MA341 Policy (Fall 2005)

• Instructor: Dr. Avinash Sathaye email: sohum@ms.uky.edu web: www.msc.uky.edu/sohum
• Office: 703 POT (Phone 257-8832)
• Office Hours: MW 9:00 AM to 9:50 AM (Mathskeller: F 9:00-9:50 ) or appointment.
  Also, you may come by any other time and I will help you if I am free.                                                  I mean this seriously!
•  Textbook: College Geometry (A discovery Approach) by David C. Kay.
  
•  Syllabus: I expect to cover chapters 2-5 and further special topics to be decided later. Note that there are many optional sections and I will add supplementary material giving an algebraic version of the geometry. Be sure to study all such material, not just the textbook.
  The syllabus will be adjusted to suit the needs of the students. It is possible that we may shorten this, if needed.
  
•  Structure of the course: I will usually announce material to read ahead and problems to think about.
  You should make every attempt to be prepared. There will also be occasional quizzes, often without warning, based on material already covered. Systematic homework assignments will be available on the web pages and will be generally due on Fridays.
  
• Exams: There will be three exams, two midterms and a final. As described above, there will be periodic quizzes and homework.
  In addition, active participation in class is an important part of the course.
  
  The final exam is on Monday December 12 at 10:30 AM..
  
• Project: An independent discovery project is an integral part of the course. The project may be done as an individual or in a group of two students. You should be looking out for potential topics throughout the semester and should discuss your choice of topic with me no later than the middle of the semester (October 14). The project involves researching a suitable topic on your own, presenting a brief talk in class and a typed report at the end (during last two weeks).
  
• Grades: The two midterm exams and the final shall be worth 100 points each, the homework and quizzes will be worth 30 points each, class attendance and participation will be worth 20 points, and the project shall be worth 20 points. The grade will be based on the total points received out of possible 400 points on the usual scale: E(0-59), D(60-69), C(70-79), B(80-89), A(90-100).
• Note One of the simplest way to success is to know the precise definitions and statements of theorems. Please make an attempt to ask for and retain these all the time. The other and more important suggestion: practice saying the word "WHY"!. Say it to yourself, when you write out a proof, question every statement as if you are an opposing lawyer. Ask the same question of me whenever I make statements in class. If you don't understand it, then it is to be treated as wrong, until you get the necessary explanation!
• Makeups and other things. If you need to miss a class or a due date, let me know as soon as possible. If  you don't have a valid excuse, you may lose points from the 20 points of  class participation grade. More than five unexcused absences will cause all the 20 points to be lost!
  
Quizzes and homework can be made up for excused absences only if it is made up in a week after  returning.