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MAT 5990 - Graduate Seminar - Spring 2016

This syllabus is tentative and should not be considered definitive. The instructor reserves the right to modify it to meet the needs of the class. It is the student responsibility to attend class regularly and to make note of any changes. Be sure you check the class website for sections covered on the exams, homework problems and announcements.

Catalog Description

Credit Hours: 1; Graduate Seminar in Mathematics, to meet one hour per week. An introduction to reading and speaking about mathematics. Seminar in topics which are not covered under the usual course offerings of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

Prerequisites

Graduate Standing in M.A. mathematics program

Materials

The Paul R. Halmos-Lester R. Ford Awards recognize authors of articles of expository excellence published in The American Mathematical Monthly. Students will choose two articles from the list.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and evaluate students' mathematical thinking to diagnose conceptions and misconceptions. (Effective critical thinking and problem solving)
• Teach students how to read math articles/papers.
• Help students to present an effective ''Math Talk''.

Weekly Outline of Content

• week 1: introduction
• week 2 and 3: guest speaker
• week 4 to 14: student presentations
• week 15: final presentations

Date	Name	Title and Abstract
Fri 19 Feb	TBA	HW: Be prepared to offer feedback to your colleague.
Fri 12 Feb		No classes
Fri 5 Feb	Dr. Lakeland	HW: Ask the speaker at least one question.
Fri 29 Jan		Class canceled
Fri 22 Jan	Introduction	HW: List of potential articles.
Fri 15 Jan	Dr. Cook	HW: Ask the speaker at least one question and email me a list of potential articles.

Assignment Categories

Final grades will be given on an A, B, C, D, F scale. Course grade will be determined by 50% weekly presenations and 50% final presentation. Click here for Presentation Rubric. All presentations must be typeset in LaTex using the Beamer package, click here for details. For departmental sample files from past LaTeX workshops, click here. LaTex is installed in the computer labs Old Main 3041 and 3013, or it may be installed on your laptop. Your instructor will grant make-up presentations to students for properly verified absences due to illness, emergency, participation in an official University activity, or participation in volunteer emergency work.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend class meetings as scheduled. When an absence does occur, the student is responsible for the material covered during the absence. When possible, the student should notify the instructor in advance of an anticipated absence.

Course and Instructor Evaluations

During the last few weeks of the semester, you will be provided an opportunity to evaluate this course and your instructor. Your feedback is vital to improving education at Eastern Illinois University. I strongly urge you to participate in the evaluation system.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Click here to view information regarding accommodations.

Academic Dishonesty

Eastern Illinois University faculty and students commit themselves towards maintaining a culture of academic integrity and honesty. Click here to view the Student Code of Conduct. Violations will be reported to the Office of Student Standards, which can result in a failing grade for the course.

Student Success Center

Students who are having difficulty achieving their academic goals are encouraged to contact the Student Success Center. The center provides individualized consultations for assistance with time management, test taking, note taking, avoiding procrastination, setting goals, and other skills to support academic achievement.

Take Care of Yourself

Diminished mental health, including significant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, or problems with eating and/or sleeping can interfere with optimal academic performance. The source of symptoms might be related to your course work; if so, please speak with me. However, problems with relationships, family worries, loss, or a personal struggle or crisis can also contribute to decreased academic performance. Know that help, if needed, is available.

EIU provides cost-free mental health services through the Counseling Center to help you manage personal challenges that threaten your personal or academic well-being. Visit them on the first floor of the Human Services Building, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm. You may also contact them at 217-581-3413. For after-hours emergencies, contact their emergency number at 217-549-6483.

If you are uncomfortable seeking on-campus services, LifeLinks in Mattoon offers mental health services. Although they charge fees for some services, they have a no-cost toll free Crisis Line (866-567-2400); when a caller phones the toll free number, they are immediately connected to a trained crisis clinician. There is no cost for this service, and it is available 365 days per year, 24 hours per day.

Remember, getting help is a smart and healthy thing to do - for yourself and for your loved ones.