Communicating Mathematics
MATH 4827/5827
Spring 2008
Instructor: Ivars Peterson
Office: Gilbreath Hall 213A
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, noon - 1:00 pm.
At other times, make an appointment or look for me in my office.
Contact Information:
ivarspeterson@gmail.com
petersoi@etsu.edu
423-439-6953
Class Location and Time:
Sam Wilson Hall 315
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:25 - 11:20 am.
Required Texts:
Blum, D., M. Knudson, and R.M. Henig. 2006. A Field Guide for Science Writers, 2nd ed. Oxford University Press.
Strunk Jr., W., and E.B. White. 1999. The Elements of Style, 4th. ed. Longman.
Class Participation and Assignments (30%):
Students should be prepared to attend class and to participate actively
in class discussions. Students get credit for satisfactorily completed classroom assignments handed in on time. A total of 30% of your grade will be based largely on your attendance and your ability to demonstrate that
you have completed the assignments and thought carefully about the material. This portion of your grade also includes the results of several quizzes.
Essay (35%):
Students are required to write an essay of 1,250 to 1,500 words on a mathematical topic of their choice, emphasizing the relevance of some aspect of mathematics to our daily lives. The subject can be a mathematical concept, an application of mathematics, a historical topic, or an individual mathematician. The essay must have a complete bibliography (books, articles, interviews, Web pages), which is not included in the word count. Aim for an essay that is clear, concise, informative, lively, and inspiring. It should be accessible to anyone with only a basic knowledge of mathematics. Images, diagrams, and illustrations (with captions) may be included. Detailed guidelines. The essay constitutes 35% of your grade. Due date: Noon, March 19.
Book Review (15%):
Students are required to write a review of 500 to 700 words, highlighting a popular book about mathematics written for the general public. Due date: Noon, April 9.
MATH 4827: Final Exam (20%):
Project.
Due date: Noon, April 25.
MATH 5827: Presentation (20%):
Each graduate student will present a 12-minute research talk on a mathematical topic of his or her choice. In addition, students are required to submit an abstract and a two-page (about 1,000 words) summary of the report. Due date: 10 am, April 21.
Writing Mechanics:
All written work should be prepared in some electronic form. I will accept submissions as e-mail attachments.
