The homework is one of the core components of the course. All required readings and (almost all) problems will be taken from the text ITN. 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.


• Reading Report: In order to encourage a dialog and for me to be more aware of what aspects of the course and the text are challenging and/or confusing, I will require a Reading Report each week. This should be sent to me each week by email before Friday at Noon. The report should be quite short and should consist primarily of one or two questions that you have about the material; specifically the reading for that week. If everything is absolutely clear to you, then in lieu of questions you should provide a very short summary, in your own words, of the material in the chapter. It is expected that for anyone reading deeply and actively engaging the material, questions will arise.

  The reading reports will not be graded other than to note whether you did it or not. You are allowed to miss no more than one report. Sucessfully completing all (but at most one) reports on time will count the same as a full score on one written assignment.



• 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
• Reading Report: Due Friday, October 4 at Noon
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, October 7 in class
  Exercises: A.7, A.8, A.11, A.12, A.13, A.16, A.22, A.25
  Problems: 2.2, 2.7

Homework assignment #2

• Reading: Chapter 3
• Reading Report: Due Friday, October 11 at Noon
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, October 14 in class
  Problems: 2.9, 2.15, 2.16, 2.18 and 3.2, 3.4, 3.5

Homework assignment #3

• Reading: Chapter 4
• Reading Report: Due Friday, October 18 at Noon
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, October 21 in class
  Problems: 3.8, 3.10, 3.11, 3.13, 3.15, 4.1, and 4.2.

Homework assignment #4

• Reading: Chapter 5
• Reading Report: Due Friday, October 25 at Noon
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, October 28 in class
  Problems: 4.4, 4.5, 4.10, 4.12, 4.13 and 5.2, 5.3

Homework assignment #5

• Reading: Chapter 6
• Reading Report: Due Friday, November 1 at Noon
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, November 4 in class
  Problems: 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, and 5.10

Homework assignment #6

• Reading: Chapter 7
• Reading Report: Due Friday, November 8 at Noon
• Written Assignment: Due Wednesday, November 13 in class
  Problems: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 and 7.1

Homework assignment #7

• Reading: Chapter 7 and Chapter 8
• Reading Report: on Chapter 8 due Monday, November 18 at Noon.
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, November 18 in class
  Problems: 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 and 7.12.

Homework assignment #8

• Reading: Chapter 8 and Chapter 9
• Reading Report: on Chapter 9 due Monday, November 25 at Noon.
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, November 25 in class
  Problems: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.7, and 8.9.

Homework assignment #9

• Reading: Chapter 11
• Reading Report: on Chapter 11 due Monday, December 2 at Noon.
• Written Assignment: Due Monday, December 2 in class
  Problems: 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, and 11.9

Homework assignment #10

• Reading: Chapter 10
• No Reading Report required.
• Written Assignment: No Problems will be collected
  Important Note: There will be one problem directly related to the material in Chapter 10 on the Final Exam.