Syllabus and Course Structure
Welcome to Ideas in Mathematics!
Material
This course is intended as an introduction to mathematical thinking and the use of mathematics across a range of human experiences. We will ask the question of what mathematics is, what it does, its history and modern development, the culture and practice of mathematics as a discipline, and how it relates to science and engineering.
Lectures
- Lectures will be in person in David Rittenhouse Laboratory
- In class worksheets will be assigned during most lectures, but can be excused in case you are not able to attend a lecture due to illness or other valid reasons (let me know by email if this happens)
Course Structure
- Lectures on Tuesday and Thursdays 3:30-5:00pm in DRL A1
- Weekly reading assigned on Thursdays and due the following week on Tuesday
- In class worksheets
- Weekly homework worksheets assigned on Fridays and due the following week on Fridays (online via canvas/gradescope)
- Longer worksheets assigned once a month (also assigned on Fridays and due the following week instead of the usual weekly homework sets)
In the lectures, I will assume that all students have done the assigned reading. I will try to supplement the material by adding extra details and examples as needed.
Grading
The course grade will be as follows:
- in class worksheets: 30% total (drop up to 6)
- weekly worksheets: 40% total (drop up do 3)
- monthly worksheets: 30% total (drop up do 1)
Grading concerns must be presented to me in writing within one week of when the worksheets are graded.
All work must meet the standards of the University of Pennsylvania’s Code of Academic Integrity. Lack of knowledge of these policies does not excuse a violation. Working together is allowed (and encouraged) on worksheets, but all work should stand alone.
How to be successful
To be successful in the course will require:
- Keeping up with readings in the textbook,
- Attending the lectures/discussions
- Keeping up with the written assignments,
- Asking questions via written assignments, email or during office hours whenever something is unclear.
In practical terms, if you want to do well in the course, it is absolutely essential that you keep up with the material in a timely way. Late homework will generally not be accepted.