Advanced Mathematical Reasoning

Advanced Mathematical Reasoning is a course I created for LASA. We cover discrete math topics including some beginning graph theory, combinatorics, number theory, and finite fields.

I based this class on a course I was privileged to teach while a graduate student at The University of Minnesota, TC. I borrow liberally (with permission generously granted by the author) from the text Mathematical Problem Solving for Elementary School Teachers written by Dr. Dennis White.

Focus in AMR is on mathematical argumentation, collaboration, and investigation. I use an inquiry based approach to encourage students to learn to pose their own questions. Student presentations form a key component of the class, while traditional assessment (exams) are de-emphasized.

Students of all levels and abilities are welcome; the only prerequisite is completion of or co-enrollment in Algebra 2, though this is negotiable. The material taught is meant to be both sophisticated but also universally foreign so that no content advantage is conferred by having been exposed to Calculus. AMR is a two semester class however the semesters can be taken independently.