Colloquium in Mathematics and Computer Science I & II

Course Syllabus

Professor

Name and Title

Dr. David A. Reimann, Professor (he/him/his)
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Albion College
Albion, Michigan

Office

252 Putnam

Student Meetings

I want you to succeed in this course! Contact me as soon as possible if you have questions. Don't wait until you are completely lost to ask for help. Drop-in to my office or meet with me virtually (via Google Meet) to talk about the course or personal struggles you are facing that affect your course performance. It is often most productive if you have specific questions on assignments or material covered in class.

These times I have set aside to provide you individual help. I will be regularly available

• Monday 2:15–4:00 pm,
• Wednesday 2:15–4:00 pm,
• Thursday 2:15–3:00 pm,
• and by appointment.

For simple questions, chatting before or after class is often the most convenient.

I will generally not directly answer your question or directly solve homework problems. Rather, I will work with you for you to discover solutions by clarifying and leading you along a promising path. This might be me asking you questions and working with you in solving similar problems.

These are also good times to discuss more general topics such as mathematics, computer science, Albion, research, graduate school, careers, or if you just want to hangout! It is also important to come see me if you missed class.

Email

dreimann@albion.edu

Website

http://zeta.albion.edu/~dreimann/

Phone

517-629-0426 (Office)
517-629-0361 (Department)

Faculty Role

In teaching, faculty equip students with the knowledge, skills, and creativity grounded in a belief in students' ability to learn and the desire to help students engage in their own learning. Faculty are not babysitters — we expect you to take personal responsibility for your learning.

Communication

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.

Class

The best time to ask general questions is in class. It is likely that if you are confused, others are as well. Talk to me before or after class about other issues. For example, issues about absences, setting up a special appointment, questions about assignments, etc.

Office

Come see me in my office for help with the course or other questions you might have.

Email

Email me with questions, updates, or meeting requests.

Google Chat

Send me a chat message with questions, updates, or meeting requests.

General

It is hard to over communicate.
I want you to succeed!

Course

Course

Math/CS 299/399

Course Name

Colloquium in Mathematics and Computer Science I & II

Credit

0.25 Unit

CRN

CS 299 (Section 1; CRN: 2056)
CS 399 (Section 1; CRN: 2060)
Math 299 (Section 1; CRN: 2075)
Math 399 (Section 1; CRN: 2080)

Catalog Descriptions

Math/CS 299:Selected topics in mathematics and computer science as presented by students, departmental faculty and visiting speakers. Requirements include written summaries of each presentation and a paper on a mathematics/computer science topic of personal interest.

Math/CS 399: Selected topics in mathematics and computer science as presented by students, departmental faculty and visiting speakers. Requirements include written summaries of each presentation, a departmental major assessment examination, and an oral presentation on a mathematics/computer science topic of personal interest.

Extended Description

The main goal of this course is to increase your engagement in the discipline. As a mathematics or computer science major or minor, you have only a limited number of courses and professors at Albion. This course is designed to broaden your horizons and learn more about mathematics and computer science topics. Another goal of our colloquium courses is to help develop your ability to communicate effectively. You will also learn more about a topic of interest to you.

Cross-listing statement

Since Math 299 and CS 299 are cross listed courses, the 299 course may not be taken again under the other designator. Likewise, because Math 399 and CS 399 are cross listed courses, the 399 course may not be taken again under the other designator.

Prerequisite

Math/CS 299: Math 143 or CS 173.
Math/CS 399: Math/CS 299 and senior standing.

Meeting Times

Thursday 3:30–4:35 pm

List of Speakers

http://mathcs.albion.edu/Colloquium_List.php

Website

http://zeta.albion.edu/~dreimann/Spring2024/courses/math-cs-299-399/

Schedule

http://zeta.albion.edu/~dreimann/Spring2024/courses/math-cs-299-399/schedule.php

Resources

Required Books

None

Online References

LateX Wikibook.
The (Not So) Short Introduction to LaTeX2e
How to use BibTeX

Required Software

1. We will be using LaTeX and BibTeX for document preparation. This a free system available in for a variety of platforms. I strongly encourage you to use Overleaf, which is an online platform. Not only will you have access to you files everywhere, you can share them with me. See Get LaTeX for other LaTeX options.
2. Google Meet
3. A modern up-to-date web browser

