Dr. Sam Huckaba
Office: 213 Love
Office Hours: 1:00-2:30 MW and by appointment
Phone: 644-1479
email: huckaba@math.fsu.edu
web: www.math.fsu.edu/~huckaba

Prerequisite
Calculus 2 (MAC 2312) and Linear Algebra (MAS 3105), with at least a C-.

Text
Abstract Algebra, Ronald Solomon

Objectives
This course covers the roots of what is today known as "abstract algebra". The topics of the course began to take shape in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Pieces of the ideas and techniques that went into this "modern" approach had been around and growing since the time of Euclid around 300 B.C. A book published in 1931 by B.L. Van der Waerden carried the name "modern algebra" and it contained much of the material that makes up a typical abstract algebra course today. Over the years, the phrase "abstract algebra" has overtaken the less accurate "modern algebra" --- the subject is now more retro than neo.

Modern Algebra at FSU is distinct from the course Intro to Abstract Algebra, which is taken by all mathematics majors. The goals are similar, but Modern Algebra targets the math education major instead of the math major. Objectives include providing an introduction to mathematics that historically precluded most of the topics covered in high school and college algebra. Students will be exposed to some theory and will learn some of the language used to place abstract algebra on a firm foundation.

Grading
Grades will be based on a midterm exam and a final exam, each worth 100 points, plus a sequence of quizzes that will be scaled at the end to equal 100 points. The exams and quizzes will be open-book and will be heavily dominated by homework exercises. The quizzes will be announced at least one day in advance.

Midterm Exam: TBA
Final Exam: Thursday, April 29, 10:00-12:00 noon

Homework
Homework will involve reading the text carefully and doing the assigned exercises. The exercises play an important role in the course. Many of the results that we will cover rely on exercises. As mentioned above, both the quizzes and exams will consist substantially of assigned homework.

Attendance and the Academic Honor System
Class attendance is expected and students will be responsible for any course related information arising during regular class times. Students are also expected to adhere to FSU's Academic Honor System, a copy of which may be found in the Student Handbook.

American Disabilities Act Statement
Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations should: 1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC); 2) bring a letter to the instructor from SDRC indicating you need academic accommodations. This should be done within the first week of class.