In brief, the title of Math 341 describes the course quite well. If
one should want to describe the topics of the course in a single
word, I would choose the word proof. I say this because
successful students in Math 341 will learn to read, write, present
and analyze mathematical proofs.
At another level, this course is about the communication of a
solution to a mathematical problem, both in writing and speaking.
Since successful communication requires action from two parties, we
will also emphasize the process of actively reading and listening to
someone else's ideas. These valuable skills are essential for your
career after you graduate.
Some specific topics of study include: logic, sets, relations,
partitions, order, functions and cardinality. No previous knowledge
of these topics is required. What is required is a willingness to
actively participate in the communication of mathematical ideas. This class is fun!
Abstract Reasoning: Notes for Math 341, by
Professor Jay Beder. Available in the UWM Bookstore. (The price is
less than $ 10.)
Coverage:
The entire book. Here is a tentative plan:
Week 1: Truth tables and Quantifiers
Week 2: Proofs involving divisibility
Week 3: Induction proofs
Week 4- 6: Sets
Week 7- 9: Relations + Midterm
Week 10-12: Functions
Week 13-15: Cardinality
Examinations
will be in class. There will be no notes or books allowed
during the exams. Therefore you will have to memorize certain
aspects of the material (such as the definitions of key
terminology). As with any mathematics class, the amount of
memorization will seem more manageable as you gain an understanding
of the concepts.
There will be No Make-Up Exams, except in severe situations
such as illness. Students will be allowed to complete examinations
or other requirements that are missed because of a religious
observance.
Midterm
Wednesday Oct 24 during the regular class time.
Counts for 25% of your course grade.
Final
Monday Dec. 17 during the regular class time.
Counts for 25% of your course grade.
Quizzes
will be given throughout the
course (usually on Mondays) and will constitute 25% of your course grade. Students must redo any quizzes that do not receive full credit.
Part of our goal in this course is to write perfect proofs. For this
reason, problems will receive little to no partial credit.
To say the least, it is important to write your solutions carefully!
Do not expect to receive credit for work that is difficult to read.
In the past, successful students have recopied their
solutions a couple of times before they were satisfied. The
standard rules for neatness will apply (name in upper right corner
with date and course number, stapled, write on one-side only, no
more than one problem per page, no paper torn out of notebook,
etc...).
Presentations/Evaluation:
Math 341 satisfies the College of
Letters and Science's seminar requirement. Consequently, students
will be required to present solutions to the class. Measurements of
your success at this activity will constitute 25% of your grade.
Part of this grade will measure the clarity of exposition.
When a student is presenting a solution, each person in the rest of
the class is expected to pay close attention to the speaker and
intellectually participate (ie: taking notes, asking questions or
providing constructive comments). Therefore, if you are
not understanding a presentation, it will be important to ask
questions.
Last day to add or change from a graded basis to audit or credit/no credit status.
Monday Oct. 1
Last day to drop or withdraw without a "W" on record
Wednesday Oct. 24
Midterm Exam
Friday Oct. 26
Last day to drop
Th.-Fr. Nov. 22-23
Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday Dec. 12
Last day of class
Thursday Dec. 13
Study Day
Monday Dec. 17
Final Exam 5:30pm-6:45pm in PHYSICS 127 (usual room)
Attendance
Attendance is required, and will be occasionally monitored. Absences
due to illness require a medical excuse on Physician's letterhead,
signed by the physician, which must be submitted before any
alternate arrangements for the exam will be considered. There is no
provision for absences due to vacations and other social activities.
In general, missing classes is a bad idea. Please arrive promptly.
Disabilities
If you have any disability, please feel free to contact me for any
help or accommodation which you may need.
Statement of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is reprehensible and will not be tolerated by the
University. It subverts the mission of the University and threatens
the careers, educational experience, and well being of students,
faculty, and staff. The University will not tolerate behavior
between or among members of the University community which creates
and unacceptable working environment. The draft policy on
discriminatory conduct, including sexual harassment, can be found at
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/uc/briefings/S-47-Mar05rev.pdf
Statement of Academic Misconduct
The university has a responsibility to promote academic honesty and
integrity and to develop procedures to deal effectively with
instances of academic dishonestly. Students are responsible for the
honest completion and representation of their work, for the
appropriate citation of sources, and for respect of others' academic
endeavors. Further information can be found at http://www4.uwm.edu/acad_aff/policy/academicmisconduct.cfm.
Posted room changes
or class cancelations will be on Official
Department Letterhead