MATH111 - Introduction to Mathematical Thought: From the Discrete to the Continuous

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Introduction to Mathematical Thought: From the Discrete to the Continuous
MATH111 FA

In this course we seek to illustrate for the students several major themes. One of the most important is the fact that Mathematics is a living, coherent discipline, a creation of the human mind, with a beauty and integrity of its own which transcends, but of course includes, the applications to which it is put. We will try to provide a somewhat seamless fusion of the discrete and the continuous through the investigation of various natural questions as the course develops. We try to break down the basically artificial distinctions between such things as algebra, geometry, "pre-calculus", calculus, etc. The topics will be elementary, particularly as they are taken up, but will be developed to the point of some sophistication. One challenge to the students will be to assimilate their previous experience in Mathematics into this context. In this way we hope and expect that some of the beauty will show through.

MAJOR READINGS

The main text will be Donald Knuth's "Surreal numbers." There may be additional readings as well.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

The focus of the course will be on weekly homework and in-class presentations about it.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course is a First-year Initiative course, open only to first-year students. Sophomores may be allowed to add the course if it is not full. Since the course relies on student presentations, class attendance is required. The course is worth NSM credit.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM MATH Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Hovey,Mark A.

Times: .M.W... 01:10PM-02:30PM; Location: HALL56

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)

SR. major: X Jr. major: X

SR. non-major: X Jr. non-major: X SO: X FR: 20

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning

FYI: First Year Initiative:Seminar

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000