• Textbook

The main text, which you should buy, is David S. Dummit and Richard M. Foote, Abstract Algebra, Third edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2004.

In addition, several other algebra texts have been put on reserve in the Mathematics Library on the first floor of Lunt. They are

Gallian, Joseph A., Contemporary abstract algebra
Lang, Serge, Algebra
Herstein, I. N., Abstract algebra
Fraleigh, John B, A first course in abstract algebra

• Homework

The homework exercises are crucial to understanding the material and passing the course. You should not only do all the assigned exercises, but should also attempt additional unassigned exercises as well. Since I will make changes in the schedule, you should make a point of checking it frequently to be sure you have the most up to date list of assigned problems.

Working together with someone else on the exercises is an excellent way to enhance your learning and your understanding. Nevertheless, all written work you hand in must be strictly your own. In other words, you are encouraged to work together with others in understanding and solving the problems, but when you actually write them up, you must work alone.

When you hand in your homework, list the names of others you have collaborated with just under your own name at the top of the page.

Your homework should be written in clear mathematical style. You should clearly state what is to be proved in its own sentence; progress sequentially, justifying or explaining each step; write in complete sentences; use notation correctly; and state that you have completed a proof. What you hand in should be a legible final version, not a first draft.

The exercises will be collected during the first 5 minutes of the Monday lecture following the date on which the exercise appears on the schedule (unless otherwise indicated). Late homework will not be accepted; this includes homework which is put in the TA's mailbox rather than handed in during lecture. Exceptions may be made for illness or other exceptional circumstances.

• Discussion section

Discussion section will be supervised by the TA. This is your chance to clarify points which are causing you difficulty, but don't expect the TA to tell you how to do the homework.
• Exams

There will be a single hour test which cannot be made up (see Grading) and a two-hour final exam.
• Grading

As of 1/1/08, the grading scheme is not yet final. The grading system is designed to maximize your opportunity of earning an A. It will work in this way, subject to minor variations in point totals. (The definitive point totals will be posted when all the homework has been graded.)

There are a total of 600 possible points in the course, distributed as follows:

• Each homework set is worth 20 points; the maximum number of homework points is 200.
• The hour test is worth a total of 200 points. Some (but not all) of the points you miss on the hour test can be made up on the final.
• The final exam will count for a varying percentage of the course total, depending on your score on the hour test. Specifically, your final will be graded on a basis of 200 points; that raw score will be multipled by the fraction (600-N)/400, where N is your (adjusted) score on the hour test.

Note that homework points cannot be made up. There is a simple reason for this: the only way to master the material and pass the course is to do the homework.

• Checking your grades

On our Blackboard site, you can find a list of the grades we have recorded for you on homework, quizzes, and tests. You should check this list at least once a week. If you find a grade incorrectly recorded, bring that piece of work to lecture and ask Prof. Calegari to fix the mistake.
• Regrading policy

The TA and I are happy to answer questions about items on tests or homework at any time. If your question involves a possible grading mistake that might increase your grade, you must request regrading within one week after the date the work was returned to you; after that time, the books will close on that piece of work. Always seek regrading from the person who originally graded the question.

If a piece of work is regraded by the TA, be sure to bring it to Prof. Calegari so the change can be recorded.

Reading and Homework Assignments

Extracurricular Activities

The MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive contains a wealth of biographical information on mathematicians who are mentioned in our text, as well as interesting articles on the development of various mathematical concepts. It also contains an index of interesting curves.