COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Number: MATH8960
Course Title: DIRECTED READING
Credit Hours: Variable
Prerequisites: Departmental approval
Corequisite:

Objectives: 
To provide for the interested mathematics student the opportunity to examine important mathematical topics in 
the literature.   

Course Content: 
The student in consultation with the instructor selects appropriate mathematical literature.  The student under 
the direction of the instructor will discuss, analyze, or present the mathematical topics from the selected 
literature under consideration.

Sample Grading and Evaluation Procedures

A graduate student is expected to creatively engage the mathematical material of the course.  The student will be given 
problems to solve; these problems may include the derivation of proofs to theorems.  These solutions may be presented 
in class on the blackboard or be written up to be handed in to the instructor. Extended projects may also be assigned.  

Grade Calculation
Presentation of solutions to problems/theorems:				50%
Final Exam or culminating project:						50%

There may be variations in these procedures depending on the individual instructors and the nature of the specific 
material.
Sample Statement Re: Accommodations
	Students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting during office hours the first week of 
classes, or as soon as possible if accommodations are needed immediately.  If you have a conflict with my office hours, 
an alternate time can, be arranged.  To set up this meeting, please contact me by E-mail.  Bring a Copy of your 
Accommodation Memo and an Instructor Verification Form to the meeting.  If you do not have an Accommodation 
Memo but need accommodations, make an appointment with The Program for Students with Disabilities, 1244 Haley 
Center, 844-2096 (V/TT).  (Note: Instructor office room, office hours and email address will be made available on the 
course syllabus and on the first day of class.)

JUSTIFICATION FOR GRADUATE CREDIT

	This course is part of a modified semester version of a 700-level course under the quarter system.  Under the 
quarter system it was specifically designed as a graduate course.  It was approved as part of our graduate program and 
has been a traditional part of our graduate program offerings.  Outside of modernization, the standard of the course 
remains at the same graduate level that the department has maintained in the past. The course demands considerable 
mathematics background and a degree of mathematical maturity traditionally found at the graduate level.  The 8000-level 
course will inculcate the same analytical skills and depth of understanding previously demanded by the comparable 700-
level quarter course.  In order to successfully complete the course the student will have to demonstrate an ability to 
creatively examine and apply the mathematics presented in the course.