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IN207  Honors Seminar in Mathematics - INFINITY

Guide:  James V. Rauff,  Professor of Mathematics 

Office:   Shilling Hall 203J
                Office phone: 424-6249
                Office hours: 

Textbooks:

Infinity and the Mind by Rudy Rucker.

(Princeton, 2005) ISBN 0-691-12127-3.

Oglala Religion by William K. Powers.

(U. Nebraska Press, 1977) ISBN: 0-8032-8706-2.

Labyrinths: Selected Stories and Other Writings by Jorge Luis Borges.

(New Directions, 2007) ISBN 978-0811216999

Course description:    In this seminar we undertake an exploration of the mathematics of infinity.  We will explore the infinite levels of infinity .  Along the way we will encounter surreal numbers, robot consciousness, shamanistic transcendence, parallel universes, mysticism, chaos, truth, and beauty.  Our main guide to the infinite will be mathematics, but we will also be assisted by anthropology, art, linguistics, literature, philosophy, mythology and physics.    

Requirements: The ideas that you will encounter in this course are dense, deep, and complex.  It is important that you attend carefully to the reading and writing assignments.  It is also important that you attend class and participate in the discussions.

• You will be given reading assignments for every class period and writing assignments each week (except the first week). Writing assignments must be  typed (double-spaced), but extensive mathematical notation may be handwritten. Assignments will be posted in the Daily Planner shown below.  The writing assignments may require some contemplation. I recommend that you look ahead to them and not try to do the whole assignment the night before it is due.
• You will be expected to contribute to discussions in class.  I prefer spontaneous and engaged discussion, but reserve the right to query individuals directly.
• You also will prepare a term project on some aspect of infinity (history, theory, experiment, personality, etc.)  This project can be a traditional term paper, a multimedia presentation, a one-act play, a computer program, a musical composition, a work of visual art or whatever moves you and is approved by me.  The nature of the project is up to you, but it must include a written explanation of the aspects or concepts of infinity addressed in the work and a self-assessment of the project. All projects will be presented to the seminar in December. The presentation should be about 10 minutes in length. You should discuss your ideas for your project with me before November 14.   A brief list of example topics can be found by clicking here. You are not limited to these choices!

Your grade will be based upon the quality of your oral and written work.  Weekly written assignments with count for 55% of your grade, attendance and class participation 20%, and the final project 25%.  My grading scale is unimaginative: 93% + is an A, 83% a B, 73% a C, etc.  Late written assignments will be penalized.

Keys to Success:  These are obvious, but worth reiterating.  Attend class.  Do all the reading and writing assignments promptly.  Participate in class discussions. Ask questions.  Ask more questions.

Schedule of Assignments:   Reading and writing assignments are listed on the day they are due.

Cell phones:  Turn off your cell phone during class or set it to vibrate rather than ring.  Violators will be assessed exponentially increasing point deductions for each offense.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Honors Program:   At the end of four years, honors students will have (1) created a substantial original project resulting from interdisciplinary collaboration and independent research and (2) demonstrated critical thinking, oral communication, and self-assessment skills.

Quantitative Reasoning Goals : A student who successfully completes a Millikin QR course will demonstrate the ability to  (1) use deductive reasoning in a formal, symbolic, axiomatic system, and  (2) apply the theorems of the system to solve appropriate problems.

Academic Honesty Policy
All students are expected to uphold professional standards for academic honesty and integrity in their research, writing, and related performances. Academic honesty is the standard we expect from all students. Read the Student Handbook for further details about offenses involving academic integrity at: http://www.millikin.edu/handbook/judicial_system.asp. Staley Library also hosts a web site on Preventing Plagiarism, which includes the complete university policy. It is located at: http://www.millikin.edu/staley/research/prevent_plagiarism.asp. Visit and carefully read the Preventing Plagiarism web site.

The Faculty has the right and the responsibility to hold students to high ethical standards in conduct and in works performed, as befits a scholar at the university. Faculty members have the responsibility to investigate all suspected breaches of academic integrity that arise in their courses. They will make the determination as to whether the student violated the Academic Integrity Policy. Should the faculty member determine that the violation was intentional and egregious, he or she will decide the consequences, taking into account the severity and circumstances surrounding the violation, and will inform the student in writing, forwarding a copy of the letter to the Registrar and to the Dean of Student Development.

This letter will be destroyed when the student graduates from the University unless a second breach of integrity occurs, or unless the first instance is of sufficient magnitude to result in failure of the course, with an attendant XF grade recorded in the transcript. If an XF is assigned for the course, the faculty letter of explanation becomes a permanent part of the student’s record. If a second violation occurs subsequent to the first breach of integrity, the Dean of Student Development will begin disciplinary and judicial processes of the University, as outlined in the Student Handbook.

If a student receives an XF for a course due to academic dishonesty, this remains as a permanent grade and cannot be removed from the transcript. However, students may repeat the course for credit toward graduation. Some programs and majors have more explicit ethical standards, which supersede this Policy, and violation of which may result in dismissal from some programs or majors within the University. If you have difficulty with any assignment in this course, please see me rather than consider academic dishonesty.

Disability Accommodation Policy

Please address any special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you should submit your documentation to the Office of Academic Development at Millikin University, currently located in Staley Library 014.