Math 4LT3/6LT3 – Axiomatic Set Theory
Winter 2008
Instructor:
Bradd Hart
Office: Hamilton Hall 218
Office hours: By appointment
tel. extension: 23417
e-mail: hartb@mcmaster.ca
Meeting time: Currently Tuesdays 9:30 – 11:20 and Wednesday 9:30 – 10:20 but
we will discuss these times in the first class.
Textbook: An outline of set theory by James M. Henle; a copy is on reserve in
Thode.
Other reference material: There are quite a few axiomatic set theory books in
existence and it would be a good idea to acquaint oneself with our library’s
holdings. K. Kunen’s book “Set theory, an introduction to independence proofs”
covers the material from this course in chapters 1 and 3. Many topology books
contain some basic set theory; Munkres’ book “Topology”, used in Math 3T3,
contains a chapter on set theory.
Goals and objectives:
1. to appreciate axiomatic set theory as a subject in its own right;
2. to understand the role of axiomatic set theory plays in the foundations of
mathematics; and,
3. to practice presenting and writing mathematics for your peers.
Method of instruction: This course will run as a “problems” course i.e. the class
will be divided into groups and groups will be assigned projects. The successful
completion of these projects will constitute the content of the course. Each
group will solve the problems in its project, write up solutions to these problems
and present the solutions to the class. I will meet with each group weekly to
make sure that all projects are on track. Groups must provide me with completed
write-ups no later than 4:30 p.m. the day before their presentation. Each group
will make 5 presentations in the term – roughly one every other week.
There will be one in-class midterm written in the week of Mar. 10 and a takehome final scheduled during the exam period.
Course evaluation:
Projects
Midterm
Final
50%
20%
30%
I reserve the right to change this marking scheme. I will inform everyone if I do
and no change will adversely effect any students final mark.
Academic Integrity
You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects
of the learning process. Academic credentials you earn are rooted in
principles of honesty and academic integrity.
Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results
or could result in unearned academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can
result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss
of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F
assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the
university.
It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic
dishonesty. For information on the various types of academic dishonesty
please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at
http://www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity
The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:
1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or
for which other credit has been obtained.
2. Improper collaboration in group work.
3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.