Syllabus

Accessible Version: Math 494 (Mathematics in Society)

Course Information

Course Title: Math 494 – Mathematics in Society: Exploring Social Networks and Interactions (Fall 2025)
Credits: 3 hours
Instructor: Prof. Laura Schaposnik

• Email: schapos@uic.edu
  
  

• Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 11–12
  
  

• Zoom Office: Zoom link (Passcode: laura2025)
  Teaching Assistant: Lexie Wheeler (awheel23@uic.edu)
  
  

Schedule & Modality:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:00–12:50, Addams Hall 303
  
  

Course Description

This course fulfills the Writing-in-the-Discipline requirement. Students will:

• Explore mathematical concepts behind social structures (friendship networks, game theory, cascades).
  
  

• Learn to conduct hands-on research on social networks.
  
  

• Develop findings into a comprehensive academic article.
  
  

• Refine mathematical writing and presentation skills.
  
  

Supplementary Material: Course website.

Grading Policy

• Essay – 30%
  
  

• Presentation Participation – 20%
  
  

• Final Presentation – 50%
  
  

Late Work: Strict deadlines unless extensions are requested before the due date.

Weekly Schedule

• Weeks 1–2: Introduction to class & basics of graph theory/social networks.
  
  

• Weeks 3–4: Network evolution and dynamics.
  
  

• Weeks 5–6: Introduction to game theory in social sciences.
  
  

• Weeks 7–8: Strategic interactions.
  
  

• Weeks 9–10: Urban planning (influence models, cascades).
  
  

• Weeks 11–12: Wrap-up, research findings, presentation practice.
  
  

• Weeks 13–15: Final presentations.
  
  

Accommodations

If you face disability-related barriers, contact the Disability Resource Center (drc@uic.edu, 312-413-2183).
For religious accommodations, submit the Religious Accommodation Request Form within the first 10 days.