Communication in Mathematics I and II (Spring 2005)

• Communication in Mathematics I, Hain, Tu 2:45-4:00 PM, Physics 120
  The seminar for first-year students has two main goals. The first is to help graduate students cultivate the ability to listen to and learn from research seminars. The second goal is expose students to research currently being done in the Department. Each week, a faculty member will present a seminar on his/her work directed at first-year students. The participants will then discuss the content and the mechanics of the talk.

• Communication in Mathematics II, Reed, M 8:30-9:45 AM, Physics 216
  The purpose of this seminar is to help second-year graduate students develop excellent speaking skills in mathematics that will be useful in a variety of situations: (i) lecturing about advanced mathematics to peers; (ii) giving job talks; (iii) lecturing to undergraduates; (iv) speaking to the lay public and high school teachers. What are the problems that typically arise when speaking, either formally or informally, to each of these audiences? How can one make choices that solve the problems and increase communication? When should one use overhead projectors or laptop presentations? Students will start by giving short talks early in the term and move to longer presentations later. The emphasis will on thinking about choices, careful preparation, and constructive feedback from peers, so that all students improve their skills.