Course Syllabus
Spring 2007

MAT320 Introduction to Abstract Algebra

Textbook and Other Resources

Textbook. Abstract Algebra: An Introduction, Second Edition, by Thomas Hungerford.

Supplements. There are two supplementary books that will be used throughout the semester. We will use Daniel Solow's How to Read and Do Proofs (3rd edition) for general issues about the structure of proofs, and we will use the Shaum's Outline for Abstract Algebra as a source for additional practive problems, particularly on functions and relations.

Goals and Expectations

Course goals

This course is about abstraction and mathematical writing. The fullest power of mathematics is realized in its ability to be generalized, its tendency toward uniformity. You are all familiar to some extent with the mathematician's disposition toward proving things to be true. This is because "proof" is the primary tool through which abstraction is possible. Therefore the following are our three goals in this course:

1. We will discuss in detail the difference between correct and incorrect mathematical arguments.
2. We will do as much abstraction as time will allow of the familiar subjects of arithmetic and algebra.
3. We will persistently read, write, and talk mathematics to facilitate the best understanding of the concepts.

Solow's book will be used extensively at the beginning of the course and occassionally throughout. It is a good book to keep on your desk for future mathematics courses as well. We will cover topics from the first seven chapters of Hungerford's book, though not exhaustively.

Tips for Success

• Attend class every day and make your best effort to arrive on time.
• Read the section to be covered prior to class.
• Do the suggested homework assignment AFTER the section is covered in class.
• Come see me during office hours (or schedule an appointment) as soon as you need help.
• Be active in class. Participate in class discussions. Keep your group on task.
• Check your e-mail regularly. It is your responsibility to register your correct e-mail address on the Student Information System so that e-mail sent to the class reaches you.
• Use the class web page to keep up with assigned problems and handouts.
• Be responsible for any material missed when you are absent.
• ALWAYS ask questions if you need help or need a review of previous material. You need to communicate your difficulties to me in order to get the appropriate help in class.
  

Schedule

Submissions

Homework assignments will be given regularly.  The assignments and their due dates will be posted on the class web page.  Homework assignments give you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of the material.  As such, they will be graded based on their correctness as well as the effort that you have put into the presentation of the assignment.  You may discuss homework problems with your classmates, however, you need to complete and write up your own individual solutions.

At times, we might use in-class quizzes or worksheets given in class for part of the homework grade. Make-ups for in-class activities WILL NOT be given.

A research paper will be assigned this semester.  Details on the assignment including a grading rubric will be given at a later date.  A rough draft will be due November 23 and the final draft will be due on the last day of classes, December 9.

Grades

Graded material will make a total out of a possible 500 points, consisting of the following:

Letter grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

Policies

Collaboration

Late Work/Attendance/Participation

• Make-up exams will be given in the event of a documented illness or family emergency. In such an event, the student must contact the professor within 24 hours of the day of the exam to make appropriate arrangements. If an exam must be missed for professional or university-recognized event, arrangements must be made with the professor in advance of the day of the exam.
• In-class work cannot be made up.
• Late submission of homework will result in a penalty of 1 point per weekday late, and will not be accepted at all after the assignment has been graded and returned to the class.
• There is no attendance policy, but it is obviously better for you to attend class in order to best understand the material and therefore get the most out of the course and the best possible grade.

Special Accommodations

Any student who has been identified by the Office of Social Equity as requiring special arrangements for test-taking or note-taking will be accommodated. All such persons should make these arrangements personally with the professor within the first few weeks of the course.