirement. Students who complete this course should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of mathematical logic; use mathematics to solve scientific or mathematical problems in college classes; express relationships in the symbolic language of mathematics; and appreciate the role of mathematics in analyzing natural phenomena.
University Policies
Academic Honesty: Cheating is not only unethical and pathetic, but is a violation of the Northern Michigan University Student Code and University Policy and grounds for your dismissal from the University.
Discrimination & Harassment: Northern Michigan University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, height, weight, martial status, handicap/disability, sexual orientation or veteran status. If you have a civil rights inquiry, contact the Affirmative Action Office at 906-227-2420.
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: If you have a need for disability-related accommodations or services, please inform the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Dean of Students Office at 2001 C. B. Hedgcock Building (227-1737 or disserv@nmu.edu). Reasonable and effective accommodations and services will be provided to students if requests are made in a timely manner, with appropriate documentation, in accordance with federal, state, and University guidelines.
The Registrar: Withdrawing from any course or any matters relating to registration are the responsibility of the student. For more information regarding this topic, check out the Registrars Website.