COURSE INFO

SCHEDULE

SYLLABUS

HOMEWORK

OFFICE HOURS

Course description: The course will serve as the basis for all upper level mathematics you will take at Whitman and beyond. We will be looking at many different proof techniques through exploring many different branches of mathematics. Much of our discussion will involve techniques from number theory and combinatorics. We will also foreshadow some of the topics you will be covering in Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis. Click here for a more detailed schedule.

Goals: The primary goal of this course is to enable the student to find his or her mathematical voice, both in writing and in speaking. The topics covered are secondary to the aim of the course. They provide the venues through which you'll come to understand what makes for a clear, correct, and coherent mathematical argument. This course will seem radically different than those you've encountered in the past, as there is often not a direct algorithm or technique for coming to a solution to a problem. As such, you can expect a measure of frustration throughout the semester. It is my role as professor to help you cope with and work through that frustration.

You don't learn to play football by reading a rule book, you learn by getting muddy in your backyard. The same statement applies to mathematics. In that light, my hope is for a very muddy semester.

Instructor: Barry Balof

Office: 220 Olin Hall

Location: 233 Olin Hall Time: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8-8:50. We will occasionally make use of the Thursday 8-8:50 time slot as well.

Textbooks: An Introduction to Higher Mathematics by Patrick Keef and David Guichard (linked here).

Homework: Homework will be posted here . We will collect a few shorter problems daily, with a longer assignment due each week. There will be at least one problem each week that will be an Honor Problem . These problems are to be done individually, without the help of colleagues or outside resources.

Tests: This class will have three exams, as well as a final. The final will have both written and oral components. Exams will be announced at least one week in advance, and will follow the following approximate schedule:

First exam: Week of September 19^th

Second exam: Week of October 17^th

Third exam: Week of November 14^th

Final exam: Friday, December 16 9-11 AM.

DO NOT PLAN TO LEAVE CAMPUS BEFORE THE FINAL. YOU WILL BE PENALIZED EITHER BY MYSELF OR THE AIRLINES.

Grading: Grades will be assigned on a rougly 90-80-70 scale, with grades weighted as follows.

Midterm Examinations	50% total
Written Homework and Class Participation	25 %
Final Exam	25 %

As you can see, class participation is crucial to your success and to the success of the course. You will be responsible for communicating the material covered in the homework assignments both orally and in writing. It is critical that you arrive to class prepared to actively participate.

Academic Honesty: Homework for this class may be completed collaboratively except when indicated. No outside resources (ie, internet or other textbooks) may be used for any assignments. Such use will result on a failing grade for the assignment.

Special Needs: Any student with a disability for whom special accommodations would be helpful is encouraged to discuss this with the professor as soon as possible.