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Course Information
- LECTURE
- MF 12:50-2:10pm, Mathematics 4-130
- INSTRUCTOR
- Alexander Retakh
Office: Math Tower 4-108
E-mail: retakh@math.sunysb.edu
Office Hours: M 2:15-3:30, F 11:30-12:45
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REQUIRED TEXTS
- History of Mathematics: An Introduction by David Burton, 6th edition
- Journey through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics by William Dunham
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ASSIGNMENTS
- Weekly assignments will consist of reading, study of historical documents, and suggested exercises.
The detailed list is available on the syllabus page. Suggested exercises are posted on the
homework page.
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QUIZZES
- Each Friday at the beginning of class there will be a 15-minute quiz on the preceding week's material
(lectures, reading, suggested exercises, and student presentations). No make-ups will be given for missed quizzes.
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TERM PAPERS
- Each of you is responsible for two papers, both on the topic of your choice. The first paper (10 pages) will also
be the basis of your in-class presentation. The second paper will be longer (15 pages) and should be deeper and more
mathematical in content.
- You are required to submit the topic proposals and detailed outlines of your papers.
- The due dates are:
- Feb 16 Deadline for e-mail of Paper 1
- Topic must be approved for paper to be accepted.
- March 2 Deadline for email of detailed outline of Paper 1
- Outline must include at least one non-course text, non-web reference.
- March 19 Paper 1 due
- March 30 Deadline for email of 3-sentence description of Paper 2 topic.
- April 20 Deadline for detailed outline of Paper 2.
- May 4 Paper 2 due
Any missed deadline: paper gets automatic one-third-grade deduction (e.g. from B- to C+).
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PRESENTATIONS
- Starting in week 4 (February 12), each class will include two 15-minute student presentations. The topic of the presentation is
identical to the topic of your first paper. You should sign-up for an in-class presentation by February 2.
Your presentation will be graded on the clarity, organization, depth, and your ability to encourage
and answer other students' questions.
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GRADING
- Your course grade will be computed as follows:
- Weekly quizzes: 30%
- Term paper 1: 25%
- In-class presentation: 10%
- Term paper 2: 30%
- Class participation/Attendance: 5%
- (Note: No final examination.)
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HELP OUTSIDE CLASS
- The Math Learning Center is
located in Math Tower S-240A and offers free help to any student requesting it. It also provides a locale for students wishing to form study groups.
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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
- If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services, ECC (Educational Communications Center) Building, room 128, (631) 632-6748. They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. (Note that we cannot make special arrangements for students with disabilities except for those determined by DSS.) All information on and documentation of a disability condition should be supplied to me in writing at the earliest possible time.
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