Math 340. Geometry

Fall 2024

Instructor: Enrique Treviño
Lectures: MWF 9:00 - 9:50 pm in BR 315
Office Hours: MTWF 11:00-11:30am and R 9am-11:30am, and by appointment.
Office: Brown Hall 123
Email:
Phone Ext.: #6187

Announcements

Proofs of Desargues and Pappus in the book "A survey of classical and modern geometries" by Baragar.

Self-Explaining Booklet, is a short file with tips that can help you read proofs better.

The homework assignments can be found below:
Homework Assignments

Course Description

Selected topics from affine, Euclidean, non-Euclidean, projective, and differential geometry. Prerequisite: Mathematics 230 or permission of the instructor. (Under the old GEC, this course meets the Natural Science & Mathematics requirement.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Learn basic Euclidean geometry.
Learn to use Cartesian coordinates to prove geometric statements.
Learn to use vectors to prove geometric statements.
Learn how to come up with a proof on their own.
Learn basic projective geometry.
Get exposed to non-Euclidean geometry.

Textbook

The Four Pillars of Geometry by John Stillwell.

Topics we will cover

Straightedge and compass constuction.
Euclidean geometry, in particular the geometry of triangles and circles.
Analytic geometry (using coordinates).
Vectors and using linear algebra in geometry.
Perspective
Transformations
Non-Euclidean Geometry
Projective plane (if time permits)

I will warn that there's a good chance of not covering all of these subjects as I think Euclidean geometry is the main topic to cover in this class and will spend extra time on it if I deem it necessary.

Grading

The course grade will be based on:
Homework 48%,
Class Participation 8%
Midterms 24% (12% each),
Final Exam 20%.

Homework

The course will have the following structure. There will be homework assignments on a roughly weekly basis. I will assign them usually on a Friday. On the Tuesday following the assignment, you can meet with me to ask for hints on problems you are stuck. I will be in my office from 9am to 10am on Tuesdays just for this class. I will only provide hints if I see evidence that you have worked at least 4 hours on the assignment. To figure this out, I will ask questions such as "What have you tried?" and perhaps ask you to show me your work so far. After this hint-day, you have three more days to complete the assignment and turn it in on Friday. You are allowed to work with others on the homework, but your homework should be your own. Furthermore, you will not be allowed to use the internet (other than things I post on this website) or other books as aids.
There will be 8 homework assignments. Each homework assignment will be worth 6% of your grade. Homework will not be accepted late.

Exams

There will be two midterms and one final exam. The three exams will be take-home exams and will have the same structure as the homework. You will get the assignment, have 3 days (or four) to work on it. Ask for hints on Tuesday and then turn it in on Friday. One big difference with homework assignments is that in exams you will be able to resubmit after feedback. Another difference with homework assignments is that on exams you will have to work entirely on your own (except for asking me questions) with the same restriction of NO INTERNET and no use of other books.

The (tentative) dates for the exams are

The first midterm will be given on Friday September 13 and be due on Friday September 20. Feedback by September 24. Resubmit by September 27.
The second midterm will be given on Friday October 25, due on November 1. Feedback on Nov. 5. Resubmit by November 8.
The final exam will be given on Friday November 22, due on Monday December 2. Feedback on December 4. Turn in the final product by Wednesday December 11 by 11:30 am.

Class Participation

I expect you to come to every class, pay attention, and to ask questions when you have questions. Some classes will have in-class activities, when these occur, you should be working on the task at hand.

Description of instructional time and expectations:

This course meets 3 times per week for 3.0 hours per week. The course carries 1.0 course credit (equivalent to four semester credit hours). Students are expected to devote a minimum of 12 hours of total work per week (in-class time plus out-of-class work) to this course.

Academic Honesty

Please read the College's information on Academic Honesty. If a student cheats in an exam, quiz or homework assignment, I will proceed with charging the student with the Academic Honesty Judicial Board. The usual (first) penalty is a 0 in the assignment on which the cheating occured plus some ethics lectures the student would take. The second penalty is usually suspension.

Academic Resources, Protocols, and Policies

Click here: Academic Resources, Protocols, and Policies

Last modified on November 22, 2024.