Mathematics 331 or consent of the instructor. Joseph A. Gallian, Contemporary Abstract Algebra, 4th edition, published by Houghton Mifflin Company. This doesn't mean that you must understand the material perfectly before I present it, but that you should be aware of any questions you might have regarding it and see that they are resolved by the lecture. I encourage you to discuss the textbook and lectures with me in office hours if you need additional help. It is essential for you to take notes and keep a record of what is covered in class.
Homework is an essential part of the course.
Thinking abstractly and proving theorems is a learned skill, not easy to come by at first, and must be practiced. Homework will be graded for correctness, thoroughness, appearance, and elegance. Each statement is factually correct and follows logically from preceding statements. A complete explanation of the methods used to solve each problem is given. Solutions are neatly handwritten or typeset.