Overview
This is a (modified) Moore Method course in Topology, covering
geometric topology and the fundamental group.
The key feature of this course is discovery learning. There is no
text; indeed, it is the goal of the course for each student to write
their own text in topology. The course as given here was
developed by Francis Su.
Instructors
Dagan Karp
1267 Olin
Office hours: Wed 3:00-4:00 p.m., and by appointment
Course Format
Students will receive handouts containing theorems, definitions and
examples. Their goal is to prove all the theorems outside of class
with the collaboration of classmates and instructor advice.
In class, students will take turns presenting proofs, while the
other students determine if the proof is correct.
Text
As above, there is no textbook for this course. In fact, you are
forbidden from consulting any Topology text during the course of the
semester. The goal is to create and discover all proofs yourself or
in collaboration with other students in the class (and hints from
me).
Grading
Homework 25%
Class participation and presentations 25%
Final Exam 25%
Notebook and its theorems 15%
Required Materials
A loose leaf binder is required; this is to contain all written
theorems and proofs. Also, you need a pack of white index
cards, to be brought to class every day. These will be used to
provide feedback on other students' presentations.
Homework
Between classes, you are expected to write up any theorems that you
prove. These should be placed in your binder. I will inspect these
from time to time, and they will be used in evaluating grades.
The goal is for this binder to become your own text in Topology
written throughout the semester.
Exams
There will be one final exam (and no midterm).
Sakai
We will use our
Sakai site
fairly heavily in conjunction with this class. In particular, you will
find there in Course Resources, course notes, a pdf file of theorems
(with spaces for scratchwork), and also the tex source of theorems
only, for you to use as you tex your proofs. These are
written by Francis Su, and are only intended for HMC distribution.
LaTeX
You are required to
LaTeX your
work, aside from diagrams, which may be hand drawn.
Disabilities
Students who need disability-related accommodations
are encouraged to discuss this with the instructor as soon as possible.