Professor Inga Johnson
Department of Mathematics
Willamette University
Ford 212
ijohnson(at)willamette(dot)edu
503.370.6551
Math 470 - Topology - Syllabus
Class Meetings: MW 2:30-4:00 in Ford 301
Course Goals: To understand introductory concepts, calculations and questions about topological invariants, classification of surfaces, three-dimensional manifolds, fixed points, homotopy theory, and point set topology. To increase proof writing abilities (increased clarity and sophistication). To increase abilities to communicate mathematics orally and in writing.
Textbooks: Topology NOW!   by Robert Messer & Philip Straffin.
Textbook website.
Homework: The homework for this course will be due in class on Tuesday. The weekly homework assignments will be posted on the course schedule. Your homework must be written up using LaTeX. An introduction to LaTeX and information about how to download it can be found here. You may include figures in your homework by hand or by including the images into your LaTeX file.
Late Homework policy: You may turn in ONE homework assignment late (within one week of when it was due) with no penalty. All late homework assignments should be clearly labeled with the phrase "Late Math 470 HW" at the top of the first page. Any late assignment turned in without this phrase might be lost, or confused with garbage and accidentally thrown out. Any additional late homework assignment that is turned in will be accepted and corrected at my discretion.
Study Habits for Success: I recommend the following study habits to increase your likelihood of success in this class.
Math Colloquium: You are encouraged to go to many of the Math Department Colloquia this semester, and as part of the course you are required to go to four. Attendance will be taken in Colloquium. If your schedule conflicts with all the Colloquia scheduled, please see me for an alternate reading and writing assignment.
Midterm Exams, and Final Exam:
There will be two midterm exams and a final exam. These exams will be taken
Final Project: Interested students may submit a written request to complete a final course project in lieu of taking the final exam. This request must be received before Thanksgiving Break and only students with a current course grade of B or higher are eligible to submit a request. The project request should outline the topic to be studied, include a list of possible sources and describe a written and oral component that will be completed before the time of the final examination. I will suggest ideas for project topics throughout the semester. Final Projects will be graded out of 150 points.
Special Note: If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please make arrangements to meet with me within the first two weeks of the semester. Please request that a Disability Services staff person send me the appropriate forms verifying your disability and specifying the accommodation you will need. If your disability allows for extra time on an exam you must remind me of your needs at least one week before the exam and send me an email reminder at least three days before the exam to ensure appropriate accommodations have been made.
Academic Honesty: In accordance with Willamette University CLA catalog: ``Plagiarism and cheating are offenses against the integrity of the courses in which they occur and against the College community as a whole... Ignorance of what constitutes plagiarism shall not be considered a valid defense." For further information about the Willamette University academic honesty policy please refer to the CLA catalog.
On homework: It is appropriate and very helpful to have study groups for homework. Sharing ideas and approaches is a good way to learn. However, all students must find their own phrasing and wording for the written homework. Copied homework will earn a grade of zero for all parties involved.