Required and Optional Computer Hardware

1. Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux
2. A optional mouse is very helpful for most coding
3. A network connection — an optional hardwired connection is best
4. An optional auxiliary monitor can be helpful

Albion College Technology

Guides & Resources - For Students

Student Learning Outcomes

Learning Goals

Math 299 and CS 299: After successful completion of 299, students will be able to

1. Perform a self-assessment of their technical skills, professional interests, and career aspirations
2. Develop a road-map for their career goals based on in-depth understanding of professional opportunities in the mathematical sciences
3. Increase their appreciation for the wide range of applications of the mathematical sciences
4. Effectively communicate basic disciplinary (mathematics or computer science) concepts in writing using LaTeX and bibliographic information using BibTeX
5. Develop their critical listening skills, including: obtaining, processing, evaluating, synthesizing, summarizing, and contextualizing information delivered in an academic presentation
6. Effectively use research resources such as journals and electronic databases in the mathematical sciences

Math 399 and CS 399: The 399 course naturally builds on 299 and other courses students have taken during their academic career. After successful completion of 399, students will be able to

1. Perform a self-assessment of their technical skills, professional interests, and career aspirations
2. Articulate their appreciation for the wide range of applications of the mathematical sciences
3. Refine a road-map for their career goals based on in-depth understanding of professional opportunities in the mathematical sciences
4. Effectively communicate advanced (mathematics or computer science) concepts in writing using LaTeX and bibliographic information using BibTeX
5. Effectively communicate disciplinary (mathematics or computer science) concepts verbally to a group of peers in a public forum
6. Effectively communicate advanced disciplinary (mathematics or computer science) concepts on presentation slides using LaTeX
7. Increase their critical listening skills, including: obtaining, processing, evaluating, synthesizing, summarizing, and contextualizing information delivered in an academic presentation
8. Increase their knowledge and usage of research resources such as journals and electronic databases in the mathematical sciences

Performance Evaluation

Overview

This class is only offered Credit/No Credit. You must earn 200 points to earn credit for this course, with at least 75 points from Speaker Reviews (including a possible Speaker Introduction), 20 points from the Resume (299) OR Senior Statement (399) assignment, and 60 points from the Paper (299) OR Talk (399) assignment. In addition, students enrolled in 399 must complete a department assessment.

Assignment Policies

Generally, no credit will be given for assignments submitted after the due date except in the cases of an official College event or documented serious circumstance beyond your control. In situations of a documented serious circumstance beyond your control, please contact me as soon as possible. Credit for other late assignments will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments must be completed using TeX or LaTeX.

Extra Credit

I may include some optional extra credit on some assignments. However, you should plan on completing the regularly scheduled course assignments to earn points in the course.

Elements

Element	Points	Description
Intro Essay	15	Hardcopy essays will be due at the next beginning of class on during the third week.
Speaker Reviews	120+ (10+ @ 12 points each)	Hardcopy summaries will be due six days after the talk.
Speaker Introduction, OPTIONAL (credit for at most one introduction)	12 (replaces corresponding speaker review)	Written introductory remarks (not required to be in LaTeX) will be due the day of the talk.
299: Resume, OR 399: Senior Statement	30	Draft: Second week of classes Final: Second week of academic advising
Extra Credit:On-line Profile and Resume	15 points (Optional)	Last day of classes
299: Paper, OR 399: Talk	100	Topics: Week 3 299 Papers: Finals week 399 Title and Abstracts: Week 12 399 Talks: Week 14
399: Assessment	Required	Finals week
Total Possible Points	250+

Attendance and Conduct

Classroom Issues

I expect you to attend class!

Many of the topics and content explored in the course will be taught and communicated via class demonstrations, activities, and discussions. Therefore, attendance and participation are crucial for a complete understanding of course material.

Some class sessions will be recorded. This is being done as a resource for students who miss the class as it is happening live, either due to illness or some other excused reason, and for students who simply wish to review the class session as a study tool. The video and audio recording are to be used for educational purposes only and will be available through Google for the duration of the course. The file is meant only for students currently enrolled in the course and may not be copied or shared with anyone else.

Policies and Expectations

The following is the Albion College statement on attendance: "Regular attendance in all classes is expected. Every absence from class is inevitably a loss — usually one which can never be made up. A student has the responsibility to inform his or her faculty member, whenever possible in advance, of an absence due to serious or prolonged illness, and verification of absences due to emergency reasons, may be obtained from the Office of Residential Life."

