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\title{Math 412: Topics in Algebra}
\author[Math 412: Topics in Algebra]{Fall 2018}
\date{29.VIII.18}

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Place:  &Eliot 207\\
Time: &MWF, 1:40-2:30\textsc{p.m.}\\
Instructor: &Kyle Ormsby (\href{mailto:ormsbyk@reed.edu}{\nolinkurl{ormsbyk@reed.edu}})\\
Office Hours: &Library 306, MWF 2:45-4:15\textsc{p.m.}\\
Textbook: &\href{https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781118218457}{\emph{Galois Theory}} (2nd ed.) by David Cox\\
Website: &\href{http://people.reed.edu/~ormsbyk/412/}{\nolinkurl{people.reed.edu/~ormsbyk/412/}}
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\subsection*{Summary}
This iteration of Math 412 will investigate Galois theory, which describes a surprising and elegant connection between roots of polynomials and groups.  The course will focus on a modern presentation of structural theorems and illuminating computations, but we will also make an effort to understand the subject's historical context and motivations.  Students will hone their writing and communication skills by presenting a paper on an advanced topic at the end of the course.

\subsection*{Texts}
The course will use \emph{Galois Theory} (2nd ed.) by David Cox as its primary text.  You can download a free copy of the book while on Reed's network via the link on the course webpage, or you can purchase a paper copy from the campus bookstore.  You can find suggested reading for each class meeting on the course website, where I will also post my lecture notes.

\subsection*{Homework}
Homework is due most Fridays in the bin outside my office, Library 306, by 4:00\textsc{p.m.}  Excellent solutions take many forms, but they all have the following characteristics:

\begin{itemize}
\item they are written as explanations for other students in the course; in particular, they fully explain all of their reasoning and do not assume that the reader will fill in details;
\item when graphical reasoning is called for, they include large, carefully drawn and labelled diagrams;
\item they are neatly written or typeset;\footnote{Interested students are 
encouraged to prepare solutions in the \LaTeX~document preparation 
system.  A guide to \LaTeX~resources is available on the course 
website.  Nearly all of the \texttt{.pdf} files on the course website are produced by \LaTeX; you can find their associated source files by changing the \texttt{.pdf} suffix to \texttt{.tex}.} and
\item they use complete sentences, even when formulas or symbols are involved.
\end{itemize}

Each homework problem can earn up to five points for mathematical content; each problem will also have the quality of writing assessed with a $\checkmark +$, $\checkmark$, or $\checkmark -$.  Late assignments \emph{will not be accepted} in any form, but your two lowest homework assignment scores will be dropped.

\subsection*{Collaboration}
You are permitted and encouraged to work with your peers on homework problems.  You must cite those with whom you worked, and you must write up solutions independently.  \textbf{Duplicated solutions will not be accepted and constitute a violation of the Honor Principle.}

\subsection*{Revisions}
You may revise any homework problem after receiving comments, and you will sometimes be encouraged to revise problems.  This will allow you the opportunity to perfect the skills required to solve the problems.  You may revise multiple times, and will receive the average of all of your scores.  Revisions must be turned in at most one week after you receive comments on the previous version of a solution.

\subsection*{Tests}
We will have two timed take-home exams. You may reference one two-sided US Letter or A4-size page of notes during each exam.  Calculators, computers, phones, collaboration, books, and the Internet are prohibited during exams.

\begin{itemize}
\item Exam 1: two hours, distributed Wednesday, 10 October, due Friday, 12 October
\item Exam 2: two hours, distributed Monday, 19 November, due Wednesday, 21 October
\end{itemize}

\subsection*{Presentations and final paper}
Each student will give a 20-minute presentation on an advanced topic in the final two weeks of the course.  You will also submit a final paper on the same topic.  More details will follow, but expect that topics will be assigned early, that you will give a practice presentation, and that comments will be given on draft papers (prepared in \LaTeX) before the final version is submitted.

\subsection*{Joint expectations}
As members of a communal learning environment, we should all expect consideration, fairness, patience, and curiosity from each other.  Our aim is to all learn more through cooperation and genuine listening and sharing, not to compete or show off.  I expect diligence and academic and intellectual honesty from each of you.  You should expect that I will do my best to focus the course on interesting, pertinent topics, and that I will provide feedback and guidance which will help you excel as a student.

\subsection*{Help}
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend my office hours, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 2:45-3:45\textsc{p.m.}~in Library 306.  If you are unable to make these times, I am happy to schedule alternate times at which to meet with you.

\subsection*{Slack}
Our section of 412 has a Slack channel on which you can ask and answer questions.  Sign up at \href{https://join.slack.com/t/math412fall18/shared_invite/enQtNDEzNDQwNzk0MzU0LTI4NzYzMTM4YWExZmUyMWFkMGM1ZDAxYjkxNDYwOTFmMTA2ZjNjNTQwY2I5ZjQ4N2NjMjBhYWU0M2RhZjQxMDI}{this link}.  Please do not discuss homework solutions on Slack, although it is fine to ask for problem clarification or a specific conceptual or technical question whose answer is related to a problem.  The Slack channel is an extension of our classroom and Reed, and the Honor Principle and our joint expectations govern our conversations there.

\subsection*{Technology}
The use of electronic devices (cell phones, computers, tablets, 
calculators, \emph{\&c}) is strictly prohibited in the classroom without prior 
authorization from the instructor.  That said, legitimate uses 
of technology (\emph{e.g.}, note-taking) will be accommodated --- 
just talk to me first.

\subsection*{The Internet}
You are welcome to use Internet resources to supplement content we cover in this course, with the exception of solutions to homework problems.  \textbf{Copying solutions from the Internet is an Honor Principle violation and will result in an academic misconduct report.}

\subsection*{Academic accommodations}
If you have a documented disability requiring academic accommodation, please let me know during the first week of class and provide a copy of your letter from  Disability Support Services (DSS).  If you believe you have an undocumented disability and that accommodations would ensure equal access to your Reed education, I would be happy to help you contact DSS

\subsection*{Grades}
Your grade will reflect a composite assessment of the work you produce for the class, weighted in the following fashion:  30\% homework, 20\% exam 1, 20\% exam 2, 15\% final paper, 10\% presentation, 5\% class participation.

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Remember: \emph{Math is hard, but we're going to get through this together!}
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