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                                                        Math 437: Number Theory

Semester 091

 

Term Assignment: oral and written                                                              

 

            As part of the assignment for the course, each student is expected to do an oral and a written presentation in some area of mathematics. The oral part is to be a summary explanation of the written portion, not a reading of the prepared paper.

 

            The paper itself is to be written following the usual documentation for writings done for the Core program, using 12 point Times New Roman font size. Between 300 and 500 words in length, it is to be an explanatory treatment of a topic intended to be read by an intelligent and interested non-mathematician.

 

            The topic of the oral/written presentation is to be chosen from areas of study that the student has already pursued in previous or current mathematics courses.  Some subject matter from calculus, abstract or linear algebra, geometry, or computing would be suitable for the assignment for this course in number theory. The topic is to be approved by your instructor, Fr. Gilbert.

 

            The topic with a tentative bibliography, printed from a word processor, is to be brought to class for approval on or before Wednesday, September 9. The final paper will be due on or before Wednesday, October 21, during the week following the mid-term break. The oral part, between five and ten minutes in length, will be scheduled two or three per class from that date.

 

            The student is to use a spell checker for the paper before turning in the finished product, and a printer with a reasonably operative ribbon.  There is no need for eye-catching displays; the content of the paper and its readability are the important concerns.

 

            For the oral work, the participation of the class will be significant. Thus, all are expected to be present and attentive for each of the presentations. Speaking with clear enunciation and with understanding of the material presented is obviously important and will be reflected in the grade accorded to the oral portion.

 

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