In this course class absences are only excusable in documented extreme cases of unforeseen hardship (such as illness or the need for quarantining) or official College event, as described in the Student Handbook. Please notify me in writing (email is preferred) prior to official college events (sporting, class trips, etc.) that make it impossible for you to attend class. If you miss class because of participation in an official College event you must make prior arrangements with me. In extreme cases of unforeseen hardship, please contact me as soon as possible. You are responsible for all material and assignments even if you miss class.

In the event that you find yourself experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, I request that you do the following:

• Stay home! This is the best way to prevent spreading COVID-19 as supported by scientific evidence.
• Follow College guidelines for daily symptom reporting found on the Together Safely page.
• If you are self-quarantining/isolating, it is my expectation that you will contact me to review missed coursework and arrange a timeline and plan for completing that work. In the case that you are not able to make up missed coursework by the end of the semester, we will need to consider options that may include a withdrawal or incomplete for the semester.

Albion College Academic Religious Support Policy: I will make every reasonable effort should be made to help students avoid negative academic consequences when their religious obligations conflict with academic requirements. Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. Students who expect to miss classes, examinations, or other assignments as a consequence of their religious observance will be provided with a reasonable alternative opportunity to complete such academic responsibilities. It is the obligation of students to provide faculty with notice of the dates of religious holidays on which they will be absent at the beginning of the semester. Should disagreement arise over any aspect of this policy, the parties involved should contact the Provost’s Office.

Should you miss a class, it is your responsibility to contact me to review missed coursework and arrange a timeline and plan for completing that work. In the case that you are not able to make up missed coursework by the end of the semester, we will need to consider options that may include a withdrawal or incomplete for the semester.

In cases where you have not taken personal responsibility, your ability to earn points will be at the sole discretion of the instructor.

I will do what I can to work with students to facilitate their successful completion of the course. I encourage you to contact me if you have questions or concerns. The Office of Student Development is also available for assistance regarding extended absences.

Academic Honesty, Integrity, and Expectations

Policies

As an academic community, Albion College is firmly committed to honor and integrity in the pursuit of knowledge. Therefore, as a member of this academic community, each student acknowledges responsibility for his or her actions and commits to the highest standards of integrity. In doing so, each student makes a covenant with the college not to engage in any form of academic dishonesty, fraud, cheating, or theft.

The goal of this course is for you to learn a rigorous academic discipline, not penmanship, typing, or other forms of plagiarism. Chapter III of the Student Handbook details instances and penalties for academic dishonesty. It also describes acceptable usage of the campus computing/networking facilities. In this class you are expected to do your own work unless explicitly stated.

Here are some things which will be considered cheating:

• Using or turning in another's work as you own - with or without their permission.
• Allowing someone else to use or turn in your work as theirs - in whole or in part.
• Joint effort on an assignment with individual submissions represented as individual work.
• If a student cannot explain why the solution is correct or how the solution was obtained.

Here are some things which are encouraged:

• A submission using help from the instructor, student assistants, or the texts.
• Discussion of the concepts related to the course material.
• Discussion of assignments to understand what is required.

Typically, I grade papers one problem at a time. If you turn in someone else's work as you own, it really stands out. Please do your own work! If you are having trouble on an assignment come see me as soon as possible - I'm here to help!

We, as students and faculty, have the privilege and challenge of promoting higher standards of ourselves, the College, and society in general. Here are several expectations we should have this semester.

What you should expect of me.	What I expect from you.
To attend class regularly and punctually and to adhere to the class schedule.	To attend class regularly and punctually.
Come to class prepared.	Come to class prepared.
Grade and return work in a reasonable amount of time.	Fulfill all course assignments and requirements.
Know course material thoroughly and prepare and present it conscientiously.	Uphold academic honesty in all activities.
Maintain scholarly, professional, and courteous demeanor in class.	Maintain scholarly, professional, and courteous demeanor in class.
Be available at reasonable times for consultation.	Keep all appointments except for extreme cases.

Communication is essential in any relationship. Our student-teacher relationship is no exception. If you have any concerns with the class material or logistics, please talk to me as soon as possible.

