Discrete Math

One of my favorite classes to teach at Youngstown State University has been Discrete Mathematics (Math 3715). The content of this course can vary a great deal from college to college, but at YSU we focus on the basics of logic and proof as a foundation for more advanced mathematics and computer science courses. . Topics include set theory, functions and relations, logic and quantifiers, truth tables and Boolean expressions, induction and other techniques of proof, and graphs. In order to create an honors pathway in the math department, I helped create an honors section of this course. The honors section runs parallel to the regular section and there is a higher courseload for the honors students. When I have run the honors section, I have required a research project on an unsolved question in discrete math for the honors students. You can see below the syllabi for the regular and honors sections of Discrete Math for Fall 2021.

Syllabi

Since Discrete Math is typically the first place many students encounter formal logic and proof-writing, this class can present unique challenges to students. I have found the following documents to be helpful in structuring my classes and planning activities:

• Beyond Lecture: Resources and Pedagogical Techniques for Enhancing the Teaching of Proof-Writing across the Curriculum, Edited by Rachel Schwell, Aliza Steurer, & Jennifer F. Vasquez

• Resources for Teaching Discrete Mathematics, Edited by Brian Hopkins

• What Could They Possibly Be Thinking!?! Understanding your college math students , Written by Dave Kung and Natasha Speer

Sample Worksheets