MATH 310W

Mathematical Writing

Fall, 2010

Instructor: Steven G. Krantz

Office: 103 Cupples I

Phone: (314) 935-6712

e-mail: sk@math.wustl.edu

Text: The Elements of Mathematical Writing by Steven G. Krantz

Dept. Office 100 Cupples I

Dept. Office Phone (314) 935-6760

Course Description: The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the way that writing is used in the mathematics profession. We shall discuss both technique and practice. We will talk about common errors in writing, and how to avoid them. We shall consider readings from a variety of sources. The course will entail the writing of three papers. One of the more interesting features of the course is that we shall learn the mathematical computer typesetting system called TeX. Today this is the prevalent device used, both by mathematicians and mathematical publishers, for typesetting and printing mathematical material. The instructor will provide this software to the students, as well as instruction on how to use it. All papers for this course will be written in TeX. \\

Work Required in the Course: The primary work of the course consists of the writing of three papers. The topics for these papers will be:

  • A Great Historical Event in Mathematics
  • A Great Theorem in Mathematics
  • A Great Controversy in Mathematics
Each paper will be written twice. That is to say, the student will write the paper, and it will be graded and critiqued. Then the student will revise the paper and re-submit it for the final grade.

Grading The student in Math 310W will also be enrolled in Math 310. The student must do all the work for both courses, and will receive a single grade for Math 310 and Math 310W combined. Math 310 counts for 75\% of the grade and Math 310W counts for 25\% of the grade.

OFFICE HOURS

 To be announced.