Educational Environment

Discriminatory Harassment

Albion College seeks to create a welcoming environment in which all students can learn, but we recognize that harassment may still occur. If a student experiences harassment or discriminatory treatment, there are several ways they can report it. For details, please see https://www.albion.edu/offices/student-development/current-students/report-discriminatory-harassment/.

Bias Reporting

In line with our commitment to fostering a culture of belonging on campus, we have created a bias reporting system for use by all members of our community. This tool allows students, faculty, and staff to report individual incidents of bias on or off campus and serves as a mechanism to help us address systemic issues of bias more broadly. For more information and/or to report a bias incident, please see https://www.albion.edu/offices/office-of-belonging/bias-reporting/.

Relationship Violence, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Harassment

Albion College is committed to providing an educational environment where we are all able to learn, teach, and work freely and where the dignity, safety, and self-respect of all members of our community are protected. Sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sex-based discrimination are incompatible with this mission and will not be tolerated at Albion College.

If you have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, sexual harassment or sex-based discrimination, please contact the College’s Title IX Coordinator, Kelly Finn (titleix@albion.edu) to learn about possible support measures, resources and options that are available to you. To view the full Title IX policy and information on reporting visit www.albion.edu/offices/office-of-belonging/title-ix/.

On-campus confidential resources for victims/survivors of sexual assault include Mikayla Campbell, Director of the Anna Howard Shaw Center for Gender Equity and Victim Advocacy (mcampbell@albion.edu), Counseling Services (517-629-0236), and Sexual Assault Advocates(SAAs).

If you wish to report to the police, you can contact Albion Department of Public Safety (517-629-3933 — non-emergency) or Michigan State Police Post Number 54 (269-558-0500 — non-emergency) or call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency.

Academic Accommodations and Support

Instructor Support

This course will be challenging because of the complexity and breadth of the material. Most students will struggle and need additional help at some point during the semester; I expect that and so should you. Learning is hard work! Successful students attend most all classes, start assignments early, and complete all assignments. They use feedback to help master the material, which is critical in a course where material builds throughout the course. Successful students develop effective study skills and take advantage of College-wide support resources listed below. Successful students quickly reach out to me about their struggles.

If you are struggling with the course material or keeping up with the pace of the class, seek help as soon as you are experiencing difficulty. Do not wait until the end of the term to seek help!

Ac­com­mo­da­tions statement

It is the policy of Albion College to accommodate students with disabilities and qualifying diagnosed conditions in accordance with federal and state laws. Any student who feels that they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a learning, psychiatric, physical, or chronic health diagnosis, should contact Accessibility Services Director, Elizabeth Rudolph (erudolph@albion.edu), to develop a plan for reasonable accommodation(s) based on supporting documentation.

If you have completed this process and requested accommodations for this semester, plan to meet with Elizabeth Rudolph as early as possible to discuss a plan for implementing these modifications in this class. It is best to schedule these meetings at least one week prior to their implementation.

Accessibility Services is housed in the Cutler Center on the first floor of the Stockwell Library and is open during regular business hours. The main phone is 517-629-0562 or email cutler@albion.edu for more information.

Cutler Center

The Cutler Center for Student Success and Academic Achievement is located in the Stockwell Library and provides free supplemental peer tutoring (math, science, economics and more), writing assistance, fellowship advising, accessibility accommodations, success coaching, supplemental advising, and loaner laptops and calculators. The Cutler Center has student drop-in hours Monday–Friday noon–2pm with their 15 Minute Fix. The Cutler Center is also home to the First-Year Peer Mentor Program. To connect with the Cutler Center, please email cutler@albion.edu or call 517-629-0562 to be connected to the resource you need to be successful this term.

Covid-19

General Information

Some faculty and students may be feeling uncertain about wearing or not wearing a mask in class. With no current mask mandate in place at this time, this is an individual decision for members of the Albion community and one we must respect. With regard to masks, I encourage you to do what makes you most comfortable to be in the classroom and ready to learn.

Together Safely

See the Together Safely page for detailed information on Covid-19.

Mental Health

Resources

Your mental health is more important than your grades!

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, mood changes, excessive worry, problems with eating and/or sleeping, or family or interpersonal problems, Albion College provides mental health services to support students. Counseling Services offers free, confidential psychological services: call 517-629-0236 or email counseling@albion.edu to talk to someone or, if this is an emergency, call 517-629-1234 and ask to speak to the counselor on call.