Clark Wells, Mathematics Department

MTH 210
Communicating in Mathematics
TR 11:30-12:45, 1119 MAK
Fall 2002

Instructor: Clark Wells
Office: 2267 MAK
email: [email protected]
phone: 331-2444

Office Hours: MWF 10:00-11:00
TR 2:00-3:00
F 1:00-2:00
and by appointment

Course Web Page: bb.gvsu.edu/courses/1/GVMTH210.C.023

Text: Mathematical Reasoning and Writing, by Ted Sundstrom.

Prerequisites: Math 201 and Writing 150. A grade of C (not C-) or better is required in Writing 150. Students with a grade of C- or lower in Math 201 are at great risk in 210. Please note that SWS credit will not be given to a student who completes this course before successfully completing the prerequisites.

Course Content and Goals: The focus of this course is on learning to communicate mathematics effectively. A primary goal will be to develop an understanding of mathematical proofs and the ability to construct them using correct arguments, style, and notation. We will also strive to improve our ability to communicate mathematics orally and in writing. A variety of topics (from Chapters 1-7 of the text), including logic, set theory, number theory, functions, and calculus, will be studied in a proof-oriented context.

Supplemental Writing Skills (SWS): Math 210 is designated SWS as described on page 100 of the GVSU 02-03 undergraduate catalog. The following statement comes from the catalog: "SWS courses adhere to certain guidelines. Students turn in a total of at least 3000 words of writing. Part of that total may be essay exams, but a substantial amount of it is made up of finished essays, reports, or research papers. The instructor works with the students on revising drafts of papers, rather than simply grading the finished piece of writing. At least four hours of class time will be devoted to writing instruction. At least one third of the final grade in this course is based on the writing assignments."

Grading: Grades will be based on the following items...

Participation and Attendance (5%): Every class period you will be asked to complete an (ungraded) informal assignment so that you can come prepared for the next class. I will check to see that you have completed this informal assignment. If you have given it thought and an honest attempt, you will receive 2 points. If you have partially completed the assignment, you will receive 1 point. If you have to miss a class, you cannot receive those points. (If I do not give an informal assignment for a certain class period, everyone present receives 2 "free" points.)

Your participation grade will be calculated as follows:

A: 51-56 points
A-: 48-50 points
B+: 45-47 points
B: 42-44 points
B-: 39-41 points
C+: 36-38 points
C: 33-35 points
C-: 30-32 points
D: 25-29 points
F: 0-24 points

Proof Portfolio Project (30%): Over the course of the semester you will develop a portfolio with proofs of 10 theorems demonstrating important writing and reasoning techniques. These 10 theorems will be critiqued by me in draft form prior to the final submission for rewriting. More details on the process of writing and rewriting, as well as due dates for final submission, will be given within the first few weeks of the course in a separate document.

Expository Paper (10%): Within the first few weeks of the term, you will be given a writing assignment that will be based on a trip to the library. The essay will be first submitted in draft form, and then revised based upon my critique. The final score will count 10% of your course grade.

Homework (10%): Roughly every two to three weeks I will collect 1 to 3 homework problems from the text (or other sources I provide). These assignments will be distributed at least one week in advance. Your work is expected to be your very best, and must adhere to the "Guidelines for Homework" document. Each assignment will be graded on a scale of 20 points, and the sum total of these grades counts 10% of your overall grade in the course.

Exams (25%): There will be two in class exams that will cover all course material to date at the time they are given. Tentative test dates are: Thursday, October 3, and Thursday, November 14. Your higher exam score counts 15%, the lower 10%. More specific details will be given closer to the times of the exams. These exam dates may change but any change will be announced in class in a timely fashion.

Final Exam (20%): The final exam will be comprehensive, worth 20% of your grade, and given Wednesday, December 11, 12:00-1:50 p.m.

Course Grade: Final grades will be determined by averaging the percentages noted above for an overall course percentage. Letter grades will be awarded according to the following scale: A 93%, A- 90%, B+ 87%, B 83%, B- 80%, C+ 77%, C 73%, C- 70%, D+ 67%, D 60%, F below 60%.

Expectations:

Attendance: Attendance is critical to your success, and I expect you to be present and on time each day we meet. You are responsible for all announcements made in class concerning material covered, assignments, changes in the syllabus, or anything else pertinent to the course. Remember that you can't earn participation points if you are not in class!

Academic Honesty: Some of the work in this course will be done collaboratively. In fact, it is recommended that you form a study group to assist in learning the material and completing homework problems. Please understand that there is a difference between collaboration and plagiarism. Collaboration requires you to contribute to solutions, think when you write, and work through details on your own. Copying an answer that is not your own, no matter how small, is plagiarism! Evidence of plagiarism in an assignment will result in a grade of zero and possible action under the guidelines of the 2002-2003 GVSU catalog (p. 83). You are expected to show integrity in all your work, and to encourage your peers to do likewise. I reserve the right to discuss the nature of your work with you prior to assigning a grade on an assignment.

Makeup exams/assignment: If for some reason you have a significant conflict and cannot take an exam on the scheduled date, you must make arrangements with me PRIOR to the exam. Otherwise the grade is zero. Other graded assignments are due at the start of class on the date given when assigned, and will not be accepted late. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from completing an assignment on time, you may discuss this with me (as early as possible and always prior to the due date) to make possible alternate arrangements.

Mathematical Writing: The primary focus of this class is on learning to write mathematics well, particularly in proofs. This includes writing in complete, cogent sentences, using proper mathematical style and notation, and reasoning correctly. The subject of mathematical writing will be regularly discussed in class, with many suggestions and guidelines for you to use in your work; it is imperative that you pay close attention to the many details we will consider. The quality of your presentation and writing will be assessed in all of your graded papers.

Preparation: In this 3-credit course, it is imperative that you work on a consistent basis. This applies both to the day-to-day work to prepare for class, as well as to more long term studying and writing on items like the portfolio proofs and expository paper. You should plan to spend at least six hours studying each week. You should also keep a well-organized record of all your study notes and completed problems for future reference. Please understand that a great deal of your learning in this course must occur on your own: it is your responsibility to read the text, do the problems, and seek help as needed.

Participation: In every class meeting, there will be significant opportunities for you to actively participate aloud. Through questions asked in class, brief exercises for teams of 2-3, and discussion of homework problems you will be able to check and demonstrate your understanding in class. You must be up to date and prepared for class to participate effectively. I expect that everyone will share in this important aspect of our learning process.

Graded Work: On all graded assignments, I expect your very best. All assignments (except for graded homework and informal assignments) must be written using a word-processor and printed on unlined white paper. Please use a 12 point font and standard 1 inch margins. All such papers must be spell-checked and proofread for grammatical correctness; moreover, they must adhere to the document "Guidelines for Mathematical Writing."

Withdrawal Date: The last day to withdraw from this class is Friday, October 18, 2002, at 5 p.m. Paperwork is the responsibility of the student.

Student Concerns: Any student with a disability or other special circumstances should make an appointment and discuss this with me.