This traditional treatment of abstract algebra is designed for the particular needs of the mathematics teacher. Readers must have access to a Computer... Algebra System (C. A. S.) such as Maple, or at minimum a calculator such as the TI 89 with C. A. S. capabilities. Includes “To the Teacher” sections that Draw connections from the number theory or abstract algebra under consideration to secondary mathematics. Provides historical context with “From the Past” sections in each chapter. Features “Worksheets” that outline the framework of a topic in most chapters. A useful reference for mathematics teachers who need to brush up on their abstract algebra skills.     An Introduction to Abstract Algebra with Notes to the Future Teacher, 1/E Olympia Nicodemi Melissa A Sutherland Gary W Towsley

Bond and Keane explicate the elements of logical, mathematical argument to elucidate the meaning and importance of mathematical rigor. With definitions... of concepts at their disposal, students learn the rules of logical inference, read and understand proofs of theorems, and write their own proofs--all while becoming familiar with the grammar of mathematics and its style. In addition, they will develop an appreciation of the different methods of proof (contradiction, induction), the value of a proof, and the beauty of an elegant argument. The authors emphasize that mathematics is an ongoing, vibrant discipline--its long, fascinating history continually intersects with territory still uncharted and questions still in need of answers. The authors' extensive background in teaching mathematics shines through in this balanced, explicit, and engaging text, designed as a primer for higher-level mathematics courses. They elegantly demonstrate process and application and recognize the byproducts of both the achievements and the missteps of past thinkers. Chapters 1-5 introduce the fundamentals of abstract mathematics and chapters 6-8 apply the ideas and techniques, placing the earlier material in a real context. Readers' interest is continually piqued by the use of clear explanations, practical examples, discussion and discovery exercises, and historical comments.

The study of AGN is one of the most dynamic areas of contemporary astronomy, involving one-fifth of all research astronomers. This textbook provides a... systematic review of the observed properties of AGN across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, examines the underlying physics, and shows how the brightest AGN--quasars--can be used to probe the farthest reaches of the Universe. This timely textbook is a clear, comprehensive and self-contained introduction to active galactic nuclei (AGN)--for advanced undergraduates and graduate students in astronomy and physics.

In this undergraduate textbook Lewis R. Gordon offers the first comprehensive treatment of Africana philosophy, beginning with the emergence of an... Africana (i.e. African diasporic) consciousness in the Afro-Arabic world of the Middle Ages. He argues that much of modern thought emerged out of early conflicts between Islam and Christianity that culminated in the expulsion of the Moors from the Iberian Peninsula, and from the subsequent expansion of racism, enslavement, and colonialism which in their turn stimulated reflections on reason, liberation, and the meaning of being human. His book takes the student reader on a journey from Africa through Europe, North and South America, the Caribbean, and back to Africa, as he explores the challenges posed to our understanding of knowledge and freedom today, and the response to them which can be found within Africana philosophy.

Organized topically rather than historically, this book provides an excellent introduction to the subject of African Philosophy. Samuel Oluoch Imbo... synthesizes the ideas of key African philosophers into an accessible narrative. The author focuses on five central questions: What are the definitions of African philosophy? Is ethno-philosophy really philosophy? What are the dangers of an African philosophy that claims to be 'unique'? Can African philosophy be done in foreign languages such as English and French? Are there useful ways to make connections between African philosophy, African American philosophy, and women's studies? By making cross-disciplinary and transnational connections, Imbo stakes out an important place for African philosophy. Imbo's book is an invaluable introduction to this dynamic and growing area of study.

An Introduction to African Politics provides an ideal gateway for individuals seeking to learn more about the African continent. Using accessible terms... and concepts, the book seeks to make sense of the dynamic and diverse political systems that are a feature of this fascinating part of the world. It charts the region's fall from grace after independence, the rise and fall of the one-party state and Africa's recent struggle to consolidate democracy. This expanded, fully revised and updated edition remains a key source in helping readers to grasp the events and recurring political patterns that have dominated the African continent since decolonization.

