All papers must be submitted electronically through turn-it-in.com and in paper form as well. Details will be discussed in class.
Deadlines:
Was the book good? Would you recommend it? To whom? Did you learn anything by reading the book? Why did you choose this book? Were there any ideas in the book, or prompted by the book, that changed your outlook on mathematics? Briefly summarize the main ideas (or interesting points) in the book.
The paper should be written in first person. No two people in the class may choose the same book and books are reserved on a first come basis by telling the instructor which book you plan to read. Reserving a book: Students may reserve a book by turning in a 3"x5" card with the Bibliography style book listing and the student's name.
Purpose: To allow each student to define a part of the course. To provide an alternative to the standard term paper for those who would like a little more direction in their mathematical explorations. The presentations should ensure that everyone gets some exposure to the ideas in the books read.
Format: The paper must be typed and written in first person. Notes are appropriate whenever you are repeating an idea that came from someone else. In particular, the book being reviewed should be referenced. Any consistent recognized form of referencing is acceptable. I recommend MLA or APA format both of which are explained in the Holt Handbook used at SU for English 101.
Length and Grading Criteria: All papers should be at least five double spaced typed pages and absolutely no more than fifteen double spaced pages (If a paper is fifteen pages long it had better be good!!). Papers will be graded on form, style and content. Included in form are grammar, spelling and punctuation as well as the physical presentation of the paper. Included in content is proper citation of sources, accuracy and interest. Included in style are readability, transitions and all the intangible things that make a good piece of prose.
Rough Drafts: Are required and must be typed! See me for more information. I will read rough drafts and make suggestions, primarily on style and grammar as well as whether you leave any important questions unanswered.. I suggest you also get at least one friend to read your rough draft and make suggestions as well. Rough drafts are a requirement. I will not accept any final paper without having previously seen an acceptable rough draft. However, no grade will be associated with rough drafts.
Presentations: Are required. If you do not do an "acceptable" presentation you will not get credit for your paper. Unless you make it clear in your presentation that you did not write the paper, this is the only effect the presentation will have on your grade. The presentations will be informal; you need only get up in front of the class and tell us what you learned about your topic. You should allow students to ask questions but remember that "I don't know" is an acceptable answer. This is not an oral exam. Each presentation should be five to ten minutes long.
Purpose: To ensure for each individual an opportunity to use his or her increased understanding of the nature of mathematics to explore an area in which he/she is particularly interested and to share the results of his/her exploration with the class in a presentation and with me in paper form.
Format: The paper should be a library "research" paper and have as an absolute minimum 2 separate sources. Any consistent recognized form of referencing is acceptable. I recommend MLA or APA format both of which are explained in the Holt Handbook used at SU for English 101.
Some paper topics used in the past:
Rough Drafts: Are required and must be typed! See me for more information. I will read rough drafts and make suggestions, primarily on style and grammar as well as whether you leave any important questions unanswered. I suggest you also get at least one friend to read your rough draft and make suggestions as well. Rough drafts are a requirement. I will not accept any final paper without having previously seen an acceptable rough draft. However, no grade will be associated with rough drafts.
Presentations: Are required. If you do not do an "acceptable" presentation you will not get credit for your paper. Unless you make it clear in your presentation that you did not write the paper, this is the only effect the presentation will have on your grade. The presentations will be informal; you need only get up in front of the class and tell us what you learned about your topic. You should allow students to ask questions but remember that "I don't know" is an acceptable answer. This is not an oral exam. Each presentation should be five to ten minutes long.
Project Assignment:
Rough Drafts: Rather than a rough draft, students working on creative projects must turn in a detailed description of the project and report on their progress at the same time others are turning in rough drafts. This allows for feedback from the professor similar to that given to students writing papers and reviews.
Presentations: Are required. If you do not do an "acceptable" presentation you will not get credit for your project. In most cases this is the only effect the presentation will have on your grade. The presentations can be informal; you need only get up in front of the class and tell us what you learned about your topic and how your project conveys that. You should allow students to ask questions but remember that "I don't know" is an acceptable answer. This is not an oral exam. Unless otherwise arranged in advance, each presentation should be five to ten minutes long and occur during the last two weeks of class.