---Fall 2009---

Math 621, Elementary Geometry CRN#:12316
4:00-5:15 MW Room 372 JB

Some basic information follows.

Since the book I prefer is now out of print, we will be using notes that I have prepared for this course. I will have a PDF file in the "Course Documents" folder on Blackboard that you can download. These notes are in book format, so that you may take them to the the campus Print Services in Morrison Hall and they can be duplex printed (or wherever you wish--the notes are designed to be duplexed). You can then put them in a three hole binder and have a book in which you can insert your own notes. This will also save you about $100!

A daily schedule is not provided since no course depends on this course as a prerequisite, we may, on occasion, go off on tangents to examine topics of interest to the class. However, the majority of the course will be from the notes you download from Blackboard.

The course will begin with a brief look at the work of Euclid and then David Hilbert's revision of the axioms of Euclid. We will then spend some time on constructions and other topics from earlier geometry. In the next chapter we will look at some more modern techniques and theorems. Transformations of the plane then follows with some applications. The course will end with a brief investigation of non-Euclidean ggeometry.

There will be no individual make up exams or quizzes given. Exams will be either in-class exams or take-home exams. The Final Exam, which will be a comprehensive examination, will serve as a make up for any and all missed exams and/or quizzes.

If you are planning to leave Wichita at the end of the Fall Semester, make your travel plans early. "I have plane reservations." is not an acceptable reason for missing the final examination.

To be successful in a mathematics course one must work problems and attend class. We consider mathematics to be a participation course, not a spectator course. You cannot learn by just watching someone else do mathematics. You should do all problems assigned whether they carry point value or not. If you have difficulties with any concept or problem ask questions in class or come to my office for help. Don't allow difficulties and problems accumulate until they are too numerous to deal with. Don't be bashful!

Most homework problem sets will be assigned at least a week before the due date--normally a Wednesday. Do not wait until the day before the due date to start the problem sets. The reason you will be given a week to work on the problems is that some may take a while to solve.

Attendance is not graded; however, students who attend their mathematics classes do better than those who don't!

Don't hesitate to ask questions in class. This is part of the learning process.

All work assigned to you for grading will be given a point value. Your grade will be determined by the percentage of the possible points you received.

The following scale gives an idea of the worst grade you would receive.

				100 - 94      A
				 93 - 90      A-
				 89 - 86      B+
				 85 - 82      B
				 82 - 80      B-
				 79 - 74      C+
				 73 - 68      C
				 67 - 65      C-
				 64 - 60      D+
				 59 - 55      D
				 54 - 50      D-
				 49 ->        F

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Please be aware of the Statement  of Academic Honesty

A standard of honesty, fairly applied to all students, is essential to a learning  environment. Students abridging a standard of honesty must accept the consequences; penalties are assessed by the appropriate classroom instructors or other designated people. Serious cases may result in discipline at the college or University level and may result in suspension or dismissal. Dismissal from a college for academic dishonesty constitutes dismissal from the University.                       

(WSU Student Code of Conduct)
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