Each student will write a term paper on a topic of their choice that must be approved by the instructor, different from that of the class presentation. The content should be mathematical and historical, with appropriate mathematics arguments and the historical setting clearly established. Lengthy biographical sketches are not needed - they are easily available. On the other hand, relevant biographical information which has consequences on a mathematician work as well as historical antecedents of the points you are explaining, and their historical consequences, are worth exploring.
The term paper will be graded on it's content, as well as on how well it is written
The target length of the paper should 4000 - 6000 words (including the bibliography), in an easily readable font (possibly Times New Roman or Cambria), in 12pt size, double spaced.
Relevant diagrams and figures are a plus.
The term paper should be submitted on Blackoard, before Tuesday May 7th, in PDF form.
There is no required format for the bibliography, (which must be included at the end of the paper). Sources must be cited in the paper.
Late papers cannot be accepted.
To receive full credit you have to submit topic, bibliography, and draft on time. The dates and links to submit are in course schedule (each on the corresponding week).
Keep in mind: As in the presentation, the paper should give a brief historic frame of the topic you are discussing, a brief mathematical frame and a very clear discussion of a particular math point. This math point can be, for instantce, the solution of a problem, or the proof of a statement. Your “math point” has to be something you understand very well.
Here are two sample outlines (from two of our students)
The approximate rubrik for grading the paper is below
- (0.25 point) Outline Content -on April 4th.
- (0.25 point) Bibliography, including at least two books beyond our textbook - on April 11.
- (0.25 point) Draft - on April 18.
- (0.25 point) References are relevant and correctly cited.
- (0.25 point) Illustrations are relevant and, if necessary, correctly attributed.
- (0.25 point) Ideas are arranged logically and flow smoothly.
- (0.25 point) Writing is clear, with no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors .
- (0.25 point) There are relevant and consistent connections with the content of the course.
- (0.25 point) Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding and careful, critical analysis
- (0.25 point) Creativity/Originality, personal point of view.
- (0.25 point) New information and/or important issues are considered.
- (1.25 points) Historical context is clear and relelvant.
- (3 points) Mathematical general content is clear an relelvant.
- (3 points) Mathematical specific point is well understood and explained.
A good test for your paper: read it in loud voice. How does it sound? Is it telling a good story? Also, be careful with the excess of formulae.
Plagiarism:
- Do not even think about doing it.
- Any student who plagiarizes material will receive zero for the course, and will be reported to Academic Judiciary.
- All the work you submit be your own work. If you cheat or aid someone in cheating, you will automatically fail this course and be brought up on charges of academic dishonesty without warning.
- Cheating includes: presenting work of other as your own, copying other student work, facilitate that other student copies your work, cut and paste from websites without the appropriate acknowledgment, use of notes, calculators and/or electronic devices during examinations.
- The term paper will be checked with SafeAssign and if cheating is detected, it will be reported to the Academic Judiciary.