In this course, we will be collaboratively reading and presenting material from J. P. Serre's "Finite Groups: An Introduction".
- Time and location: TTh 1-2:30 PM, Room 2-147.
- Instructor: Kent Vashaw.
- Homework is posted here.
Schedule
- Sep 8: Introduction and 5 minute presentations
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Sep 13: Remainder of 5 minute presentations, how to present (with Michael Maune)
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Sep 15: First 30 min presentations
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Sep 20: First 30 min presentations
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Sep 22: First 30 min presentations
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Sep 27: First 30 min presentations
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Sep 29: How to present, redux (with Michael Maune)
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Oct 4: Problem session, final paper topic due (topics are on a first come first served basis)
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Oct 6: Second 30 min presentations
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Oct 11: HOLIDAY
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Oct 13: Second 30 min presentations
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Oct 18: Second 30 min presentations
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Oct 20: Second 30 min presentations
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Oct 25: Problem session, partial draft of final paper due
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Oct 27: Third 30 min presentations
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Nov 1: Third 30 min presentations
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Nov 3: Writing strategies (with Michael Maune)
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Nov 8: Third 30 min presentations
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Nov 10: Third 30 min presentations
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Nov 15: Problem session
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Nov 17: How to give presentations online (with Michael Maune), complete draft of paper for peer review due
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Nov 22: How to give peer feedback (with Michael Maune).
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Nov 24: HOLIDAY
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Nov 29: 20 min final presentations
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Dec 1: 20 min final presentations, peer feedback due
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Dec 6: 20 min final presentations
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Dec 8: 20 min final presentations
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Dec 13: 20 min final presentations, final paper due
Resources
- Syllabus.
- Tips for Authors, by J. S. Milne. A humorous collection of examples of what NOT to do when writing math.
- Mathlish, by J. S. Milne. Tips on how certain English phrases are typically used in the context of mathematics.
- Characteristics of an effective mathematics presentation, compiled by Susan Ruff. A list of basic expectations for your lectures, and what characteristics make a lecture good or excellent.
- Michael Maune, one of the Math Department's mathematical communication specialists, is available to help practice or write talks. You can contact him at mmaune@mit.edu, and sign up to meet with him at https://bit.ly/Maune.
- Merrick Cai is the Undergraduate Assistant for this course. He is available to help with writing and presenting. You can contact him at mercai@mit.edu to sign up for a 45-minute slot of his office hours (please email him at least 2 hours beforehand), which are:
- Mondays 4:15-5:45 in room 2-132;
- Wednesdays 2:30-4 in room 4-261.
- Slides from Michael Maune's lecture on September 13.
- Slides from Michael Maune's lecture on September 29.
- Slides from Michael Maune's lecture on November 3, and the expository paper where examples were taken from.