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 their own 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: 201 Olin Hall Time: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11-11:50.

Textbooks: An Introduction to Higher Mathematics by Patrick Keef and David Guichard, with modifications by Russ Gordon (linked here). Note: There is more than one version of this text to be found online. Please ensure that you are using the right one.

There are also other useful free books on the subject of proof online. Two of them that I have found particularly good are from Richard Hammack and Justin Wright

Homework: Homework will be posted here . We will collect a few assigned problems from each section nearly every day in class. You are encouraged to try all problems in each sections, even those that are not assigned.

LaTeX: We will spend some time in this course learning LaTeX, which is a mathematical typesetting package. More information and a free compiler can be found through ShareLaTeX

Tests: This class will have three exams, as well as a final. Exams will usually have in-class and take-home components. Exams will be announced at least one week in advance, and will follow the following approximate schedule:

First exam: Friday, February 8^th

Second exam: Wednesday, March 6^th

Third exam: Friday, April 19^th

Final exam: Tuesday, May 14, 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.

Classroom Community: Mathematics is a highly collaborative enterprise, and we learn better when we learn together. In order to achieve our goals, we must foster mutual respect, regardless of background or beliefs. Racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination have no place in the classroom or at the college. All students are capable of success, and it is imperative that we work under that ethos.

Access and Support: If you are a student who will need accommodations in this course, please meet with Antonia Keithahn, Assistant Director of Academic Resources: Disability Support (Memorial 326, 509.527.5767, keithaam@whitman.edu) for assistance in developing a plan to address your academic needs. All information shared through this office is considered confidential, and I will work in confidence with the ARC to provide whatever accommodations are deemed appropriate.