CLASS INFO

MODERN ALGEBRA I:  MATH 521
Text:  A First Course in Abstract Algebra
by Joseph Rotman 

Section 1: TR 11:00-12:15 NS 317

Professor: Keith A. Kearnes        Email: kearnes@louisville.edu
Office:  Natural Sciences 247      Phone: 852--6826
Hours: T 12:15-1,R 10:15-11,5:15-6 WWW: http://www.louisville.edu/~kakear01

Course Outline:
In this course we will learn about rings and fields, and use the results 
to solve the classic construction problems of Greek mathematics. We will 
cover chapters 1, 3 and part of chapter 4 of the text.

Prerequisites:
The equivalent of Math 325 (Linear Algebra).

Homework and Exams:
During the semester there will be regularly assigned homework, two 
in-class tests and a final exam. Your course grade will be computed 
according to the following formula.

Grade = HW(30%) + T1(20%) + T2(20%) + Final(30%).

Late homework will not be accepted. However, your two lowest 
homework grades will not be counted.

Scoring:
Written work will be judged on the basis of {completeness},
{legibility} and {correctness}. Strings of formulas without 
explanation will not be accepted. Paragraph organization 
(where appropriate), complete sentences and correct punctuation 
are expected.

Dates:
HW/Tests: Due Thursday           Test 2: Oct 29
Labor Day: Sep 7                 Thanksgiving: Nov 25-29
Test 1: Sep 24                   Last Day of Class: Dec 7
Fall Break: Oct 12-13

Getting Help:
Don't wait until it is too late if you need help. Ask questions! 
I am available during the office hours listed above and also at 
many other times. If you can't see me during office hours, then 
make an appointment with me to see me at a different time. I will 
also give short answers to questions sent by email.

WWW: 
Information concerning our class will be posted
on my web page under {\bf information for students}.
Copies of documents I hand out in class will be accessible
from this page. I will post test solutions here.