Math 396
Communications in Math
Spring 2013 Schedule

January 16 class activities
Exercise on public speaking: introduce yourself.
Calclab orientation.
Introduction to LaTeX.
  • If you want to install a LaTeX system on your own computer, then try MiKTeX on a Windows system, MacTeX on a Mac, and TeX Live on a Linux machine.
  • If you want to work online, then try writeLaTeX.
  • In class, we used kile on the Calclab computers. You can access the Calclab computers either during the open hours in Blocker 128 or remotely from the university Open Access Labs by using the installed NoMachine NX Client or—if you are willing to download and install the NX Client—from your own computer.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on January 23
  • Choose a topic for the technical paper. See the guidelines. Each student must select a unique topic—first come, first served. You may email me your choice of topic.
  • Initial submission of reflective essay. See the guidelines.
    Please bring a hard copy of your essay to class and also upload a pdf file using the turnitin tool inside eLearning.
January 23 class activities
Discussion of draft essays.
More on LaTeX.
Here is a list of some LaTeX resources.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on January 30
Final submission of reflective essay through the turnitin tool inside eLearning.
(The university's Office of Institutional Assessment provides a writing assessment rubric.)
January 30 class activities
Discussion on why and how the audience matters.
Two helpful sources are a page at the TAMU Writing Center and a page at the UNC Writing Center.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on February 6
A preliminary list of references for your technical paper: at least one each of a website, a hard copy book, and a journal article.
I have posted a simple sample bibliography to illustrate the LaTeX formatting.
February 6 class activities
Discussion on making effective presentations.
There is useful information at the Writing Center about presentations. The comedian Don McMillan's routine about Life after Death by PowerPoint is available at youtube. You might like his PowerPoint Proposal too.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on February 13
Initial submission of technical paper.
February 13 class activities
Discussion on how to write a résumé.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on February 20
Submission of résumé.
The TAMU Career Center has résumé templates and guidelines available, along with a brochure.
Nick recommends the guide at the UC Berkeley Career Center.
One place that you can put your résumé online is people.tamu.edu.
February 20 class activities
Discussion of interview techniques.
The TAMU Career Center has a section about interviewing. A TAMU Career Center brochure includes a brief discussion of the STAR method that Alicia mentioned in class. Nick likes the Berkeley Career Center Job & Internship Guide, which has a section about interviewing.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on February 27
Research a company and prepare for a job interview with that company.
February 27 class activities
Ally, Annalisa, Todd, Alicia, and Laura do mock job interviews. The interviewer is Sue Stecher. Students not being interviewed will provide constructive criticism.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on March 6
Final submission of technical paper. Due date for technical paper changed to March 20.
March 6 class activities
Laura (held over from last time), both Nicks, Edwin, and Sergio do mock job interviews. The interviewer is Professor Geller. Students not being interviewed will provide constructive criticism.
Spring Break is March 11–15.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on March 20
Submission of slides for your presentation of the technical paper. Final submission of technical paper.
March 20 class activities
Kelly, Jesse, Jeff, and Chris did mock job interviews. The interviewer was Professor Walton.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on March 27
Submission of slides for your presentation of the technical paper.
March 27 class activities
Laura, Jesse, Edwin, and Sergio will present their technical papers.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on April 3
Be prepared to present your technical paper.
April 3 class activities
Edwin, Jesse, and Bridget presented their technical papers.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on April 10
  • Initial submission of expository paper in LaTeX.
  • Be prepared to present your technical paper.
April 10 class activities
Kelly, Nick, and Nick will present their technical papers.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on April 17
Be prepared to present your technical paper.
April 17 class activities
Jeff, Ally, and Todd will present their technical papers.
Assignment due at the beginning of class on April 24
Final submission of expository paper in LaTeX.
April 24 class activities
Annalisa, Chris, and Alicia will present their technical papers.