Syllabus

MATH 321                                                                   ALGEBRA I                                                                     Fall 2003

Instructor:      Richard Stark, SB 172, ext. 4371, e-mail: rkstark@smcm.edu, office hours t.b.a.

Time and Place:  TR 10:00 - 11:50,  SB 132

Text:               I. N. Herstein ¾ Abstract Algebra

Content:        This is the first of a two-semester sequence in modern algebra.  We will learn about group

                        theory this semester, and about rings and fields in the spring term.  A group is a set in which an                         associative operation is defined.  There is an identity and each element has an inverse. Groups                         and functions between groups that preserve the operation ("homomorphisms") have many

                        interesting properties and the purpose of the course is to deduce and discuss some of these                        

                        properties.  We will also get to know and investigate a variety of different examples of groups.

                        I expect that you know most of the contents of chapter 1 of the text book and will start the

                        course with chapter 2, filling in materials from chapter 1 as needed.  In the first semester I     

                        hope to cover most of chapters 2 and 3.

Classes:       There will be lectures, discussions, occasional student presentations, and working of problems. 

                        To keep up in the course, it is important that you prepare for each class by reviewing the material covered earlier, by trying to         read ahead in the text book, and by working problems.  For the presentations, everybody will have to prepare the assigned topic, and the presenters will be selected in class.  Bring all your questions and problems and don't hesitate to speak up in class.  Active participation in class is important and will help you in your learning. 

                        If you need additional help, come and see me.  

Homework:   Homework will be assigned but not collected.  Feel free to turn in homework problems if you

                        are not sure about your answers or need some feedback.   Homework problems will be

                        discussed in class at your request.

Teaching Assistant:   Jan Hilmar, an upper-division mathematics major will be teaching assistant for this class.  He will attend classes, grade quizzes, give occasional class presentations, and conduct help sessions.  Do not hesitate to contact him or me if you need help.

Evaluation:    There will be weekly quizzes, three tests, and a final..   The tests may be taken in either written  or oral form, although at least one must be taken orally and one written.  If you opt for an oral exam, you will have a second chance in case you are not satisfied with your performance.  Quizzes will count for 20% of your grade, each test will count for 20%, as will the final.

Schedule:     Test 1 -- Thursday, October 2                                            (Orals by appointment) 

                        Test 2 – Thursday, November 6                                       (Orals by appointment)

                        Test 3 -- Thursday, December 4                                       (Orals by appointment)

                        Final exam  ¾  Tuesday, December 16, 9:00 - 11:15 a.m.