Instructor: M. Kate Kearney
E-Mail: kearney@gonzaga.edu
Office Number: Herak 227B
Office Hours: 11:20-12:00 MWF, 10:00-11:00 TR (Thursday in Math Lab) or by appointment
Useful links:
• Excerpts from Proofs from THE BOOK
• N is a Number, the story of Paul Erdos
• LaTeX resources
Course description:
A development of standard proof techniques through examination of logic, set theory, topology of the real line,
one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions. Additional topics may be chosen from analysis and algebra.
Prerequisite: MATH 259 Minimum Grade: D
Unlike most math classes, the goal of this course is not to cover any particular area of mathematics, but to develop
the ability to write and understand mathematical proofs. We will roughly follow a textbook, but only to the extent that we should
have some common knowledge and some topics to write proofs on. We will most of our time working on solving problems, constructing
logical arguments, writing proofs, evaluating logical arguments, editing our proofs, and improving our writing. By the end of the
semester you should be able to construct sound logical arguments, evaluate arguments for consistency, recognize basic proof techniques,
and write your arguments clearly and concisely. We will use logic and set theory as a framework to begin, but we will touch on
many other areas of mathematics by the end of the semester.
Considering the focus on mathematical writing, this course is designated as Writing Enriched under the university core curriculum.
As such, it meets the following learning outcomes: At the completion of this course, students will be able to
• demonstrate competency in formal and informal writing specific to the discipline in which the writing occurs.
• integrate appropriate primary and secondary research in their writing by the means customarily used in the discipline.
• incorporate feedback received during an intensive revision process.
Class meets MWF 9:00-9:50 am in PACCAR 101 (Section 01) or MWF 10:00-11:50 pm in PACCAR 101 (Section 02).
In accordance with Gonzaga's attendance policy you should not miss more than 6 meetings of this course.
We will be using the book Book of Proof,
by Richard Hammack. It is available online, but you can also buy a copy in paperback if you prefer.
Grades will be assigned based on the following:
Homework
20%
Portfolio and other written work
40%
Exams
40%
• Homework will be assigned approximately once a week. Homework assignments will be announced in class and subsequently posted on
this webpage. Late homework will be accepted for up to 50% credit for up to one week after the due date.
The purpose of homework is to practice the new concepts we learn in class and to practice proof-writing. You are expected to write complete,
detailed solutions to all homework problems and use this as an opportunity to improve your proof-writing skills.
• Portfolio Over the course of the semester we will have several proof-writing workshops in class. The nature of these
will change as we develop our proof-writing skills, but each will involve working on a particular proof. You will bring a draft of a
proof (or maybe a few proofs) to class, and we will give each other comments and discuss how to improve our proofs. Following each workshop
you should rewrite your proof, considering the comments you receive from your classmates. Your final drafts of these proofs will be graded
for your portfolio. You should turn in all portfolio proofs electronically, written in LaTeX. Keep an ongoing file of all portfolio proofs.
• Other Written Work An important aspect of the study of mathematics is the ability to read mathematical writing,
to listen to talks on mathematics, and to summarize what you have understood. You will have several short writing assignments
in which will you demonstrate this ability by exploring mathematics both written and verbally presented, and writing a response
paper. Please note: This will include required attendance at a math talk of your choice at some point in the semester.
The schedule of these talks will be provided as soon as it is available.
• Exams You will take two exams, a midterm and a (noncumulative) final. You will be tested over the mathematical
concepts we develop. Exams will include proof-writing. They may include problems you have already seen in your homework.
Midterm Exam is scheduled for Wednesday, March 7. Exam date will be confirmed at least two weeks prior to the exam.
Make-ups must be confirmed with your Professor at least 24 hours prior to the exam.
Final Exam will be held as scheduled
by the University on Tuesday, May 8, 1-3 pm (Section 02) or Wednesday, May 9, 8-10 am (Section 01). You may petition to take your final with the
other section if you prefer an alternate time. Requests will be granted provided there is sufficient classroom space. Makeup Examinations
Make up exams will be given at the discretion of the instructor. You must have approval from your instructor to take
a make up exam.
Attendance Policy
More than six absences are sufficient cause for a lowering of the final grade by one letter or assignment of a V-grade.
Travel Arrangements
Please make travel arrangements for holidays, weekend getaways, family celebrations, volunteer work, and advisor/doctor
appointments so there are no class conflicts.
Students with Disabilities
Appropriate accommodations can be made for students with a documented disability. Please notify me and make arrangements with
the DREAM office (Foley 209, or ext. 4134)
Academic Integrity
While collaboration and good use of resources are important for the learning process, you are expected to complete all your
work on your own. You may talk with other people about how to solve homework problems, but your write-up should be done individually.
Quizzes and tests are strictly your own work and any evidence of sources outside your own brain will be considered cheating.
Sharing your work inappropriately with another student is also considered cheating.
Any cases of cheating will be dealt with seriously. You will be asked to meet with me and the math department chair. Severe cases may result in failure of the course
and will be reported to the Dean.
Please refer to the student handbook for a description of the University's Academic Honesty policy.
Title IX
Gonzaga University recognizes the inherent dignity of all individuals and promotes respect for all people.
Sexual misconduct will NOT be tolerated at Gonzaga. If you have been the victim of sexual misconduct we encourage
you to report this matter promptly. As a faculty member, I am interested in promoting a safe and healthy
environment, and should I learn of any sexual misconduct I must report the matter to the Title IX Coordinator.
Should you want to report to a confidential source you may contact the following:
• Gonzaga Health Center | 509.313.4052 | 704 E Sharp Avenue
• Gonzaga Counseling Center | 509.313.4054 | 324 E Sharp Avenue
• Any priest serving as a sacramental confessor or any ordained religious leader serving in the sacred confidence role. | 509.313.4242
• University Lutheran Community Services and SAFeT | 509.624.RAPE
