MAT 304 Modern Plane Geometry
Prerequisites: MAT 301 and high school geometry or 211
A study of Euclidean geometry from the modern axiomatic viewpoint. Some alternatives to Euclidean geometry
will be considered.
Rationale
This course is an examination of the axiom systems that underlie plane geometry. It is intended to serve the needs of a
general mathematics major to improve skills in theorem proving using the content area of geometry as well as prepare
the prospective elementary or secondary mathematics teacher for a future role as an instructor of geometry.
Professor: Dr. Teresa Floyd (floyd@mc.edu)
Office in MCC 316
(601-925-3468)
Office Hours: MWF –TBA
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of the course, the successful student should be able to:
-evaluate the correctness of a purported proof to a geometric theorem
-develop proofs using a system of axioms, definitions and previously proven theorems
-articulate a brief history of geometry and explain the role of prominent mathematicians in its development
-compare and contrast axiomatic systems (including finite geometries, Neutral, Euclidean and non-Euclidean)
-provide models to illustrate an axiom system to include: concrete models & abstract models as appropriate for
finite geometries, Neutral geometry, Euclidean geometry, Elliptical geometry and Hyperbolic Geometry
-state major concepts and prove theorems of Euclidean geometry
-illustrate the differences between Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries (Neutral, Elliptical and Hyperbolic)
-understand the concepts/uses of synthetic, analytic and transformational proofs
-demonstrate knowledge and use of the customary system of measure and the Metric system of measure
Academic Integrity
Honesty and integrity are basic virtues expected of all students at Mississippi College. The Mississippi College
Undergraduate Catalog lists the policies and penalties for plagiarism and cheating. Additional information is included in
Policy 2.19 in the Mississippi College Tomahawk. On homework, tests, quizzes, and individual out-of-class projects, the
work is assumed to be the student's own and no cheating will be tolerated.
Outline of Topics
Axiomatic Systems
Axiom Sets For Geometry
Neutral Geometry
Euclidean Geometry of the Plane
Analytic and Transformational Geometry
Non-Euclidean Geometries
Methods of Instruction
The method of instruction will include lecture, group problem solving, individual problem solving, software explorations
using Geometer’s Sketchpad, hands-on demonstrations/experiments with manipulatives (to include developing models
of finite geometries, meaning of area/volume, alternative methods of measurement, etc.) and examinations.
Required Practices
Students are expected to read the text, take notes on the material presented in class and write their own solutions to
problems as assigned for homework. Students are expected to utilize Geometer’s Sketchpad to solve problems posed or
to assist in problem solving. Students are also expected to contribute to the classroom discussion regarding previously
assigned problems. Each day, the students should be prepared to write a short quiz over the homework assignment or
hand in the homework assignment. Quizzes will be randomly given throughout the course without prior announcement;
homework will also be checked occasionally. Students are expected to be fully prepared for unit examinations. Dates
for unit examinations will be announced in class at least one week prior to the test.
Instructional materials: Materials required: Pencils, text, compass, straightedge, Geometer’s Sketchpad, and a
calculator. (Sketchpad is in the lab or you may purchase the student edition in the bookstore or online).
Text: Wallace, E. C., & West, S.F. (2004) Roads to Geometry. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.
ISBN: 9780130413963
Assessment
Assessment of the student's progress will be made through short quizzes/homework, individual proof assignments, outof-class project, tests, and classroom participation. The final grade will come from the following sources: unit tests
(three probably - worth 100 points each), quizzes/homework (5-10 points each), projects (10-20 points each), and class
participation (0-25 points), and an exam (worth 150 points if comprehensive). One daily grade will be dropped if the
student has 3 or fewer absences. The final grade will be determined by a ten-point scale. Final examination is TBA.
Other Policies
 Makeup work is the responsibility of the student and should be cleared with the instructor in advance whenever
possible. Students are responsible for all material covered and all assignments given when they are absent. If a
student misses a grade due to being absent or tardy and wishes to make-up the work, they must have an
excused absence as determined by Dr. Floyd. The college stipulates that the grade for the course is
automatically an F in the event of 12 or more absences in a MWF class. Three tardies will be counted as an
absence. If a student is more than 5 minutes late they will be counted absent.
 Final day to add TBA
 Final day to drop TBA
 Special Accommodations: In order for a student to receive disability accommodations under
Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, he or she must schedule an individual meeting with the
Director of Student Counseling Services immediately upon recognition of their disability(if their disability is
known they must come in before the semester begins or make an appointment immediately upon receipt of
their syllabi for the new semester). The student must bring with them written documentation from a medical
physician and/or licensed clinician that verifies their disability. If the student has received prior
accommodations, they must bring written documentation of those accommodations (example Individualized
Education Plan from the school system). Documentation must be current (within 3 years).The student must
meet with SCS face-to face and also attend two (2) additional follow up meetings (one mid semester before or
after midterm examinations and the last one at the end of the semester). Please note that the student may also
schedule additional meetings as needed for support through SCS as they work with their professor throughout
the semester. Note: Students must come in each semester to complete their Individualized Accommodation
Plan (example: MC student completes fall semester IAP plan and even if student is a continuing student for the
spring semester they must come in again to complete their spring semester IAP plan).
Student Counseling Services is located in Alumni Hall Room #4. You may also reach them by phone at 601-9257790.
 Early Alert System: Mississippi College has adopted the practice of finding students early in the semester who
may be exhibiting behaviors that could ultimately have a negative impact on their academic progress. These
behaviors are often called “red flag” behaviors and include, but are not limited to, excessive absences, poor test
grades, and lack of class participation or evidence of non-engagement. Identifying these behaviors early gives
the instructor the opportunity to raise the “red flag” on behalf of a particular student so that the student can
take the appropriate action to redirect his/her progress. The system alerts the student, the student’s advisor,
and the Office of Student Success.These messages are intended to help a student recognize an area of concern
and to encourage him/her to make some choices to improve the situation. When a student receives an Early
Alert message, the student should quickly make an appointment to talk with his/her professor about the
situation. Also, students can make full use of the Office of Student Success to set academic goals and connect to
campus resources.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
 Attend all class meetings ON TIME.
 Read the assigned material.
 Attempt to complete all homework assigned before the next class meeting.
 See Dr. Floyd before the next class meeting if you are unable to complete most of the homework that is
assigned.
DR. FLOYD’S RESPONSIBILITIES
 Begin (and end) class on time.
 Be prepared to explain content, vocabulary, symbols, etc.
 Demonstrate mathematical relationships and proofs.
 Evaluate student comprehension of content, vocabulary, symbols, etc.
Grade Record
Daily/Quiz Grades
Test/Project Grades
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Grade
_____ 1ST Test 100 points
_____ 2nd test 100 points
_____ 3rd test 100 points
_____ Final Exam 150 if comprehensive
_____ class participation
_____ 1st project (0-20)
_____ 2nd project (0-20)
_____ 3rd project (0-20)
_____ 4th project (0-20)