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Mathematical
Expositions
MATH 490 |
SYLLABUS
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Spring 2019
TR 9:30–10:45
Harris Hall 2101
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| VCU |
| Instructor:
Richard Hammack |
Office hours:
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| Office: Harris
Hall 4166 |
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| Work: 828-6237 |
Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 |
| Home: 355-3963 |
Thursday, 2:00–3:15
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| E-mail:
rhammack@vcu.edu |
and by
appointment
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| Course
webpage: www.people.vcu.edu/~rhammack/Math490
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Textbook: None
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MATH 490 is a writing-intensive capstone
mathematics course. It is intended to help you attain
proficiency in expository mathematical writing and in oral
presentations. It should build on and synthesize earlier
mathematics courses you have taken for your major. For the
first half of the semester our time is divided between
guest speakers and discussion of various issues related to
mathematical research, writing and exposition. The second
half of the semester is dedicated to presentations by
class members. You are also required to read at least four
published mathematical papers and attend several colloquia
and seminars in the mathematical sciences. You are graded
on five main areas as follows.
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Reviews of Mathematical Articles:
You will choose three articles from a list of
prize-winning mathematical articles and write a critical
review of each one. The course web page contains some
guidelines on how to find an article and write a review.
Colloquium Reports: You are required to
write a short (1 or 2 page) report on at least two
seminars or colloquia that you attend over the course of
the semester. You may attend any colloquium in the
mathematics, physics or chemistry departments, or in the
School of Engineering, provided that the talk has some
mathematical content. You may write one report on a talk
given by a guest speaker in this class, but at least one
report should be on a talk outside of the class. The
course web page contains some guidelines on writing a
colloquium report.
Term Paper: At the end of the semester,
you will submit a term paper (about 15 pages) on a
mathematical topic of your choice. In advance of this, you
will submit a proposal for your paper and draft.
Presentation: During the second half of
the semester, you will give a 25-minute presentation on a
mathematical topic of your choice. You may speak on your
term paper's topic, but you are also free to choose
another topic. In advance of your presentation, you will
submit an outline and an abstract.
Attendance/engagement: You are expected
to attend and be engaged in each class. (Being in
class physically but tuned out mentally can
count as an absence!) You can earn a total of 50 points
for Attendance/engagement. Each unexcused absence results
in 5 points deducted from this score.
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Your grade is based on points earned on
assignments as follows.
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Assignment
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Due date
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Points
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Review #1
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Jan. 31
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100
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Review #2
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Feb. 14
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100
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Review #3
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Feb. 28
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100
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Colloquium report #1
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Up to one week after event
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25
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Colloquium report #2
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Up to one week after event
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25
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Term paper proposal
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March 12
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25
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First draft of term paper
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April 18
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50
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Term paper
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April 30
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300
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Abstract of presentation
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2 weeks prior to
presentation
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25
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Outline of presentation
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1 week prior to presentation
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50
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Presentation
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To be arranged
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150
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Attendance/engagement
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N.A.
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50
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TOTAL
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1000
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Points are added at the end of the semester and a letter
grade is assigned as follows
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900–1000
points
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A
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800–899 points
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B
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700–799 points
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C
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600–699 points
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D
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0–599 points
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F
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Important notes:
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•
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Regardless of the final point
total, a student who fails to submit a term paper
or deliver a presentation may fail the course.
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All papers, drafts, outlines and
abstracts are due at the beginning of
class on appointed days. Ten points are
automatically deducted from the grade of any
assignment submitted later than this. An
additional 10 points is deducted every day the
paper is late. Moreover, I may spend little time
grading late work and will give minimal written
feedback.
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If you are unable to attend class
on a day an assignment is due, either submit the
assignment early or have a classmate or friend
turn it in for you.
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Please email assignments only in
the event of an emergency. Except in the case of an
emergency or other excused absence, I will not print
out an emailed assignment, nor will I provide any
written feedback on an emailed assignment. |
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Plagiarism is dealt with according to University
Policy. |
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Internet: Information about this
course is posted on my web page (not on Blackboard). Go to
http://www.people.vcu.edu/~rhammack/ and click on
"Math 490." There you will find the syllabus, calendar,
and other materials.
Cell Phones: Please be sure that all
cell phones and other electronic devices (including
laptops, except when used for a class activity) are turned
off and stowed away for the entire duration
of each class. Leaving such devices on may lower your
participation score.
Office: Please feel free to stop by
my office whenever you have a question, or if you just
want to chat. If my posted hours are inconvenient, I will
be happy to schedule an appointment. Tell me if you are
having trouble. Catching up can be very difficult once you
get behind, so let me know as soon as you think there is a
problem.
Accommodations: Any student eligible for
and needing academic adjustments or accommodations because
of a disability should contact me within the first week of
class.
Last day to withdraw: Friday, March 22.
Read VCU's syllabus statements at
http://www.provost.vcu.edu/academic-affairs/operations/syllabus-statements/
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