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Geometry is one of the richest areas for mathematical exploration. The visual aspects of the subject make exploration and experimentation natural and intuitive. At the same time, the abstractions developed to explain geometric patterns and connections make the subject extremely powerful and applicable to a wide variety of physical situations. In this book [and course] we give equal weight to intuitive and imaginative exploration of geometry, and to abstract reasoning and proof.To pursue these twin goals we use computer based geometrical construction packages, and mathematical wordprocessers to achieve a balanced mixture of contemporary and classical learning techniques adapted to the online (distance or blended) education model of higher college geometry. Online lessons with embedded questions, and videos on selected materials are the basis of the course. Class sessions are used for inteactive discussion of the learned lessons and commentary. These include labs on constructions of figures, writing of mathematical proofs, and feedback on homework problems. Homework, in PDF format, is submitted online and on paper, the former for security, the latter for markups. A handwritten bound journal may be used by the student as reference during the proctored, timed midterm and final examinations. Under certain circumstances, a student may be asked to submit the journal for evaluation in lieu of serious deficiencies in other submitted work.From the Introduction of Hvidsten't text
Students have email and Moodle access to the instructional staff. All questions regarding geometry and course mechanics should be posted to the Moodle. Personal questions should be conducted by email. Be sure you begin the email subject line with "MA402SP15" to pass filtration.
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The 3 hour written final is at 1:30pm, Friday, 15may15. Please do not plan on being absent for the final as there is no conflict final in this standalone one section course. All other quizzes, homework and assignments are scheduled on the syllabus. Your semester grade is based on the achieved level of competence, not on an accumulation of points for completed tasks. The credit distribution is 30% for the final, 10% for each of 3 hourlies, and 40% class participation. The last comprises all other assigned and optional work.