Math 248 Methods of Proof

Instructor: Dylan Retsek
Office: 305 Faculty Offices East
Phone: (805) 756-2072
Email: dretsek@calpoly.edu
Web: http://www.calpoly.edu/~dretsek

Meeting Times: MTRF 9:10-10:00
Location: 38-219
Spring 2007 Office Hours:
MTR 8:10-9:00 & W 8:30-10:30

Text: A Transition to Advanced Mathematics, 6th edition, Smith-Eggen-St.Andre, Brooks/Cole, 2001.

Content: We will cover much of chapters one through five, as well as selected topics from chapters six and seven.

Grading Policy: In addition to the three exams, there will be weekly graded homework assignments and a daily query at the beginning of each class.

Grading Scale: A:90%+, B:80%+, C:70%+, D:60%+.

The final exam and each midterm will count 25%, homework will count 20%, and the query will count 5%.


Exam Schedule:
Exam 1 Friday, October 12th, In Class
Exam 2 Friday, November 9th, In Class
Final Exam Friday, December 12th, 7:10-10:00 am


Homework: Homework is by far the most important aspect of this course. Learning to write proofs is like learning a new language; you must not only learn your vocabulary, but also immerse yourself in the new tongue. It is impossible to learn to write proofs simply by watching others do it, so it is imperative that you practice as many problems as you can and ask questions as often as necessary. Writing mathematics well is a craft, aim to hone it!

Academic Integrity: It is my opinion that there is hardly any human act more satisfying or important than the sharing of knowledge. I therefore consider the classroom and the university at large to be hallowed ground, well deserving of all the humility and respect that we would afford our other most sacred places.

Please refer to the University's policy regarding cheating and plagiarism found in the Campus Administration Manual, Section 684.

In short: be sensible, respectful, and mindful of the integrity of the system we are all so lucky to share.