Math 396 Section 930
Communications in Mathematics

Course description

This one-credit course covers electronic, written, and oral communication of mathematics.

Course objectives

By the end of the course, you should be able

• to give an effective oral mathematical presentation;
• to write a persuasive exposition of a mathematical topic; and
• to demonstrate how to communicate mathematics on the internet.

Textbook

There is no required textbook.

Prerequisites

The official prerequisites for this course are Math 220 (Foundations of Mathematics), junior or senior classification, and a mathematics major.

Venue

The course meets 11:30–12:20 on Wednesdays in room 123 of the Blocker building.

Exams and grades

There will be no formal examinations in this course. In lieu of a final examination, there will be a term paper.
Grades will be based on the following ten items, each worth ten points (for a total of 100 points):

• preparation of a sample LaTeX document;
• preparation of a résumé;
• rough draft of term paper;
• final draft of term paper;
• talking points or slides for the oral presentation of the term paper;
• oral presentation of the term paper;
• mock job interview;
• rough draft of two-page expository paper;
• final draft of two-page expository paper;
• class participation.

Course letter grades will be assigned according to the standard scale (60% is passing, 70% or higher earns a C, 80% or higher earns a B, 90% or higher earns an A).

Course schedule

Due dates of assignments are available at www.math.tamu.edu/~boas/courses/396-2012a/schedule.html.

Course website

www.math.tamu.edu/~boas/courses/396-2012a/

Office hours

During the Spring 2012 semester, my office hour in Milner 202 is 2:00–3:00 in the afternoon on Monday and Wednesday; I am available also by appointment. The best way to contact me is via email to boas@tamu.edu. Telephone messages can be left at the Milner office of the Department of Mathematics, 979-845-7554.

TAMU policy statements

Academic integrity

The Aggie Honor Code states: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do.” Information about the Honor Council Rules and Procedures can be found at the website of the Aggie Honor System Office.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

This federal antidiscrimination statute provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services in Room B118 of Cain Hall, or call 979-845-1637. For additional information visit the website of Disability Services.

Attendance

See Student Rule 7.