SYLLABUS 

Textbook:  Advanced Euclidean Geometry, by Alfred S. Posamentier, Key College Publishing

                  Geometry in Action, by Clark Kimberling, Key College Publishing

The Geometer’s Sketchpad Version 4, Student Edition, Key Curriculum Press

Description:  This course will explore Euclidean, projective, and non-Euclidean geometries from a modern viewpoint.  The      Geometer’s Sketchpad, other software packages, and hands-on materials will be used throughout the course.

Prerequisites: MATH 211, Mathematical Structures, and one of MATH 307, Multivariate Calculus, or Math 310, Linear Algebra

Class Meetings:         Group work, computer activities, hands-on activities, lecture, examples, and questions will fill most days.

Attendance:   Perfect attendance is highly recommended.  Excessive absences may result in failure or dismissal from class.  Poor attendance will affect a student’s class participation grade.  In class assignments and homework will be graded on a daily basis.  In class assignments and homework missed for excused or unexcused absences cannot be made up.  Check the class web page for missed homework assignments.

Tests:  Two tests will be given.  Do not miss a test day!  Excuses are not normally granted unless requested in advance -- exceptions are rarely granted but might be made for a university-approved excuse if cleared with the instructor. 

Test Dates:    Test 1  - Thursday, October 23, 2003          Test 2  - Tuesday, December 9, 2003 

Technology:   Each student must purchase the student version of The Geometer’s Sketchpad that is bundled with the textbook.  Sketchpad assignments will be turned in via e-mail attachments on a regular basis.  Therefore each student must have an e-mail account that he checks on a regular basis.  Students are responsible for information sent by the instructor through e-mail.  Throughout the semester, students may also need access to a compass, straightedge, protractor and other devices for geometric exploration.  Students must bring their calculator, Sketchpad disk, and other geometry devices currently in use to every class.  In class assignments will depend on their use and the instructor will not bring extras to class.

Grading:   The final grade will be computed as follows:

                 Tests                                   :    55.0%                 Computer Projects     :     17.5%

                 Homework/Classwork     :    17.5%                 Class Participation     :     10.0%

On all assessment measures, students must show all steps to solving a problem in order to receive credit.  Final solutions without supporting work will receive minimal or no credit.

Group activities and discussion are a significant part of each class period so you will also be graded on participation.  Good participation involves:

o        Being on time for class

o        Asking clarifying questions that articulate any confusion you might be experiencing

o        Pursuing lines of inquiry that enhance the learning process by challenging assumptions and ideas constructively

o        Engaging in the learning process of others even after you think you understand

o        In short, contributing to the learning process of this class

Good participation is not about:

o        Being right

o        Defending your position at all cost

o        Making yourself look “smart” or causing someone else to feel “stupid”

o        Sitting back passively after you understand something

o        In short, damaging the learning climate of the class

Failure to attend class will adversely affect your participation grade.  Also note that you are responsible for any material covered in class that may not be included in your textbook.  In the event that you must miss a class, it is your responsibility to catch up on what you have missed.

Grade Scale:   Final Grades will be assigned according to a ten point scale:

                        90%+    A                        70%+     C

                        80%+    B                        60%+     D        These percentages are "guaranteed minimums".

Honor Code:   VCU recognizes that honesty, truth, and integrity are values central to its students and its mission as an institution of higher learning. All students enrolled in this course are responsible for acting in accordance with the provisions of the VCU Honor System.  Students are encouraged to work together on homework assignments, projects, and classroom preparation.  All our quizzes, tests, and exams will be “Pledged” work, for which students must neither give nor receive help.  Please note: Bringing unauthorized material into a testing room or taking unauthorized material out of a testing room, including material stored in calculator memory, is a violation of the VCU Honor System.  All violations will be prosecuted to the full extent and may result in automatic failure in this course.  Students should familiarize themselves with the details of the Honor System as outlined in the VCU Resource Guide.

Disabilities:   “Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 require Virginia Commonwealth University to provide an ‘academic adjustment’ and/or ‘reasonable accommodation’ to any individual who advises us of a physical or mental disability.  If you have a physical or mental limitation that requires an academic adjustment or an accommodation, your professor must be notified immediately.  Please arrange a meeting a meeting with your professor at your earliest convenience.  Additionally, if your coursework requires you to work in a lab environment, you should advise the instructor or department chairperson of any concerns you may have regarding safety issues related to your limitation(s).”

Be reminded that possession of all firearms, weapons, and explosives of any kind is absolutely prohibited without written authorization of the President of the University.

If you foresee any problems with adhering to the guidelines set in this syllabus, please discuss them with me as soon as possible.  The sooner we discuss problems, the more likely it is that we can solve them.

This syllabus is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the instructor.

ASSIGNMENT LIST