|
Mathematicians often communicate their ideas by speaking in
or attending seminar or colloquium talks. (Seminar talks tend to be focused
to specialists, while colloquium talks are accessible to a wider audience.)
Generally these talks are about an hour long. VCU offers a great variety of
seminars and colloquia. In MATH 490, you are encouraged to attend as many of
these talks as you can. You are required to write a brief report on two talks
that you have attended.
Writing a colloquium report is simple, especially if you choose a colloquium
talk that you have a special interest in. This is easier if plan ahead. If
you wait until too late in the semester, there will be few colloquia to
attend.
It is an unfortunate fact that many colloquia are really bad. (But our guest
speakers for MATH 490 all have records of giving good talks.) Other colloquia
may be good, but too advanced for your level. You may end up attending a
number of events before finding one that's suitable. The following guidelines
may give you an idea of how to write a report.
|
•
|
Obviously, you
should attend the talk. Be there on time and take notes.
|
|
•
|
Get an abstract
if possible. These may be on-line or on flyers posted around Oliver Hall
and Harris Hall.
|
|
•
|
At the end of
the talk there is usually time for questions. Ask questions if you have
any, but it's best not to ask questions if the talk was entirely above your
level.
|
|
•
|
Begin your
report by indicating the speakers name and affiliation, the title of the
talk, the date and seminar series (if applicable).
|
|
•
|
Describe, as
best you can, the point of the talk. Does the speaker present a new result?
An unsolved problem? A new perspective? A historical context? Be as
specific as you can, but keep in mind that some colloquia will be quite
advanced and technical, so don't feel bad if you don't understand
everything.
|
|
•
|
Feel free to
indicate your impressions of the talk. Evaluate the speaker’s delivery. Did
you get any ideas of what to do (or avoid) in your own talk?
|
|
•
|
Be sure to type your report.
|
|
•
|
It is due no later than a week after the date of the talk.
|
|