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\title{Math 113: Discrete Structures}
\author[Math 113:  Discrete Structures]{Fall 2017}
\date{28.VIII.17}

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Place:  &Library 389\\
Time: &MWF, 1:10--2:00\textsc{p.m.}\\
Instructor: &Kyle Ormsby (\href{mailto:ormsbyk@reed.edu}{\nolinkurl{ormsbyk@reed.edu}})\\
Office Hours: &Library 306, M 2--3\textsc{p.m.}, Th 1:30--2:30\textsc{p.m.}\\
&Reed Canyon, F 2:30\textsc{p.m.}\\
Textbook: &\emph{Discrete Mathematics: Elementary and Beyond}\\
Website: &\href{http://people.reed.edu/~ormsbyk/113/}{\nolinkurl{people.reed.edu/~ormsbyk/113/}}
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\subsection*{Summary}
This course is a rigorous, problem-centered exploration of the mathematics of discrete structures focusing on the following subjects:
\begin{itemize}
\item \emph{Combinatorics} tells us why there are 40,320 ways to place eight non-attacking rooks on an 8$\times$8 chessboard.  We will learn how to count permutations, combinations, derangements, and other collections, develop the language of sets and functions, and utilize basic proof techniques like the pigeon hole principle and mathematical induction.
\item \emph{Probability} tells us why it's likely that two of us share the same birthday.  We will study Bayes' Theorem, the law of large numbers, and expected values.
\item \emph{Number theory} tells us why we shouldn't try to solve the equation $a^3+b^3=c^3$ with nonzero integers.  Topics include divisibility, prime numbers, the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic, modular arithmetic, and Fermat's Little Theorem.
\end{itemize}

\subsection*{Course design}
Nearly all of our meetings will break down into three components:
\begin{itemize}
\item \emph{Reading}.  Every class will have an assigned reading which you must complete and engage with before we meet.  At the start of class, you will turn in answers to several simple reading questions.  You are also encouraged to submit questions on the text or requests for review of a topic (accompanied by an explanation of what you find confusing).
\item \emph{Active class sessions}.  Our 50-minute meetings will include mini-lectures delivered by the instructor and group work with your peers.  The mini-lectures will delve deeper into reading topics and attempt to answer your questions.  The group work will allow you to interact with and truly understand the material through problem-solving.  There will be many opportunities for presenting solutions and proofs to your peers.
\item \emph{Homework}.  I will assign two or three harder homework problems for you to complete after class.  These are due at the start of the next class meeting (along with your reading responses for the upcoming meeting).
\end{itemize}

\subsection*{Texts}
The course will use \emph{Discrete Structures: Elementary and Beyond} as its primary text.  Copies are available in the campus bookstore, and will additionally be on reserve in the library.  I will also assign and supply a number of supplementary readings.

\subsection*{Reading assignments}
The required reading is essential to the course and provides a leaping off point for each of our class meetings.  The reading questions are intended to ensure that you are following the text at an appropriate level; they should not be particularly hard, though some will be nontrivial.  They will be assessed primarily for completion on a $+$/\checkmark/$-$ scale.

\subsection*{Homework}
Homework is due at the start of (nearly) every class meeting.  Excellent solutions take many forms, but they all have the following characteristics:

\begin{itemize}
\item they are written as explanations for other students in the course; in particular, they fully explain all of their reasoning and do not assume that the reader will fill in details;
\item they include a paraphrasing of the problem;
\item when graphical reasoning is called for, they include large, carefully drawn and labelled diagrams;
\item they are neatly written or typeset;\footnote{Interested students are 
encouraged to prepare solutions in the \LaTeX~document preparation 
system.  A guide to \LaTeX~resources is available on the course 
website.} and
\item they use complete sentences, even when formulas or symbols are involved.
\end{itemize}

Each homework problem can earn up to \textbf{eight points}, \textbf{five} of them awarded for mathematical insight into the problem and \textbf{three} for written communication.  Late assignments \emph{will not be accepted} in any form, but your two lowest homework assignment scores will be dropped.

