Math 214-01: Foundations of Mathematics (Fall 2013)



Instructor: Junping Shi, Jones 117, phone: 221-2030, jxshix@wm.edu

Meeting time and location: Tuesday and Thursday 11:00am-12:20pm, Morton Hall 342

Web pages:


Office Hours: TR 3:30-4:30pm, W 1:30-2:30pm or by appointment. Homework help session every Tuesday 3:30-4:30pm at Jones 131.

Text: Mathematical Proofs--A Transition to Advanced Mathematics by Gary Chartrand, Albert D. Polilmeni, and Ping Zhang (Third Edition). ISBN-13: 978-0321797094.

Course goal: The primary goal is to learn how to read and write rigorous and sophisticated mathematical statements and proofs. An integral part of this goal is mastering mathematical fundamentals such as logic, sets, functions, relations and numbers. Examples and problems are drawn in such a way to survey some different branches of "higher" mathematics.

Advice to students: Excellent advice on how to be successful in the course can be found in this document by Professor Doug West, a mathematics professor at the University of Illinois.

Quizzes and Tests: There will be 5 (20 min) quizzes on Sept 12, Sept 26, Oct 24, Nov 7 and Nov 21, all on Thursdays. There will be one mid-term exam (80 min) on Oct 17 (Thursday). Make-up quizzes  tests are only given in extreme circumstances such as documented serious illness or personal circumstance. I must review such cases prior to the start of the test.

Final Exam: final exam will be held on Monday Dec 9, 2pm-5pm. Location Morton Hall 342.

Homework: There will be weekly homework assignments. We cannot emphasize the importance of homework enough. Although understanding material while you read the text or listen to lecture is certainly important, your most important studying will be in completing the homework assignments. Perhaps the most fundamental part of this course is learning how to write and read precise mathematical ideas. Part of writing precise mathematical ideas is writing complete sentences with correct grammar. Homework written incoherently will not be judged complete! Incoherently includes, but is not limited to, using incomplete sentences, using incorrect grammar and overusing unnecessary mathematical notation. You are STRONGLY encouraged to discuss your homework with us prior to handing in homework. Start homework early and work steadily! Homework is usually due 5pm Wednesday. You are strongly suggested to use Latex to type your homework. Latex is a programming language to type texts with math content. You need to use some text editor to compile your .tex file, then use a latex compiler to typeset your latex file.Two lowest homework scores will be dropped.

Help Session: A weekly homework help session will be offered every Tuesday at Jones Hall 131. Time: 3:30-4:30pm

Attendance: Regular attendance is critical for your success in this course. I expect your presence at every lecture.

Grading: Your final grade is calculated as follows:



Honor Code: Students will uphold William and Mary's stated honor code as it is written, any infractions will be referred to the Honor Council.