Instructor: Richard Stark, SB 172, ext. 4371, email: richard@stark.smcm.edu

Office Hours: M-W-F 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Other times are available upon appointment.

Time and Place: Tu-Th 6:00 - 7:50 p.m., SB 109

Text: Numbers -- notes written by the St. Mary's Mathematics Faculty (available in class); several handouts (also available in class)

Content: The course will give an introduction to the mathematical ways of thinking and present a variety of mathematical topics. Initially we will pose and ask you to solve various problems involving mathematics. This will be followed by a discussion of our number systems: natural numbers (positive whole numbers), integers (all whole numbers), rational numbers (fractions), and real numbers (all numbers that can be written as decimals. Then set theory will be introduced -- a set is a collection of objects that are called its elements. After becoming acquainted with the concepts of subset, union, intersection, and complement, infinite sets will be discussed and, going back to numbers, we will ask the question whether all sets of numbers have the same size (are all infinite sets alike?). Finally, if time permits, you will do some geometrical constructions with ruler and compass.

Classes: There will be lectures, discussions, and many problems will be investigated and solved in class or as homework. To keep up in the course, it is important that you attend all classes and prepare for each class. Much of your work should be in writing -- English sentences, not just formulas or numbers -- and you are encouraged to discuss your work with other students in the class. Often, the class will split into small groups to discuss problems and work examples together. Frequent in-class quizzes will help you keep up-to-date. Don't hesitate to speak up, ask questions, and voice your opinion.

Teaching Assistant: Courtney Russell, an upper-division computer science/mathematics major, will be teaching assistant for this class. She will attend classes, hold outside-of-class help sessions, and give some lectures.

Help: Feel free to come to my office for help, or just for a chat. Bring your questions and discuss your problems with me or with Courtney.

Homework: Homework will not be collected but you may turn in problems that you have worked if you are not sure about your answers or need some feedback. Homework problems may also be discussed in class at your request.

Evaluation: There will be (very) frequent unannounced quizzes, some to be taken in pairs or groups of two or three persons, two tests, and a final exam.
Quizzes -- 30%; each test -- 20%; final exam -- 30%. Note that quizzes account for a large portion of your grade.

Tests: Dates for the tests and the final will be announced in class.