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Geometry (Course Synopsis and Problems), by John Duncan, University of Arkansas

We will go as far as we can! I will also distribute supplementary materials. You may consult any other sources you find helpful, unless otherwise directed. Always cite your references in your assignments. You will also need a compass and straight-edge, and colored pens or pencils are highly recommended!

COURSE GOALS

* Learn (some) standard Euclidean geometry * Solve problems using a wide range of methods * * Refine mathematical communication skills *

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Attendance is not recorded, but it is expected. You must complete all assignments on time and are responsible for all that transpires in class whether or not you are there. Collaborative learning is encouraged and will occasionally be required; but remember that only YOU will be taking the exams... Take advantage of my office hours - also send e-mail, drop in, or make an appointment.

*COME PREPARED * ASK QUESTIONS * PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE*

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND EVALUATION

There are 600 total points available for this course; general guidelines for letter grades

(subject to change; but they won't get any more strict) are:

90-100% - A ; 80-89% - B; 70-79% - C; 60-69% - D; below 60% - F.

· HOMEWORK 100 pts

Mastery of the course material is not possible without regular practice! Homework (which may include written responses as well as problem sets, and which presupposes reading the text) will be assigned DAILY and collected approximately weekly. These assignments will be graded primarily on content, but presentation (format, neatness, completeness) does count!

For each problem set from the text, there will be two due dates.

First, you will be allowed one “free” draft, which I will edit (but not grade)

and return to you. Your revised set of solutions will be graded, and the

score recorded.

Late work is STRONGLY discouraged; a deduction of 10% of the point value will be deducted for each day the assignment is late (note this is each DAY and not each class day). The average of the scores on your best N – 2 (in other words, I will drop the two lowest) will constitute your homework grade..

Why? * Practice skills * Refine understanding * Get feedback * Improve test scores *

· PARTICIPATION 100 pts

There will also be quizzes, group activities, research assignments, and short presentations, and peer reviews. You will submit some assignments in duplicate; I will grade one copy and one of your peers will review the other copy, which I hope will provide helpful information about your progress within the course and your presentation skills. In general, each opportunity will be worth twenty points, and the average of your scores will constitute your participation score.

Why? * Civic duty * Improve communication skills * Get feedback * Improve test scores *

· EXAMINATIONS 400 pts

o There will be two 100-point take-home exams, approximately in the

fifth and tenth weeks of the semester. You must work ALONE on

these tests; the only person you may discuss them with is me!

o There is a 200-point, semi-comprehensive final examination:

Monday, December 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The first part is a standard closed-book test covering the scope of the course material. When you have completed that portion, you may use a page of notes you have prepared to do the second half of the exam (material covered after the second test).

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Classroom Courtesy

Class will begin and end on time, as determined by my watch (as no two buildings on campus seem to have synchronous clocks!), set by http://www.worldtimeserver.com.
Assignments are due before class starts, and should be placed on my desk or table. Assignments should be stapled, or not stapled (write your name on each page). Do NOT fold over corners (or fold the paper in any way, for that matter). Paper clips are acceptable, but not preferred. Please remove “spiral” edges.
Sleeping in class will not be tolerated. Reading newspapers, books, and so on are similarly forbidden. Personal conversations should take place outside of class time.
I do want you to ask questions in class – it’s important for me to know what needs to be clarified, and it makes the class more interesting for all of us.
Please come prepared to office hours. Try to formulate specific questions to ask, or show me where you got stuck in solving a problem. It will make our time together more effective!
Note that my home phone number is not on the syllabus. Please do not call me at home.

The Why and How of My Grading

It is unpleasant, often impossible, to grade an illegible assignment. Please write clearly, in a reasonably-sized “font”, and if you use a pencil, use a sharp one! You may not use red ink.
Your work will be graded on its content. Effort is not explicitly rewarded, because effort is expected. (However, there are small rewards for outstanding effort!)
When I grade your solutions, I look for reasoning (are you using appropriate methods to solve the problem?), completeness, and correctness. I also grade carefully regarding the use of vocabulary and notation, since these are an integral part of learning any mathematical topic. As the semester progresses, I will become more strict in these matters.
I spend many hours carefully grading your assignments, in order to give you the best possible feedback on your progress toward mastery. Please read my comments!

Academic Honesty: You may work with other students on most assignments, but you are expected to write your own solutions (supporting and explaining all answers) and essays. Sources consulted must be appropriately used and acknowledged. There will be NO tolerance for cheating or plagiarism. University policies will be enforced in such cases.

Special Accommodations: Students who are registered with the Center for Students with Disabilities must notify the instructor by the end of the first week of class, or within one week of registering with CSD.

I also require ADVANCE notice (at least one week) of University-related absences which affect exams or other assignments. If you are (for example) a student-athlete, please keep me regularly and promptly informed of your scheduled absences.

Inclement Weather Policy: Class will meet unless the University is closed. On-campus students are expected to be present. Off-campus students should make decisions in the best interests of personal safety. Off-campus students will not be penalized for being absent on the days the Fayetteville Public Schools are closed due to weather. If attendance is severely affected by weather, deadlines or exam dates may be adjusted. Do NOT call the Math department!