Geometry

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YEAR COURSE OFFERED: 2016
SEMESTER COURSE OFFERED: Fall
DEPARTMENT: Mathematical and Computer Sciences
COURSE NUMBER: MTH 3650
NAME OF COURSE: Geometry
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: John Carter
CONTACT EMAIL*: [email protected]
OFFICE: SCI 1052

*My office phone is the absolute worst way to contact me, don’t use it. I will not answer email on weekends, after 5pm, or before 10 am. Feel free to email me outside of those times, I will get to it, just don’t expect an immediate answer.

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The information contained in this class syllabus is subject to change without notice. Students are expected to be aware of any additional course policies presented by the instructor during the course.

Office Hours:

Monday and Wendsday 11am-12am, or by appointment

Learning Objectives:

1. Establish the validity of geometric conjectures using deduction, prove theorems and analyze the validity of proofs made by others.
2. Show an understanding of the foundations and proofs of Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry.
3. Understand the importance of the parallel postulate in yielding the theorems of Euclidean geometry and comparing those theorems to the theorems of hyperbolic and elliptic geometry.
4. Explore relationships, including congruence and similarity, among classes of geometric objects, make and test conjectures about them and solve problems involving them.
5. Clearly communicate arguments in geometry involving proofs and solving problems.
6. Apply transformations and use symmetry to analyze mathematical situations.
7. Use Cartesian coordinates and other coordinate systems to analyze geometric situations.
8. Use technologies such as GeoGebra or Geometer’s Sketchpad appropriately to investigate and solve problems involving Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry and enhance their understanding of those geometries.

Major Assignments/Exams:

• Midterm Exam(s)
• Final Exam
• Presentations
• Attendance
• Daily Homework

Required Reading:

Experiencing Geometry; Euclidean and Non-Euclidean with history

David Henderson and Diana Taimina, Third edition.

Recommended Reading:

A copy of Euclid’s Elements

Withdrawal dates and procedures: 

  • 100% refund: Monday August 26
  • 50% refund: Wednesday September 4
  • Last Day for W: Friday November 4

Important Dates and Policies:

Holiday information:  

Labor Day: September 2 (Campus Closed)  

Fall Break: Nov 25–Dec. 1 (No classes, Campus Open except for Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 28 ) 

  

University Policies: 

Students are responsible for full knowledge of the provisions and regulations pertaining to all aspects of their attendance at MSU Denver, and should familiarize themselves with the following policies: 

  1. GENERAL UNIVERSITY POLICIES
  2. GRADES AND NOTATIONS including WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE, ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL, and INCOMPLETE POLICIES

Students should be aware that any kind of withdrawal can have a negative impact on some types of financial aid, including scholarships. 

  1. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
  2. PROHIBITION ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
  3. ACCOMMODATIONS TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
  4. CLASS ATTENDANCE ON RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
  5. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION (STUDENT EMAIL) POLICY

For a complete description of these policies go to https://mcs.msudenver.edu/policies