\subsection*{Collaboration}
You are permitted and encouraged to work with your peers on homework problems.  You must cite those with whom you worked, and you must write up solutions independently.  \textbf{Duplicated solutions will not be accepted and constitute a violation of the Honor Principle.}

\subsection*{Revisions}
You may revise any homework problem after receiving comments, and you will sometimes be encouraged to revise problems.  This will allow you the opportunity to perfect the skills required to solve the problems.  You may revise multiple times, and will receive the average of all of your scores.  You may not revise a problem which was originally turned in late.  Revisions must be turned in at most one week after you receive comments on the previous version of a solution.  There are no revisions of answers to reading questions.

\subsection*{Dictionary}
As the term progresses, you will produce a personal dictionary of terms and concepts important to the course.  You should include at least two entries per meeting, and the entries should be arranged chronologically.  I will check progress on your dictionary every three weeks.

\subsection*{Tests}
We will have two in-class midterms and a final exam. You may reference one two-sided 8.5"$\times$11" page of notes during each exam.  You may \emph{not} collaborate with your classmates or other individuals on the exam problems.

\begin{itemize}
\item Midterm 1: Friday, September 29
\item Midterm 2: Friday, November 3
\item Final Exam: two hours, as scheduled by the registrar
\end{itemize}

\subsection*{Joint expectations}
As members of a communal learning environment, we should all expect consideration, fairness, patience, and curiosity from each other.  Our aim is to all learn more through cooperation and genuine listening and sharing, not to compete or show off.  I expect diligence and academic and intellectual honesty from each of you.  You should expect that I will do my best to focus the course on interesting, pertinent topics, and that I will provide feedback and guidance which will help you excel as a student.

\subsection*{Help}
There are a number of resources you can access for help with this course's content.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend my office hours, Monday 2--3\textsc{p.m} and Thursday 1:30--2:30\textsc{p.m.} in Library 306.  Since some ideas are better pondered while moving, I will also lead perambulatory office hours in the Reed Canyon Fridays 2:30\textsc{p.m.}\footnote{Meet in the lawn behind Eliot Hall, all weather.  Walk will proceed along the full Reed Canyon trail loop in the counterclockwise direction.}  If you are unable to make these times, I am happy to schedule alternate times at which to meet with you.

The math department also hosts drop-in tutoring in Library 387 Sunday--Thursday 7--9\textsc{p.m.}  Upperclass tutors will be available to clarify concepts and help you with homework problems.

Finally, every Reed student is entitled to one hour of free individual tutoring per week.  Use the tutoring app in IRIS to arrange to work with a student tutor.

\subsection*{Piazza}
Our section has a Piazza page on which you can ask and answer questions.  Sign up at \texttt{piazza.com/reed/fall2017/math113f02}.  Please do not discuss homework solutions on Piazza, although it is fine to ask for problem clarification or a specific conceptual or technical question whose answer is related to a problem.  The Piazza page is an extension of our classroom and Reed, and the Honor Principle and our joint expectations govern our conversations there.

\subsection*{Technology}
The use of electronic devices (cell phones, computers, tablets, 
calculators, \emph{\&c}) is strictly prohibited in the classroom without prior 
authorization from the instructor.  That said, legitimate uses 
of technology (\emph{e.g.}, note-taking) will be accommodated --- 
just talk to me first.

\subsection*{Academic accommodations}
If you have a documented disability requiring academic accommodation, please let me know during the first week of class and provide a copy of your letter from  Disability Support Services (DSS).  If you believe you have an undocumented disability and that accommodations would ensure equal access to your Reed education, I would be happy to help you contact DSS

\subsection*{Grades}
Your grade will reflect a composite assessment of the work you produce for the class, weighted in the following fashion:  50\% homework, 15\% final exam, 10\% midterm 1, 10\% midterm 2, 5\% class participation, 5\% reading assignments, 5\% dictionary.

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Remember: \emph{Math is hard, but we're going to get through this together!}
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