Instructor John E. McCarthy
Class TuTh 11.30-12.50, Busch 100
Office Hours M: 3.00-3.50 Tu: 3.00-3.50 Th: 2.00-2.50, in 105 Cupples I
Exams There will be two exams in the course:
1) Exam 1 Midterm. Thursday March 7, in class
2) Exam 2 Final exam. Monday May 6, 1.00-3.00.
Homework
There will be weekly homework sets during the semester, assigned on Tuesday and due the following Tuesday.
Prerequisites
Math 233 (Multivariable Calculus) or permission of Instructor
Content
The purpose of this course is to teach you how to prove theorems, and to write proofs that are easy to comprehend.
Basis for Grading
Attendance and class participation will be 10% of your grade, homework will be 40%, the midterm will be 20%, and the final will be 30%.
Homework
Homework is the most important part of the course. Whilst talking to other people about it is not dis-allowed, too often this degenerates into one person solving the problem, and other people copying them (often justified to themselves by saying “I provide the ideas, X does the details” – but the details are the key. If you can’t translate the idea into a rigorous argument, you don’t understand the material well enough). So I shall introduce the following rules:
(a) You can only talk to some-one else about a problem if you have made a genuine effort to solve it yourself.
(b) You must write up the solutions on your own. Suspiciously similar write-ups will receive 0 points.
(c) You may not get solutions from the internet.
Academic Integrity
For the academic integrity policy on homework, see above. The exams will be closed book, and you may not get assistance from another person or any other source.
Class
I expect you to attend class every day, and to participate in class discussions. If you cannot attend class because of illness or quarantine, please let me know by email. If you have more than two unexcused absences, this will affect your grade.
It is important to stay abreast of the material. At the beginning of class I will call on people to give definitions or state theorems; this will be part of your grade. I may call on you at any time to answer a question.
Text Transition to Higher Mathematics: Structure and Proof (Second Edition) by Bob Dumas and John McCarthy. This is free to download at:
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/books/10/
Web Pages
The following web page may give some interesting sidelights on the material.
The MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive
Bibliography
The following is a brief bibliography you may find useful.
S.G. Krantz The elements of Advanced Mathematics
J.P. D’Angelo and D.B. West Mathematical thinking
I. Lakatos Proofs and Refutations
M. Aigner and G.M. Ziegler Proofs from the Book
Accommodations based upon sexual assault:
The University is committed to offering reasonable academic accommodations to students who are victims of sexual assault. Students are eligible for accommodation regardless of whether they seek criminal or disciplinary action. Depending on the specific nature of the allegation, such measures may include but are not limited to: implementation of a no-contact order, course/classroom assignment changes, and other academic support services and accommodations. If you need to request such accommodations, please direct your request to Kim Webb, Director of the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center, or Jen Durham Austin, Support Services Counselor. Both Kim Webb and Jen Durham Austin are confidential resources; however, requests for accommodations will be shared with the appropriate University administration and faculty. The University will maintain as confidential any accommodations or protective measures provided to an individual student so long as it does not impair the ability to provide such measures.
If a student comes to me to discuss or disclose an instance of sexual assault, sex discrimination, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking, or if I otherwise observe or become aware of such an allegation, I will keep the information as private as I can, but as a faculty member of Washington University, I am required to immediately report it to my Department Chair or Dean or directly to Ms. Jessica Kennedy, the University’s Title IX Director. If you would like to speak with directly Ms. Kennedy directly, she can be reached at (314) 935-3118, jwkennedy@wustl.edu, or by visiting the Title IX office in Umrath Hall. Additionally, you can report incidents or complaints to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or by contacting WUPD at (314) 935-5555 or your local law enforcement agency. See: Title IX
You can also speak confidentially and learn more about available resources at the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center by calling (314) 935-3445 for an appointment or visiting the 4th floor of Seigle Hall. See: RSVP Center
Bias Reporting:
The University has a process through which students, faculty, staff and community members who have experienced or witnessed incidents of bias, prejudice or discrimination against a student can report their experiences to the University’s Bias Report and Support System (BRSS) team.
See: brss.wustl.edu.
Mental Health:
Mental Health Services’ professional staff members work with students to resolve personal and interpersonal difficulties, many of which can affect the academic experience. These include conflicts with or worry about friends or family, concerns about eating or drinking patterns, and feelings of anxiety and depression.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI):
The Center of Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) supports and advocates for undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students from underrepresented and/or marginalized populations, creates collaborative partnerships with campus and community partners, and promotes dialogue and social change. One of the CDI’s strategic priorities is to cultivate and foster a supportive campus climate for students of all backgrounds, cultures and identities.
See: diversityinclusion.wustl.edu/