Math 432/532 - College Geometry - Spring 2009
Class meets Tu/Th 9:45 - 11:15pm in Tower 1102
Dr. Howard Skogman
202 Albert W. Brown Building phone: 395-2046
email: hskogman@brockport.edu
office hours: Mon. 9:30-11:30, Tu,Th: 1-2
or by appointment

Textbook: Modern Geometries, James Smart fifth ed.

 Click here for the homework assignments.

Course Description: We will give a basic introduction to Geometry. We will begin with simple finite geometries, then build up some useful concepts in transformations and convexity, then discuss Euclidean Geometry, and we will complete the course looking at projective and non-Euclidean geometries.

Prerequisites: The prerequisite for this course is Math 324 (Linear Algebra) or equivalent. It will be assumed that you are familiar with all of the material from this course though we will only need the basics. If for some reason you have not taken the prerequisite you can take this course at your own risk.

Attendance Policy: I follow the official College attendance policy. In particular if your unexcused absences exceed 15% of the classes (that is 4 classes), you are subject to a failing grade, regardless of your scores on exams, homework, and quizzes. Each unexcused absence above two will result in your grade being lowered one step. To avoid an unexcused absence you must contact me in person, by phone, or by email prior to the missed class. In addition, you are responsible for obtaining the notes, and any announcements made during the missed class.

Grading: Your grade will be composed of 20% homework, 25% for each of two 90 minute exams, and 30% for the final exam.
    Homework: Each week there will be a homework to be turned in. You may work on the homework together however everyone must turn in their own homeworks. Homeworks must be relatively neat and should include all of your work. It is recommended that you form small study groups to review notes, discuss problems, and study for exams.
    Exams: There will be two 90 minute exams as well as a final exam. The exams will be on Thur. Feb. 21, and Thur. 4/3 . The final exam will be Thursday May 15, 8-10am and will be cumulative but will focus on the later material. There will be no make-up exams. In the event class is canceled on one of the exam days, the exam will be given during the next class.
    Reading assignments: Reading assignments will be given each class to prepare for the next lecture. It is expected that you will read the sections and know the definitions, theorems, and at least a rough idea of the material. I do not assume you will completely understand the material before class, however it is important that you get an idea of what will be presented.

Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty is a major violation of College policy and it is not tolerated. It can result in a range of disciplinary actions including failure of the course, suspension, and dismissal from the College. A written report of the the incident is filed in the student's permanent file.

Students with Special Needs: Students with documented disabilities may be entitled to specific accommodations. SUNY Brockport's Office  for Student with Disabilities makes this determination.   Please contact the  Office for Students with  Disabilities at (585)395-5409 or  osdoffic@brockport.edu to inquire about obtaining an official letter to the course instructor detailing any approved accommodations.  The student is responsible for providing the course instructor with an official letter.  Faculty work as a team with the Office for Students with Disabilities to meet the needs of students  with disabilities.

Drops and withdrawals: Note that the deadline for adding a class is Mon 2/4, late adds is 2/15, and the drop period ends on Mon. 2/25. The withdrawal period ends Friday 4/11 without permission and 4/25 with permission (though it is very difficult to get permission)..

Course Web site: There will be a course web site which will contain homework assignments (found at www.acs.brockport.edu/~hskogman) and any other announcements or handouts (as well as this syllabus).