The third edition of An Introduction to African Politics continues to be the ideal textbook for those new to the study of this fascinating continent. It... gets to the heart of the politics of this part of the world, tackling questions such as: How is modern Africa still influenced by its colonial past? How do strong ethnic identities on the continent affect government? Why has the military been so influential? Why do African states have such difficulty managing their economies? How does African democracy differ from democracy in the West? The result is a textbook that identifies the essential features of African politics, allowing students to grasp the recurring political patterns that have dominated this continent since independence. Features and benefits of the third edition: Thematically organised, with individual chapters exploring issues such as colonialism, ethnicity, nationalism, religion, social class, ideology, legitimacy, authority, sovereignty and democracy. Identifies key recurrent themes such as the competitive relationships between the African state, its civil society and external interests. Contains useful boxed case studies at the end of each chapter, including: Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, Somalia, Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe. Each chapter concludes with key terms and definitions, as well as questions and advice on further reading. Illustrated throughout with images of important political figures, and key moments in African history. Important terms and concepts are explained in a clear and accessible manner and supported by contemporary examples. This expanded, fully revised and updated edition remains the ideal gateway for students seeking to make sense of the dynamic and diverse political systems that are a feature of this fascinating part of the world.

Employing nearly half of the world's workforce, agriculture is clearly of great economic and social importance. An incredible variety of methods are... used globally; the Western world has the latest scientific and industrial advancements at its disposal, yet in the Thrid World a living is made using tools that have hardly changed in two thousand years. An Introduction to Agricultural Geography provides an extensive guide through this diverse and increasingly important geographical subject, aiming to show that a wide range of factors explain how agricultural practices differ from place to place. Dealing with the physical environment, economic behaviour and demands, institutional and social influences and the impact of farming upon the environment, the author has produced an important introductory text that is topical, incisive and ultimately essential to reach an understanding of the remarkable diversity of the world's major industry.

This text covers all the material needed to understand the principles behind the AI approach to robotics and to program an artificially intelligent... robot for applications involving sensing, navigation, planning, and uncertainty. Robin Murphy is extremely effective at combining theoretical and practical rigor with a light narrative touch. In the overview, for example, she touches upon anthropomorphic robots from classic films and science fiction stories before delving into the nuts and bolts of organizing intelligence in robots.Following the overview, Murphy contrasts AI and engineering approaches and discusses what she calls the three paradigms of AI robotics: hierarchical, reactive, and hybrid deliberative/reactive. Later chapters explore multiagent scenarios, navigation and path-planning for mobile robots, and the basics of computer vision and range sensing. Each chapter includes objectives, review questions, and exercises. Many chapters contain one or more case studies showing how the concepts were implemented on real robots. Murphy, who is well known for her classroom teaching, conveys the intellectual adventure of mastering complex theoretical and technical material.An Instructor's Manual including slides, solutions, sample tests, and programming assignments is available to qualified professors who are considering using the book or who are using the book for class use.

A clear exposition, with exercises, of the basic ideas of algebraic topology. Suitable for a two-semester course at the beginning graduate level, it... assumes a knowledge of point set topology and basic algebra. Although categories and functors are introduced early in the text, excessive generality is avoided, and the author explains the geometric or analytic origins of abstract concepts as they are introduced.

An Introduction to America’s Music tells the fascinating story of music in the United States, from the sacred music of its earliest days to the jazz... and rock that enliven the turn of the millennium.Beginning with the music of Native Americans and continuing with traditions introduced by European colonizers and Africans brought here as slaves, the book reveals how this bountiful heritage was developed and enhanced in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to produce the music we hear today.

An Introduction to America’s Music tells the fascinating story of music in the United States, from the sacred music of its earliest days to the jazz... and rock that enliven the turn of the millennium.Beginning with the music of Native Americans and continuing with traditions introduced by European colonizers and Africans brought here as slaves, the book reveals how this bountiful heritage was developed and enhanced in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to produce the music we hear today.

A 3-CD set edited by Richard Crawford containing historically appropriate performances of 70 works discussed in the book and supplied with Listening... Guides.

The second edition of this accessible book provides readers with an introductory treatment of communication theory as applied to the transmission of... information-bearing signals. While it covers analog communications, the emphasis is placed on digital technology. It begins by presenting the functional blocks that constitute the transmitter and receiver of a communication system. Readers will next learn about electrical noise and then progress to multiplexing and multiple access techniques.

An introductory treatment of communication theory as applied to the transmission of information-bearing signals with attention given to both analog and... digital communications. Chapter 1 reviews basic concepts. Chapters 2 through 4 pertain to the characterization of signals and systems. Chapters 5 through 7 are concerned with transmission of message signals over communication channels. Chapters 8 through 10 deal with noise in analog and digital communications. Each chapter (except chapter 1) begins with introductory remarks and ends with a problem set. Treatment is self-contained with numerous worked-out examples to support the theory.