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The main project in MATH 490 is a term paper on a
mathematical topic of your choice. In this paper, you will introduce, explain
and develop your topic in detail. The paper should have substantial
mathematical content, and feature your own explanations and examples. It
should be about 15 pages long, double-spaced, including cover sheet and
references.
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How do you choose a topic? One of the papers you read earlier in the
semester may give you an idea for a term paper topic. Or perhaps you have
always been interested in a certain branch of mathematics or a particular
theorem. The term paper is an ideal method of exploring and learning about
it. You are also free to choose a topic that you studied in another class.
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My personal feeling is that a term paper should be not so much a report
about what you know (or have learned), but an explanation and
exposition of what you know. In writing it you should imagine that you
are writing a chapter in a textbook: Your job is to explain your topic in a
clear, lively, informative and interesting way. Develop it with lots of
your own examples. You should assume the reader (me) doesn't know anything
about the topic, and your paper should be written in a way that informs and
engages him.
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It is expected that you will consult and assimilate various sources before
beginning your writing. Ideally your paper should list roughly five
(ballpark figure) references that you have consulted. Please note that
although Wikipedia is a great tool for exploring ideas, it is NOT a valid
reference. You may use any reasonable reference style.
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You learned how to write a research paper in ENGL 200. Therefore I will not
spend any class time discussing the ``how's'' of writing a paper. Please
let me know if you have any questions.
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TIMELINE
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Please submit a
short one- or two-paragraph proposal to me by March 8th. This is just a
rough outline of what you plan to write your paper on. (It's OK if you
decide to change your topic later. Just give me a new proposal.) I will
return your proposal with comments.
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The first draft
of your paper is due on April 28th. This should be a nearly-complete
product. I will read the draft and offer comments and suggestions for
changes and additions. (If you did a really good job, I may even may say
that no changes are necessary!)
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Your completed
paper is due on May 14th 2:00pm. Please submit your first draft along with
your completed paper so that I can compare the two.
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