Syllabus

Text: Proofs and Fundamentals:  A First Course in Abstract Mathematics, Ethan D. Bloch,   Birkhauser, 2000.  Additional readings will be handed out during the quarter.

Content:  This course is about the activity of doing mathematics. In the course, we'll explore the logic and language of mathematics as well as some of the fundamental concepts concerning numbers, sets, relations, and functions. Through this process, we'll study the role and nature of proof in mathematics. We'll work through most of chapters 1-6 in the textbook.

Objectives: The course should help you achieve the following objectives:

            •appreciate the roles of logic and exploration in mathematics.

            •review and study some basic concepts about numbers, sets, relations, and functions which will be used in later math classes.

            •learn how to use the language and symbols of mathematics to express statements precisely.

            •gain experience in explaining and communicating your ideas, both informally and formally, orally and in writing.

            •increase your awareness of the power of abstraction.

Prerequisites: Math 151 or 161 or permission of the instructor.

Structure of the Course:

Class will be a place where questions are posed (by you) and explored, through whole class or small group discussions and work. I'll expect you to read the textbook and come to the class with questions. There will be a variety of ways for you to provide feedback to me on your understanding of the material and reaction to the class.

    1.     Homework.   Homework will be assigned each Thursday, and will consist of reading and exercises. I expect you to do the reading and mke an attempt at the exercises by Tuesday's class so that we can spend some time discussing questions that have arisen from your work.   Most weeks, the exercises will be collected on Thursday. They should be carefully and completely written out.

    2.     Class participation. Occasionally, I will ask you to write up and hand in reports of group activities and reaction statements.  Or I might ask you to come to class with written questions.  Or there might be a brief quiz in class. 

    3.     Tests.   There will be two tests during the quarter. We'll discuss the format for these in class.

    4.     A comprehensive final examination will be given during exam week.

Evaluation: The final grade will be based on the homework, class participation, tests, and the final examination. Homework, the test average, and the final will each count 30% of the grade, and class participation will count 10%.

Remarks:

    1.       Academic honesty is expected at all times.  This means doing your own work on in-class quizzes and exams, and acknowledging work done with others or any outside sources you may use.  Academic dishonesty may result in failure.

    2.     Incompletes are given only in very special cases and must first be approved by me.  Make-up tests will not be given, except in the case of emergencies, and then you need to let me know before the test.   

Office Hours:

Office: Suite 4400, 990 W. Fullerton

Office Hours: Tuesday 10:30-11:30, Wednesday 11:00-12:00, Friday 9:30-10:30.  And any time by appointment

Phone: Office (773)325-1854; home (773)348-4987

e-mail: cnarasim@depaul.edu

website:  http://qrc.depaul.edu/cnarasimhan/math215