The homework is one of the core components of the course. All required readings and (almost all) problems will be taken from the text ISM. The weekly assignments will consist of multiple parts which we describe here.

• Reading: Typically (with the notable exception of the first week) you will be reading one chapter each week. It is expected that you do an initial reading of the chapter prior to the relevant lectures, and then read it through more carefully after the lectures. It is essential that you are actively engaging the text both before and after that material is presented in lecture.


• Exercises: Interspersed throughout the text are various Exercises (which are distinct from the Problems at the end of each chapter). It is expected that you will do all of the exercises in the course of your giving that chapter a careful reading.


• Written Problems: Each week a number of problems (and occasionally exercises) will be assigned for you to carefully write up and hand in. These problems are the heart of the course. These assignments will be graded and returned to you in a timely manner.

Students are very strongly encouraged to work together on the homework, however each student must write up his/her assignment individually, in their own words. The emphasis in the homework will be twofold. It will contribute significantly to the understanding and development of the new material which we will encounter each week. Secondly, it will be a forum for students to hone their skills at writing clear precise proofs.

Due to the fundamental importance of the homework, it will account for a very large portion (2/3) of the course grade. .

Homework assignment #1

• Reading: Appendix, Chapter 1 and Chapter 2
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, January 13 in class
  Exercises: A.38, A.62, A.63.
  Problems: 1.6, 1.8, 1.9.

Homework assignment #2

• Reading: Chapter 3
• Written Assignment: Due Wednesday, January 22 in class
  Problems: 2.4, 2.6, 2.15, 2.17, 3.5, 3.7

Homework assignment #3

• Reading: Chapter 4
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, January 27 in class
  Problems: 3.4, 4.2, 4.6, 4.10

Homework assignment #4

• Reading: Chapter 4 and Chapter 5
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, February 3 in class
  Problems: 2.11, 2.12, 4.12, 4.14, 4.18

Homework assignment #5

• Reading: Chapter 6
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, February 10 in class
  Problems: 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.7, 5.10

Homework assignment #6

• Reading: Chapter 7
• Written Assignment: Due Wednesday, February 19 in class
  Problems: 6.3, 6.6, 6.7, 6.12, 6.14

Homework assignment #7

• Reading: Chapter 8
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, February 24 in class
  Problems: 7.3, 7.4, 7.8

Homework assignment #8

• Reading: Chapter 8 and 9
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, March 3 in class
  Problems: 8.2, 8.8, 8.11, 8.16, 8.17

(Last) Homework assignment #9

• Reading: Chapter 9 and 10
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, March 10 in class
  Problems: 9.2, 9.5, 9.6 and 9.9