Math 220: Foundations of Mathematics
Spring 2019

Instructor: Sarah Witherspoon
Email: sjw AT math.tamu.edu
Office and hours: TR 1:30-3 pm in Blocker 513B, or by appointment

Course web address: /~sjw/math220_2019.html

Class meetings: MWF 11:30 am - 12:20 pm in Blocker 148
Textbook: The Tools of Mathematical Reasoning, Tamara J. Lakins, American Mathematical Society, 2016, ISBN 978-1-4704-2899-0


Course requirements and grades
Course prerequisite: Math 148 or Math 152 or Math 172.
There is a term paper worth a total of 1/6 of your grade. Homework is worth 1/6 of your grade. Three in-class exams are worth 1/6 of your grade each. The final exam is worth 1/6 of your grade. Grades are assigned as follows based on your average: A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (0-59%).

Course description
3.0 credits. Foundations of mathematics including logic, set theory, combinatorics, and number theory.
We will cover approximately the first 7 chapters in the text.

Learning objectives
This course provides a foundation for mathematics courses beyond calculus, which often involve theory and proof writing. Students will learn many proof techniques as well as concepts in logic, set theory, functions, relations, and properties of integers and rational numbers. The emphasis throughout the course will be on communication and precision in the language of mathematics.


Weekly Schedule (tentative)
Week 1 (1/14-1/18): 1.1
Week 2 (1/22-1/25): 1.2, 2.1, 2.2
Week 3 (1/28-2/1): 2.3, 2.4, 3.1
Week 4 (2/4-2/8): Exam 1 Friday 2/8
Week 5 (2/11-2/15): 3.2, 4.1
Week 6 (2/18-2/22): 4.2, 4.3
Week 7 (2/25-3/1): 5.1, 5.2
Week 8 (3/4-3/8): Exam 2 Friday 3/8
Week 9 (3/18-3/22): 5.3, 5.4
Week 10 (3/25-3/29): 5.5, 6.1
Week 11 (4/1-4/5): 6.2, 6.3
Week 12 (4/8-4/12): Exam 3 Friday 4/12
Week 13 (4/15-4/18): 6.4, 6.5, 7.1
Week 14 (4/22-4/26): 7.2, 7.3
Week 15 (4/29-4/30): Finish, Review
FINAL EXAM: Tuesday, May 7, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm


Homework will be assigned approximately once per week. It must be turned in on time. For full credit on the homework, you must show all work and justify your answers. Emphasis will be placed on writing carefully and precisely. Working together on homework is fine and encouraged, but each of you should write up your own solutions.

Cell phones should only be used during class in cases of emergency. Other electronic devices should only be used for class activities such as taking notes; please let me know if you plan to do this.

Attendance Regular attendance is expected. Please let me know by e-mail, phone, or in person if you must miss two or more class days in a row. Likewise if you must arrive late or leave early; this is disruptive and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Make-up policy Make-ups for missed homework/exams will only be allowed if there is a university approved excuse in writing. Wherever possible, you should inform me prior to missing an exam. Consistent with University Student Rules, students are required to notify an instructor by the end of the second working day after an absence. Otherwise, they forfeit their rights to a make-up.

Writing Center The mission of the University Writing Center (UWC) is to help you develop and refine the communication skills vital to success in college and beyond. You can choose to work with a trained UWC peer consultant in person or via web conference or email. Consultants can help with everything from lab reports to application essays and at any stage of your process, from brainstorming to reviewing the final draft. You can also get help with public speaking, presentations, and group projects. The UWC's main location is on the second floor of Evens Library; there's also a walk-in location on the second floor of West Campus Library. To schedule an appointment or view helpful handouts and videos, visit writingcenter.tamu.edu. Or call 979-458-1455.


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ADA Statement The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with diabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accomodations of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accomodation, please contact the Department of Student Life Services for Students with Disabilities in room 118 of Cain Hall or call 845-1637.

Copyright Statement Please note that all written and web materials for this course are protected by copyright laws. You may xerox (or download) one copy for your own use, but multiple copies or the sale of any of these materials is strictly prohibited.