Math 220: Foundations of Mathematics
Spring 2012

Instructor: Sarah Witherspoon
Email: sjw AT math.tamu.edu
Office and hours: TR 1:30-3:00 in Milner 322, and by appointment

Course web address: http://www.math.tamu.edu/~sjw/math220.html

Class meetings: MWF 11:30-12:20 in Blocker 148
Text: Bond and Keane, An Introduction to Abstract Mathematics, 2007, Waveland Press, ISBN 1577665392.


Course requirements and grades
Course prerequisite: Math 172.
There are writing assignments worth a total 1/4 of your grade (in addition to writing on homework assignments and exams). Homework is worth 1/6 of your grade, and class participation in proof writing workshops (held in class most Wednesdays) is worth 1/12 of your grade. Two in-class exams and a final exam are worth 1/6 of your grade each. Grades are assigned as follows based on your average: A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (0-59%).

Course description
3.0 credits. Foundations of mathematics including logic, set theory, combinatorics, and number theory.
We will cover approximately the first 7 chapters in the text.

Learning objectives
This course provides a foundation for mathematics courses beyond calculus, which often involve theory and proof writing. Various proof techniques will be introduced and used, as well as topics in logic, set theory, functions, relations, and properties of integers, real and complex numbers. The emphasis throughout the course will be on communication and precision in the language of mathematics.


Weekly Schedule (tentative)
Week 1 (1/18-1/20): 1.1, 1.2
Week 2 (1/23-1/27): 1.3, 1.4
Week 3 (1/30-2/3): 2.1, 2.2
Week 4 (2/6-2/10): 2.3, 3.1
Week 5 (2/13-2/17): Exam 1 Wednesday 2/15
Week 6 (2/20-2/24): 3.2, 3.3
Week 7 (2/27-3/2): 5.1, 5.2
Week 8 (3/5-3/9): 5.3, 5.4
Week 9 (3/19-3/23): 4.1, 4.2
Week 10 (3/26-3/30): Exam 2 Friday 3/30
Week 11 (4/2-4/4): 5.5, 6.1
Week 12 (4/9-4/13): 6.2
Week 13 (4/16-4/20): 7.1
Week 14 (4/23-4/27): 7.2, 7.3
Week 15 (4/30, 5/1): Finish Chapter 7 and Review
FINAL EXAM: Monday, May 7, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm


Homework will be assigned approximately once per week. It must be turned in on time. For full credit on the homework, you must show all work and justify your answers. Working together on homework is fine and encouraged, but each of you should write up your own solutions.

Attendance Regular attendance is expected. Please let me know by e-mail, phone, or in person if you must miss two or more class days in a row. Likewise if you must arrive late or leave early; this is disruptive and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Make-up policy Make-ups for missed homework/exams will only be allowed if there is a university approved excuse in writing. Wherever possible, you should inform me prior to missing an exam. Consistent with University Student Rules, students are required to notify an instructor by the end of the second working day after an absence. Otherwise, they forfeit their rights to a make-up.


An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do. The Aggie Code of Honor is an effort to unify the aims of all Texas A&M men and women toward a high code of ethics and personal dignity. For most, living under this code will be no problem, as it asks nothing of a person that is beyond reason. It only calls for honesty and integrity, characteristics that Aggies have always exemplified. The Aggie Code of Honor functions as a symbol to all Aggies, promoting understanding and loyalty to truth and confidence in each other. Violations of the Aggie Honor Code and the handling of such violations are discussed at the web site http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu.

ADA Statement The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with diabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accomodations of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accomodation, please contact the Department of Student Life Services for Students with Disabilities in room 118 of Cain Hall or call 845-1637.

Copyright Statement Please note that all written and web materials for this course are protected by copyright laws. You may xerox (or download) one copy for your own use, but multiple copies or the sale of any of these materials is strictly prohibited.


Homework Assignment 1: due Friday, 1/27
1.1: 1a,d,f,h,i; 2a,b,d,i; 4a,c; 5a,b; 7a,b,c; 8a,b,c,d; 9a,b,c; D5; D6
1.2: 4a,d; 5a,d; 6a,b,c; 7a,b,c; 9a,b; 14; D1; D3